A Grand Transformation: 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four

	The University of Phoenix Stadium. Photo: Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics

The University of Phoenix Stadium is unlike any other stadium in the country. With its retractable roof and field, and critically acclaimed space design, the venue is sure to be a perfect match for this year's 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four Tournament. Located in Glendale, Arizona, the stadium has been transformed into a fully functional basketball arena for the tournament that will start on Saturday, April 1st. Designed to be a multi-purpose facility, the University of Phoenix Stadium has certainly held its own when it comes to versatility in sports -- but it has never hosted a basketball event of this size or configuration before. To assist in the conversion from a football stadium to a basketball arena for this anticipated event, Staging Concepts helped supply equipment along with the Colonnade Group and other partners.

Staging Concepts has helped the NCAA transform these spaces by customizing a seating riser and supports for each venue, which maximizes sight lines and creates a world-class fan experience. Around 5,200 seats were removed to allow for additional temporary seating to be built for the game. This year, Staging Concepts provided close to 5,000 platforms which allowed temporary seating to be built for almost 17,000 patrons. Additionally, Staging Concepts provides over 1,000 SC9600 Frames and supports that support the risen floor, allowing better sight lines and an overall excellent viewing experience for the audience. Guardrail, aisle rail, step units, frames, and accessories accompany the platforms to create a reliable and impressive riser system.

Staging Concepts was thrilled to return to the Final Four Tournament again this year to continue providing customized systems to enhance the experience for each venue. Check out upcoming tournaments below where attendees will see Staging Concepts equipment again.

Alamodome -- San Antonio, Texas - 2018
US Bank Stadium -- Minneapolis, Minnesota - 2019
Mercedes-Benz Stadium -- Atlanta, Georgia - 2020
Lucas Oil Stadium -- Indianapolis, Indiana - 2021
Mercedes-Benz Superdome -- New Orleans, Louisiana - 2022