PHOENIX — The spotlight of the NCAA Women’s Final Four will shine brightest on championship night, but fans can get a behind-the-scenes look the day before — at no cost.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Josh Bartelstein speaks on a panel to kick off the countdown to the NCAA Women’s Final Four at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Feb. 24, 2026. © Diannie Chavez/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
As part of Final Four Super Saturday, the last two teams standing will hold an open practice at Mortgage Matchup Center, giving fans access to watch preparations ahead of the title game. For Phoenix Suns and Mercury CEO Josh Bartelstein, the event is more than just a routine workout.
“It starts with, it’s a game, but it’s more than that,” Bartelstein said Tuesday during the event’s media day. “Legacies are built on that championship day. Memories are made.”
Super Saturday practices have long been a staple of the Final Four, connecting the community to the moment while expanding access to one of college sports’ biggest stages. The event also continues to reinforce Phoenix’s role as a basketball city and a growing hub for major women’s sporting events.
The championship trophy for the NCAA Women’s Final Four stands tall at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Feb. 24, 2026. © Diannie Chavez/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Bartelstein said it’s the emotions leading up to a title game that set the tone during practice, something he experienced during his own college career.
“You start with that first meeting and talking about the goal of playing in the Final Four,” he said. “And when you’re so close and there’s an aura that they have, there’s only two teams left. And it’s mythical and it’s magical in here. For all the fans to come in here, it’s open, it’s free, and see the players and coaches know that they’re so close. Not just a goal, but a dream come true.”
The countdown to the NCAA Women’s Final Four begins with panel discussions at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Feb. 24, 2026. © Diannie Chavez/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
It’s not just about watching players practice, Bartelstein said, but also about experiencing the atmosphere of a championship stage. The event allows fans to see what goes into organizing a tournament of this magnitude — the people and preparation that don’t necessarily show up on a stat sheet.
“To see the arena, to see all that goes into putting on a championship game,” Bartelstein said. “You’re going to feel it as soon as you step outside. You’re going to see the ushers and security. There’s a different energy to it.”
Phoenix Suns/Mercury CEO Josh Bartelstein on memories and legacy that comes with the NCAA Final Four.
🎥: @wlopezde#NCAA #PhoenixSuns #PhoenixMercury #FinalFour pic.twitter.com/nPX9pYe62m
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) February 24, 2026
Super Saturday will offer an experience unlike any other — a prelude to what’s to come on National Championship Sunday.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
ASU’s Molly Miller praises growth, opportunity in women’s basketball ahead of Final Four in Phoenix
