7 Things You Must Know Before Going to the Final Four

To get tickets to the Final Four in San Antonio, you need luck or an official ticket provider. Getting tickets the old fashioned way requires you to fill out a general public application the year before, and then hoping your name gets chosen in a random, computerized drawing. On the other hand, you can purchase tickets from RazorGator—the Official Ticket Package Provider of the Final Four. RazorGator is able to secure the best seats in the Alamodome, and exclusive entry to the pregame festivities. RazorGator also has a 100% guarantee that your tickets will arrive on time and be authentic. If you are one of the fortunate to score tickets, congratulations! You are on your way to experiencing one of the most exciting and prominent events in all of sports. If this is your first time going to the Final Four, or the historic city of San Antonio, this guide will provide seven helpful hints to maximize your visit.

How the Sessions Work

The Final Four consists of two sessions for a total of three games. The first session is the Semifinals on Saturday, April 5th. There are two games; one in the afternoon and one in the evening. If you buy tickets to this session only, you will receive one ticket, good for both games. The winners of the Semifinals compete in the Championship on Monday, April 7th. The Championship is considered the second session, and you will receive one ticket good for that game only. RazorGator offers fans the option of buying tickets to the first session, second session or all sessions. If you buy tickets to all sessions, you will get admission to the Semifinals and Championship games.

Where to Sit at the Alamodome

The Alamodome specializes in hosting large events. With a capacity of almost 45,000, the Dome is a striking fixture in downtown San Antonio. Since the arena is rather large, choosing where to sit can be a challenge. The Dome has three levels: lower, club and upper. Many people consider the best seats to be closer to the court. In that case, you would want to sit in the lower level, near center court in sections 122-124. If you want to sit behind the team benches, choose sections 101, 102 or 144. If you are looking to spend a little less money, yet still want the lower level experience, the corners are a great option. Sections 105 and 142 are on the bench side, while sections 121 and 125 hug the south side of the Dome. Above the lower level is the second level, Club section. While these seats are a little higher up, you still get a great bird’s eye view of the action. Sections 201, 222 and 224 are considered the best since they are center court. The most economical seats in the Dome are in the third level. The third level is above the Club level. You are higher up, but you still get a good view and the exciting experience of being at the Final Four. The best seats in the upper level are center court behind the benches in sections 301, 302, 347 and 348.

Where to Park

The Alamodome has 2,180 on-site parking spaces. If you plan on parking in one of its lots, you must have a prepaid parking pass. There will be no day-off pass purchases. Handicap parking is available in Lot A only, and you must have a visible handicap parking placard. The parking passes are $40 for cars/trucks and that includes parking for both days. If you do not buy a parking pass in advance, there are 12,000 spaces within a mile walking distance. Downtown San Antonio has a parking garage and/or lot on almost every block. Since many of the downtown hotels are within a mile from the Dome, walking or taking a cab would save a lot of time and money.







Where to Stay

Downtown San Antonio has numerous hotels within walking distance to the Alamodome. The most popular area to stay is on the famous River Walk along the San Antonio River.

The Hilton Palacio del Rio (200 S. Alamo St.) is across the street from Hemisfair Park, two blocks from the Alamo and a half-mile from the Dome. Each room has a Spanish décor and a private balcony offering a beautiful panoramic view of downtown.

The Hyatt Place (601 S. St. Mary’s St.) is located on the San Antonio River, minutes from the River Walk. The hotel offers a professional and modern décor, and is one mile from the Dome. If you want to meet a group of friends for a drink, the famous Mad Dogs British Pub is just downstairs.

The Marriott Riverwalk (899 E. Market St.) is one block from the Dome and offers balcony views of the city. If you get hungry, just walk across the street to the highly recommended Sazo’s Latin Grill for some authentic, local cuisine.

The Emily Morgan Hotel (705 E. Houston St.) is the one of the most recognized hotel landmarks in San Antonio. This boutique hotel is across the street from the Alamo, and is home to the posh ORO Restaurant. This centrally located hotel is also just a few blocks the River Walk and less than a mile from the Dome.

The Crown Plaza Hotel Riverwalk (111 Pecan St. East) caters to a more business crowd. It is a half-mile from the Alamo and a mile from the Dome.





Where to Eat

San Antonio is a food lover’s paradise. Even though the city specializes in Tex-Mex and Steakhouses, other cuisines are certainly worth a try.

Biga on the Banks (203 S. St. Mary’s St.), features a sophisticated, international menu. This elegant restaurant sits on the bank of the San Antonio River and features a private dining area accommodating 2 to 200 people.

Rosario’s Mexican Café and Cantina (910 S. Alamo St.) is a must for any Mexican food lover. Not only is the menu top-notch, but the margaritas have been voted among the best in San Antonio. On the weekends, the restaurant turns into a live music hot spot, attracting locals and tourists.

Paesanos (111 W. Crockett St.) specializes in Mediterranean and contemporary Italian dining. Located on the River Walk, Paesanos offers a comfortable, modern ambience with indoor or terrace seating.

Boudro’s Bistro (421 E. Commerce St.) is your place for traditional Texas and southwestern cooking. Also located on the River Walk, Boudro’s is a favorite among locals and tourists, so make a reservation ahead of time. It is also not a bad place to spot celebrities.

Pesca on the River (212 W. Crockett) at the Watermark Hotel and Spa offers award-winning seafood. Located on the River Walk, Pesca offers a sophisticated ambience, and the finest selection of wild fish. Dine on the elegant terrace while sipping a glass of vintage wine.

No trip to San Antonio is complete unless you have stopped at Dick’s Last Resort (406 Navarro St.) on the River Walk. From the outrageous and surly waitstaff, to patrons dancing with the band on stage, “there is never a dull moment in this three-ring circus.”

Where to Party

There are two different Official NCAA pregame parties: the Fan Party and Elite Party. Most tickets purchased on RazorGator will include entry to the Fan Party. Both pre-game parties are held prior to Saturday’s and Monday’s games. You can purchase tickets to Saturday and Monday, or an individual day admission. For the Fan party, patrons will have the opportunity to meet NCAA coaches and participate in activities around a regulation-size basketball court. Fans can order from the pre-game food menu, and drink from the cash bar while a live band and DJ perform. There will be on-court entertainment, including basketball stunts, drum lines and cheer squads. If you are also purchasing tickets to the games, you will have VIP entry to the Alamodome. For the Elite Party, you have the option of buying tickets for both Saturday and Monday, or an individual day admission. The Elite party will have a premium sports club environment with a media room featuring chalk talk with NCAA coaches.The event will feature a live band, a sports lounge with pre-game coverage on CBS, and Xbox video games stations. RazorGator will offer a gourmet buffet and open bar. You will also have full access to the Fan party, along with VIP entry to the Alamodome if you purchase game tickets.

San Antonio has a lively nightlife. Whether you are eating, shopping or partying, the River Walk is the place to be, and the hottest night spots are found on Houston Street. Vbar, Zen Bar Ultra Lounge and Suede Lounge are among the best clubs in San Antonio.

Vbar (150 East Houston St.) is located in the Hotel Valencia, overlooking the River Walk. It has an intimate and elegant atmosphere, attracting a more professional crowd.

Zen Bar (221 E. Houston) is a few buildings way from Vbar. With its Buddha motif and dramatic red lights, this bar is a great place to people watch and unwind. The bar caters to younger crowd, with its DJ selections and dancing. Zen is a great place to mingle and has no cover.

Suede Ultra Lounge (231 E. Houston St.) is the most posh of the three bars. A dress code is strictly enforced and if you want to get a table, you will have to buy a bottle. The size of the bar, modern design, and clientele make it a must see hot spot!

If you want a little more low key, Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub (200 S. Alamo) is a throw-your-peanuts-on-the-ground kind of bar, and known for the versatile house pianist. So grab a beer, make a request and sing along.

“Day off” Attractions

Since there is no game on Sunday, it is a perfect day to explore San Antonio.

The Alamo is the must see attraction. Originally named the Misión San Antonio de Valero, the Alamo has been in its present location for over 284 years. As an integral part of the Texas Revolution, the Alamo is symbolic with the state’s history. Visitors can even stand in Davy Crockett’s and William Travis’ positions during the battle. The Alamo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. After you have visited the Alamo, go next door to the historic Menger Hotel-another historic Western landmark.

The Institute of Texan Culture is perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about Texas tradition. Located next to the Alamodome, the museum is over 50,000 square feet and features exhibits on Texas culture, history, science and technology.

By now, you realize the River Walk is the entertainment mecca of the city. It not only has the best restaurants, bars and clubs, but it offers great shopping, specifically catering to Texas culture. You can also take a relaxing boat ride down the San Antonio River to truly capture the best views of the city.

If you want to make it an all sports weekend, grab some clubs and head to one of San Antonio’s many beautiful golf courses. The Westin La Centera has a more resort atmosphere, while The Quarry and Pecan Valley golf courses are the two most famous public clubs in the San Antonio area.

On Monday, do not miss the Final Four River Rally. The bands and cheerleaders for both teams in the championship will float down the San Antonio River, and make a stop at the River Center Mall Lagoon where they will stage a mini pep rally. The festivities start at 3:30pm, and it is a perfect way to get excited for the game with thousands of other fans.