Going to New Orleans or Minnesota? Here’s how much going to the Final Four will cost you
With just a handful of NCAA Tournament games remaining, the Carolinas are still well represented.
Duke and UNCs’ men’s teams will open a new chapter in their storied rivalry as they face off in the tournament for the first time, in what could be the final game for Mike Krzyzewski. And South Carolina’s women have already punched their ticket to the Final Four as well.
But if you want to witness it for yourself, you need to be prepared to pay up in a big way. Ticket prices are hefty, and you’ll also need to travel to either New Orleans or Minneapolis and get a place to stay.
Here’s what you — and your wallet — should expect if you want to travel to either of the Final Fours.
How much are men’s Final Four tickets?
If you’re willing to pay for a deluxe experience, the NCAA has partnered with On Location to offer multiple packages. Packages include game tickets as well as extras such as access to “premium” lounges and bars, a chance to take a photo with the championship trophy and more. But they’ll likely cost thousands.
If just getting a seat at the game is enough for you, there are relatively cheaper options available. “Verified resale” tickets for the Final Four games start at $400 on Ticketmaster as of Monday.
Tickets are also available on other resale sites, such as StubHub and TicketIQ, though you should be careful to avoid scams. And you should be prepared to pay more than in years past: TicketIQ has the “cheapest ticket on the secondary market” at $431, more than any other Final Four in the last decade.
Traveling to New Orleans from Charlotte
Once you’ve got a ticket, you’ll need to actually get to New Orleans and have a place to stay. And that will cost you too.
Presuming you want to get into the Big Easy the day before the games, a basic economy ticket on a round-trip flight out of Charlotte will cost you at least $942, according to the travel site Expedia as of Monday afternoon.
If you’d prefer to drive, you’ll be in the car for a while: Google Maps clocks the drive from Charlotte to New Orleans at about 11 hours.
Some hotel rooms are still available in and around New Orleans, with prices starting at about $370, according to Expedia. You also have the option of getting an Airbnb, VRBO or similar rental, though those companies urge you to make sure your reservations through their verified websites to avoid scams that prey on big events.
How much are women’s Final Four tickets?
Tickets for the women’s Final Four games are still available through the event’s partner, AXS, for a range of prices. Upper deck tickets start at about $50, but the price goes up in the lower bowl, and a courtside will cost you upwards of $900.
The NCAA is also offering deluxe packages with On Location for the women’s Final Four. Packages start at about $230 and include tickets, a postgame event and “special guests.”
Traveling to Minneapolis from Charlotte
Round-trip airfare to Minneapolis from Charlotte costs upwards of $500 for a basic economy ticket that will get you to Minnesota in time for the games, according to Expedia.
It’s a long drive if you prefer a road trip: about 18 hours, per Google Maps.
Accommodations are still available through the NCAA’s “Final Four Fan Block” at multiple Minneapolis-area hotels. Rates start at $119 per night.
Airbnbs, VRBOs and similar rentals are also an option in Minneapolis, though, again, you should make sure your reservation is through their real websites to avoid scams.
This story was originally published March 28, 2022 at 5:18 PM.
