Tucson International Airport Sends Off University of Arizona Fans for Final Four

Tucson International Airport, in partnership with the University of Arizona, will host a spirited sendoff celebration for fans traveling to the Final Four in Indianapolis. Travelers on the 11:30 a.m. Friday Southwest Airlines nonstop flight will be greeted with a festive, Wildcat‑themed transformation of the ticket counter and departure gate.

Due to overwhelming demand for travel to Indianapolis from TUS for the Final Four, Southwest Airlines on Monday added a nonstop Tucson-Indianapolis flight, departing Friday, April 3 at 11:30 a.m.. The flight sold out almost immediately. A return nonstop is scheduled to arrive back to Tucson the morning of Tuesday, April 7. In addition, many other connecting flights have seen high demand to Indianapolis from TUS.

“We continue to grow our partnership with the University of Arizona and now celebrate its renowned basketball program. TUS is the airport for Wildcat fans and for the entire University of Arizona community,” said Danette Bewley, President and CEO of the Tucson Airport Authority. “In addition to this sendoff, we all look forward to welcoming our Wildcats and their fans back home victorious as well.”

“This is a proud moment for the University of Arizona and Tucson community,” said Johnny Cruz, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer at the University of Arizona. “As our team competes for a national championship, we’re grateful for our strong partnership with the Tucson Airport Authority in creating an experience that reflects the energy and pride of Wildcat fans. That Bear Down spirit is a defining part of Arizona and will be on full display as our community travels to Indianapolis.”

Arizona appears in the Final Four for the fifth time in program history, adding to a storied NCAA Tournament legacy that includes a national championship in 1997 and multiple deep runs over the past four decades. It also caps another milestone in a historic season as the Wildcats have already earned a program record 36th win of the season.

Representatives from the Tucson Airport Authority and University of Arizona will be available for comment at 9:30 a.m. at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter. 

Media will be escorted to the gate at 10 a.m. for fan interviews.