March 28, 2022 | From City of New Orleans
MAYOR CANTRELL, CITY OF NEW ORLEANS PREPARE FOR NCAA MEN'S FINAL FOUR, NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AND MARCH MADNESS MUSIC FESTIVAL
NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell and City officials today announced public safety measures in place ahead of the NCAA Men’s Final Four, National Championship and the March Madness Music Festival, which are expected to bring a large number of visitors to New Orleans. Residents are encouraged to prepare for heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic and to celebrate safely throughout the weekend.
"New Orleans is excited and prepared to host the NCAA Men’s Final Four for the sixth time in the city's history. Because our people stayed the course and followed our health and safety guidelines, the City is well-equipped to host what will be the largest major sporting event to take place in New Orleans in quite some time," said Mayor Cantrell. "A safe and successful Final Four weekend depends on safe celebrations and preparation, and our public safety teams are ready and able to once again welcome tens of thousands of beloved college basketball fans back to the Caesars Superdome. We encourage both our residents and visitors to 'know before you go,' and we look forward to hosting the NCAA Final Four once again in the near future."
The New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP) is fully committed to ensuring that this national event has the full support of all public agencies. In response, NOHSEP will be activating the Event Command Post from Friday, April 1 to Monday, April 4 in support of the NCAA Men’s Final Four and related events.
NOHSEP will also be in constant contact with representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Louisiana State Analytical and Fusion Exchange (LA-SAFE) Fusion Center throughout the weekend’s events.
In anticipation of the increase of visitors to our city, the Orleans Parish Communication District (OPCD) will be activating Level 2 staffing. Level 2 will begin at 7 a.m. on Friday, April 1 and end 7 a.m. on Wednesday, April 6. As a reminder, call 9-1-1 for emergencies, and 3-1-1 for non-emergencies.
Traffic Restrictions and No Parking Zones
The primary locations for events include the Caesars Superdome, Champions Square, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and Woldenberg Park. Expect heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic and use caution when traveling in those areas.
In anticipation of large crowds, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) may restrict traffic to ensure the safety of pedestrians.
The following "No Parking" zones will be in place starting Friday, April 1 at 4 p.m. through Tuesday, April 5 at 6 a.m.:
- 700 and 800 blocks between Dauphine Street and Royal Street on both sides of the following streets:
- Iberville Street
- Bienville Street
- Conti Street
- St. Louis Street
- Toulouse Street
- St. Peter Street
- Orleans Street
- St. Ann Street
- Both sides of Canal Street from Claiborne Avenue to Convention Center Boulevard
Residents and visitors are reminded to always follow posted signs. Parking enforcement personnel will be monitoring for illegal parking.
- Do not block or park within 15 feet of fire hydrants, block or park within 3 feet of driveways, block sidewalks or park in fire lanes.
- Do not park in bike lanes.
- Do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk, intersection or stop sign.
- Call (504) 658-8100 for 24-hour parking enforcement.
In anticipation of increased ridership during weekend events, the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) encourages riders to plan ahead and pre-purchase fare. Riders can download the RTA GoMobile app via the Apple App Store and Google Play. For up-to-date service information and more, visit the agency's website at www.norta.com or call Rideline at (504) 248-3900.
Schedule of Events
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FRIDAY, APRIL 1
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Time
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Event
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Location
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10 a.m.
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Reese's Men's FREE Final Four Friday Doors Open
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Caesars Superdome
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12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
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Men's Final Four Fan Fest Open
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Morial Convention Center
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4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
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March Madness Music Festival
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Woldenberg Park
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SATURDAY, APRIL 2
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Time
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Event
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Location
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10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
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Men's Final Four Fan Fest Open
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Morial Convention Center
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2:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
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March Madness Music Festival
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Woldenberg Park
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5:09 p.m.
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Semifinal 1 Tip-Off
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Caesars Superdome
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7:49 p.m.
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Semifinal 2 Tip-Off
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Caesars Superdome
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SUNDAY, APRIL 3
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Time
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Event
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Location
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12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
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Men's Final Four Fan Fest Open
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Morial Convention Center
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3 p.m.
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HBCU All-Star Game – Broadcast on CBS
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University of New Orleans Lakefront Arena
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3 p.m.
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Men's Final Four Dribble presented by Buick begins
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Mississippi River Heritage Park – John Churchill Chase Street, New Orleans
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3 p.m. - 10 p.m.
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March Madness Music Festival
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Woldenberg Park
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MONDAY, APRIL 4
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Time
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Event
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Location
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12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
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Men's Final Four Fan Fest Open
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Morial Convention Center
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8:20 p.m.
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Championship Tip-Off
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Caesars Superdome
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For more information about events this weekend, visit the NCAA Men’s Final Four website.
Safety Reminders
As always during major special events, residents and visitors are encouraged to take care in large crowds and to report suspicious activity to public safety officials. As a reminder:
- Verify the identity of rideshare drivers before getting inside the vehicle.
- Residents and visitors are encouraged to walk in groups when possible.
- When walking, please stay in well-lit areas; additional lighting towers will be placed throughout the CBD and French Quarter in event areas.
Details on special events are available at ready.nola.gov/events. Residents and visitors are also encouraged to follow us on social media @nolaready and sign up for emergency alerts. Residents should text NOLAREADY to 77295 to sign up for emergency alerts.
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