New Basketball Court and Recreational Space to Provide Lasting Impact for Near Eastside of Indianapolis Community
INDIANAPOLIS – The 2026 NCAA® Men’s Final Four® Legacy Project presented by Dove Men+Care was officially dedicated on Thursday, April 2 at Christian Park, marking a significant investment in the Indianapolis community. The project features a newly refurbished gymnasium and basketball court, updated fitness room, and renovated multi-purpose rooms inside Christian Park Family Center. Additional improvements include beautification at the entrance of the center and a mural done by local artist J.D. Bills on the wall in the gymnasium. Amenities encourage physical activity and community connection among locals residents.
Following the dedication, the gymnasium, located on Indianapolis’ near eastside, will continue to offer open sessions with opportunities to participate in basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and more. Ancillary spaces within the center, including multi-purpose rooms for classes and event rentals, will feature activities ranging from dance classes to movie nights.
“The NCAA strives to leave every Final Four community we visit a little better, and we thank Dove Men+Care for sharing this mission with us,” said NCAA President Charlie Baker. “The work done at Christian Park and the families served here, are an important part of the future of this community. The NCAA is proud to invest in that.”
"The Men’s Final Four Legacy Project goes beyond the game, it creates a meaningful, lasting impact for the community and ensuring that the spirit of the 2026 Men’s Final Four is felt long after the final buzzer,” said Indiana Sports Corp President Patrick Talty. “We’re incredibly grateful to the NCAA for the continued trust and opportunity to host the Men’s Final Four here in Indianapolis and appreciative of Dove Men+Care for their partnership in bringing this year’s Legacy Project at Christian Park to life.”
The dedication ceremony featured remarks from key stakeholders and a ceremonial net hanging to commemorate the opening of the facility.
“At Dove Men, we’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the Legacy Project,” said Senior Brand Manager at Dove Men Skin Cleansing, Emma Burns. “The NCAA Men’s Final Four represents preparation, focus, and performing under pressure, and as the Official Personal Care Partner of the NCAA for more than 15 years, Dove Men+Care is proud to support men in showing up at their best, on and off the court. That’s why we’re honored to once again work alongside the Legacy Project to refresh the Christian Park Family Center, creating a space designed to serve and inspire the community well beyond tournament weekend.”
Christian Park is expected to serve thousands of residents, providing a safe and welcoming environment for recreation, exercise, and community events. During each NCAA Men’s Final Four, a Legacy Project is designed to leave a positive, long-term impact on the selected Final Four host city. In partnership with the sponsor, community partners, and local leaders, each Legacy Project delivers hands-on improvements to community spaces—such as parks, schools, youth centers, and neighborhood facilities—that serve residents long after the final buzzer sounds.
Today’s dedication follows the Jim Morris Day of Service on March 24, where corporate, civic, social, and student groups from across Indianapolis came together to complete meaningful service projects that positively impact the city. A portion of volunteers supported the revitalization of Christian Park, mulching and planting flowers, painting picnic tables, cleaning facilities, and participating in a paint by number community mural. March 24 marks the date of the first NCAA Men’s Final Four hosted in Indianapolis in 1980.
Indianapolis will host the Men’s Final Four for the ninth time, with the Horizon League and IU Indianapolis serving as the host institutions for the 2026 event.
2026 will be a true celebration of basketball as three Indianapolis venues will help crown four champions over a five-day period starting today when the Men’s Final Four and NIT semifinals and championship games, as well as the Divisions II and III title games, are staged April 2-6. The NIT semifinals will take place at Hinkle Fieldhouse, and the championship game will be at Gainbridge Fieldhouse along with the Divisions II and III championships. It will mark the first time all four champions will be determined in a single city. The city will also host several free and lost-cost fan events all weekend, including the Final Four Fan Fest presented by Capital One, the March Madness® Music Festival, the Final Four Tip-off Tailgate, and Reese’s Final Four Friday® at Lucas Oil Stadium.