Soon after the newly crowned national champions have returned to their respective campuses, the legacy of the Men’s and Women’s Final Fours in the host cities begins. Each year, the NCAA is committed to leaving a legacy in the Men’s and Women’s Final Four host cities to foster goodwill and sportsmanship.
The Legacy Court Dedication took place at the North Commons Rec Center during the 2019 NCAA Men's Final Four in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images).
The Men’s Final Four Legacy Project presented by Degree is currently underway in Phoenix. Indoor and outdoor basketball courts at historic Eastlake Park in central Phoenix will be refurbished this year. The project will include a complete refinish of the indoor basketball court; adjustable hoops and backboards; new scoreboard with shot clock; new benches, bleachers, wall pads, weight room equipment and rubber floor in the weight room. An outdoor basketball court will also be refurbished and outfitted with new backboards and hoops. A mural is also planned to enhance the site.
The Dream Court Dedication took place at the East Side Boys and Girls Club during the 2021 NCAA Women's Final Four in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Jay LaPrete/NCAA Photos)
The Women’s Final Four Legacy Project presented by Dove is set to make a lasting impact in Cleveland for years to come. A predetermined in-need basketball court will be restored with a high-quality court through a day of service. Following the beautification project, youth will get to enjoy the new court and participate in a basketball clinic.
The NCAA has named five individuals in the Phoenix area as its 2024 Legends and Legacy Community Award recipients: Diana “Dede” Yazzie Devine, Reyna Montoya, Jacob Moore, David Solano, and Christina Spicer.
The NCAA has also created the Legacy Award, which annually honors individuals at both the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Fours for their community outreach, local activism and commitment to inclusive excellence. The awards program, which began in 2014, puts a spotlight on the career accomplishments and civic involvement of former student-athletes, coaches, administrators and community leaders. Recognizing that basketball historically has been an environment for diverse engagement and representation, the NCAA office of inclusion sought to leverage the platforms of these prominent national championships to elevate inclusion as a core value of the Association. The program also focuses on bridging targeted communities and businesses in conjunction with the Final Four experience.
