The NCAA has announced that the 2028 Women’s Final Four will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis instead of Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The move is expected to add roughly 13,000 more seats, reflecting the growing popularity and demand for women’s basketball. Organizers plan to use about half of the stadium’s full 70,000-seat capacity, creating a bigger stage while maintaining an intimate atmosphere for fans.

Why the Announcement Now?

Announcing the decision three years in advance is part of the NCAA’s long-term planning process. The Women’s Final Four is a massive event that requires years of coordination with host cities, venues, and broadcast partners. Ticketing, sponsorships, travel arrangements, and promotional campaigns are all built out well ahead of time.

By setting the 2028 location early, the NCAA also signals to fans and programs that the women’s game is continuing to scale. This advance notice gives Indianapolis and Lucas Oil Stadium time to prepare for the logistical challenges of hosting one of the sport’s biggest stages in a football venue.

What Stays the Same

While the Final Four is moving to a larger stadium, the NCAA confirmed that the current preliminary-round format will remain. That means the First Four, first- and second-round games will still be played on campus sites, with the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight continuing at two regional sites before the Final Four. Surveys of athletic directors, coaches, and conference officials showed overwhelming support for keeping this setup, which helps ensure strong attendance and local engagement.

A Sign of the Sport’s Growth

This move highlights just how far women’s basketball has come in recent years. Attendance records have been set at multiple stages of the tournament, and TV viewership has reached new highs. Shifting the 2028 Final Four to a football stadium marks another milestone, showcasing that the demand now rivals some of the largest stages in college athletics.