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Press Releases

March 30, 2026

Big College Basketball Weekend at PHX: What Travelers Should Know 

PHOENIX – As the 2026 NCAA Women’s Final Four approaches, America’s Friendliest Airport® is ready to welcome fans from across the country and the world. The airport is sharing important travel tips and reminders to help travelers arrive prepared, as it expects heavy traffic before the championship games and in the days following the national semifinals on Friday, April 3, and the national championship game on Sunday, April 5.

Flying into Phoenix:

If you plan to rent a car, reserve in advance. Phoenix Sky Harbor anticipates increased demand for rentals during the championship weekend, and vehicles may be limited for walk-up customers.

Going to NCAA Events in Downtown Phoenix:

Travel between the airport and downtown is easy via the PHX Sky Train®, which connects all terminals to the Valley Metro light rail station at 44th Street and Washington Street. After exiting the PHX Sky Train®, purchase a pass at a Valley Metro vending machine, then take the westbound light rail train to the 3rd Street/Washington Station for the Phoenix Convention Center, Mortgage Matchup Center, Heritage Square and other downtown venues. For Hance Park, take the ligh   t rail train to the Roosevelt/Central Avenue or McDowell/Central Avenue light rail stations.

Smooth Passenger Pickups and Drop-offs

Save time and avoid airport traffic by using the 24th Street or 44th Street PHX Sky Train® stations to pick up or drop-off passengers. Both stations provide free, convenient access to all airport terminals.

Need Help at the Airport

Look for volunteer Navigators in purple throughout the terminals for help. NCAA volunteers will also be available to answer questions about local events.

Travel Tips for Departing Passengers

  • Check flight status with your airline before heading to the airport and arrive at least two hours early.
  • Monitor security wait times on skyharbor.com or on flight information screens in the terminals. The site also shows shops and restaurants near your gate, including locations selling tournament merchandise.
  • Pack smart and plan ahead to streamline screening. Review TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” page before packing. Place any official game programs in your carry-on bag.
  • Use Early Bag Check at the Rental Car Center and East Economy Parking before heading to the terminal to travel lighter on the PHX Sky Train® and save time by skipping airline ticket counters.
  • The Compassion Corner, located in Terminal 4, offers an all-faiths chapel, a sensory room for those seeking a quiet space, and an office providing accessibility assistance. Customers needing extra support can schedule a Navigator Guide to assist throughout the travel process.

For more information, visit the 2026 NCAA Women's Final Four Travel Tips page.

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Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, America’s Friendliest Airport®, has an annual economic impact of more than $44 billion. On an average day, approximately 1,000 aircraft and more than 130,000 passengers arrive at and depart from Phoenix Sky Harbor. PHX Sky Harbor is funded with airport revenue. No tax dollars are used to support the airport.