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College Basketball Fans Sound Off On Final Four’s Stadium Set-Up

Originally posted on College Sports Only
By Spencer Rozell | Last updated Apr 1, 2026 2:54 PM ET

The transformed Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis is ready for Final Four basketball, and the best view may be from your couch at home.

A quick look at Lucas Oil Stadium for Saturday’s Final Four game pic.twitter.com/G96YEBhD49

— Juan Serrano (@Serrano_Sports) March 31, 2026

The massive football arena, with added seats and a basketball court, looks like an AI-generated photo of a basketball stadium.

Even in the picture, the court looks like it’s a mile away.

You better be in first 20 rows on the sideline or prepare to watch game on Jumbotron… ‍♂️ @MarchMadnessMBB Final Four! https://t.co/6NgyiHM2d1

— Scott Friedman ️ (@ScottFriedman3) March 31, 2026

basketball games should not be played in football stadiums!

— B³ (@BensonBunnyBoy) April 1, 2026

While we understand the need for an arena to hold 70,000 people ($$$), the fan in us would love to see the game return to a true basketball arena for the ultimate viewing experience.

Just have the game where the Pacers play this point. People will be willing to pay to higher price. I’ve been to Lucas oil for an NCAA tournament game before and it was a terrible experience https://t.co/G6mHGgk8lv

— valerie (@sillygooseee69) April 1, 2026

Basketball should be played in basketball arenas, not football stadiums. https://t.co/g5gZll3cCo

— T3 (@T3Bracketology) April 1, 2026

These are perfect pic.twitter.com/1MZvhEK2cz

— T3 (@T3Bracketology) April 1, 2026

On the other hand, cutting around ~52,000 seats would make tickets incredibly expensive, vastly limiting the number of people who could afford the once-in-a-lifetime experience of watching a Final Four/National Championship in person.

If the final 4 was in a basketball arena, tickets would be Super Bowl prices

— Swess Mybalzich (@swess_ball) April 1, 2026

While I dont disagree, if the Final Four was in a basketball arena, normal people would have zero chance of attending.

I like the fact that the Final Four is Americas most accessible major championship event

— Rugby Kobi (@KobiRugby) April 1, 2026

Should the Final Four be played in a basketball arena for a better experience at a higher price, or played in a football arena with worse views but more accessible tickets?

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