Photos: Sun Devils behind the scenes at Final Four

Audience at Final Four game above ASU Pitchfork banner

ASU was the host institution for the NCAA Final Four at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, shown on April 8. Photo by Samantha Chow/Arizona State University

April 09, 2024

The University of Connecticut Huskies won their second NCAA championship in a row Monday evening in Glendale, Arizona — and plenty of Sun Devils were on hand to make sure the event was a hit for fans and teams alike.

As the host institution for the 2024 NCAA Men's Final Four, Arizona State University was in charge of planning and various logistics. Students from a range of majors had multiple opportunities to work the event, from Cronkite School journalists covering the event to Watts College tourism students helping staff the Fan Fest in downtown Phoenix.

Here's a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes action of Sun Devils hard at work and having fun.

  • Student reporting from Final Four game

    Fourth-year sports journalism majors and Cronkite News reporters Sammy Miller (right) and Paul Schulz practice for a live shot from the stands of State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, before the NCAA Men’s Final Four championship game on April 8.

    Photo by Samantha Chow/Arizona State University

  • Student working in media room at Final Four event

    Fourth-year sports journalism major and Sun Devil Athletics Sports Information Assistant Zach Wargo works in the media room before the championship game April 8.

    Photo by Samantha Chow/Arizona State University

  • Student taking photos of Final Four game

    Fourth-year sports journalism student and Cronkite News reporter Bennett Silvyn takes photos from the court during the title game between UConn and Purdue at State Farm Stadium.

    Photo by Samantha Chow/Arizona State University

  • Two ASU students interviewing person at FInal Four game

    Second-year sports journalism majors and Sun Devil Source reporters Blake Niemann (left) and Aiden Blanc (right) interview ESPN International reporter Michael Wilson before the NCAA men's championship game on April 8.

    Photo by Samantha Chow/Arizona State University

  • Reporters sit at press desk at Final Four game

    Fourth-year sports journalism major and Cronkite News reporter Addison Kalmbach (right) reports from State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, during the final game.

    Photo by Samantha Chow/Arizona State University

  • Audience at Final Four game in Glendale, Arizona

    Fans attend the NCAA championship game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on April 8. The game had the third-highest attendance in championship history.

    Photo by Samantha Chow/Arizona State University

  • Pat Tillman banner at Final Four game

    The name of former Sun Devil and Arizona Cardinals player Pat Tillman was displayed in the Ring of Honor during the Final Four on April 8. ASU was the host university for the Final Four games held in Glendale, Arizona, this year.

    Photo by Samantha Chow/Arizona State University

  • Bill Murray pictured at the Final Four championship game

    The championship game on April 8 brought out a large crowd of fans — and some celebrities, including actor Bill Murray who was there to support his son, UConn Assistant Coach Luke Murray.

    Photo by Samantha Chow/Arizona State University

  • UConn and Purdue playing in Final Four game

    Purdue and UConn battle for the ball during the NCAA men’s championship game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on April 8.

    Photo by Samantha Chow/Arizona State University

  • Purdue and UConn play against each other in Final Four

    Purdue players try to block UConn guard Cam Spencer (12) during the April 8 championship game. Despite their efforts to slow the Huskies down, UConn won 75-60.

    Photo by Samantha Chow/Arizona State University

  • Coach celebrating Final Four win

    Connecticut Huskies Coach Dan Hurley celebrates after UConn claims the NCAA title against Purdue at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on April 8.

    Photo by Samantha Chow/Arizona State University

  • A young woman restocks NCAA Final Four merchandise on hooks.

    ASU students also helped work the Final Four Fan Fest at the Phoenix Convention Center on April 5–8. The event featured interactive games, celebrity and athlete appearances, autograph signings and merchandise shops. Here, third-year business communication major Rylee Michel organizes Final Four items on Friday, April 5.

    Photo by Emma Fitzgerald/Arizona State University

  • An ASU student smiles at a customer as he hands them a receipt

    Third-year tourism development and management major Anas Mousa checks out customers at the merchandise center at the Final Four Fan Fest on April 5 at the Phoenix Convention Center.

    Photo by Emma Fitzgerald/Arizona State University

  • A young woman smiles at someone off camera as she takes a photo of them on her phone

    Fourth-year digital audiences major Shannon Edmundson smiles as she takes pictures of attendees at the Social Media Command Center photo booth at the Final Four Fan Fest on April 5.

    Photo by Emma Fitzgerald/Arizona State University

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