First Friday in Downtown Phoenix Adjusts for NCAA Women’s Final Four

PHOENIX – April’s First Friday in downtown Phoenix will proceed with modifications due to the NCAA Women’s Final Four basketball tournament taking place in the city. Roosevelt Street will remain open to traffic, and street vendors will not be permitted during the monthly arts event, according to organizers.

Impact on Roosevelt Row Businesses

The decision to forgo street closures and vendors is a response to the high volume of events associated with the Women’s Final Four. Some businesses along Roosevelt Row have expressed a positive outlook on the change.

Francess Fluellyn, an employee at Straw & Wool Hat Company, noted that the restaurant often experiences increased customer traffic when the street remains open. Asr Rollin, manager at the same establishment, shared that large groups of teenagers and young adults often arrive later in the evening, contributing to disruptive behavior. “We noticed that right around like 9:30, 10 is when the crowds really start coming through, and that’s when a lot of the chaos happens,” Rollin said.

Recent Safety Concerns

Recent First Friday events have been marred by incidents of violence. Following the March First Friday, a fight broke out near Roosevelt and 8th Street, prompting police to employ pepper balls to disperse the crowd. Shortly after, a shooting occurred in the same area, injuring a teenage boy and an adult woman.

Prior incidents include a shooting in January that seriously injured a teen near Garfield and 7th Street, and multiple fights in December that required police intervention with pepper balls. Clarissa West of Stardust & Sage expressed concern that these incidents are negatively impacting local businesses during what is typically a busy night.

Calls for Increased Safety Measures

Rollin suggested implementing measures such as a chaperone process, a greater focus on family-friendly activities, and stricter curfew enforcement to improve safety. “You need to have a chaperone process. Need to make it more family-friendly, and then make sure that curfew is enforced,” Rollin recommended.

Police Response and Event Schedule

The Phoenix Police Department stated that it collaborates with event organizers and community partners to ensure public safety during First Fridays. A spokesperson for First Friday has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the recent incidents.

NCAA Women’s Final Four Schedule

The NCAA Women’s Final Four events are scheduled as follows:

• Thursday, April 2: Tourney Town and Four It All Fest open at the Phoenix Convention Center and Canyon on Third Street, respectively.
• Friday, April 3: Tourney Town and Four It All Fest continue. Semifinal games begin at the Mortgage Matchup Center at 4:00 p.m. And 6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, April 4: Bounce presented by GEICO takes place at Heritage Square. Tourney Town and Four It All Fest continue. Super Saturday Practice begins at noon at the Mortgage Matchup Center, followed by the Super Saturday Concert at 6:00 p.m.

For a complete schedule and security information, visit the NCAA Women’s Final Four website.

The decision to modify First Friday reflects the city’s efforts to manage the logistical challenges and safety concerns associated with hosting the NCAA Women’s Final Four.