Women's Final Four, Dove To Unveil Legacy Court Makeover Near Downtown Tampa¶
The NCAA Women’s Final Four, in partnership with the Dove Brand, has teamed with the Tampa Bay Local Organizing Committee to provide the Riverfront Recreation Center with a restored indoor basketball court, a new Legacy Literary Lounge, a computer lab, and other facility enhancements.
This transformative project, presented by Dove, a brand of parent company Unilever, will elevate the historic space into a premier Tampa Parks and Recreation destination for community engagement, athletic excellence, and neighborhood revitalization.
"We are extremely grateful that Unilever has once again partnered with the NCAA to create a lasting impact on our Championship communities, long after the Women’s Final Four has concluded," said Stephannnie Harvey-Vandenberg, NCAA Managing Director of External Engagement, Strategic Projects, and Special Programs. "We are excited and honored that this Legacy initiative will directly enhance capital facilities, supporting expanded youth programs and improving literacy opportunities for the children of the Tampa community."
The Riverfront Recreation Center improvements include:
- new landscaping and new exterior painting, including a basketball mural
- legacy Literary Lounge
- new computer lab
- new basketball floor, modeled after this year's Women's Final Four court
- a reconfigured layout to allow for safer half-court games
- new lighting over the courts
- Dove Wellness Room
“We are immensely grateful for the NCAA Women’s Final Four and its partners for not just choosing Tampa to host this extraordinary tournament, but also for leaving us with a gift our children can enjoy for years to come,” said Mayor Jane Castor.
Added City of Tampa Parks & Recreation Team Supervisor Cedric Smith: "This will be the marquee court in the Tampa Parks and Recreation system, serving programs city-wide. The beautification process will transform an unwelcoming building into a focal point of pride for the community. Parents and participants will feel a renewed sense of safety and excitement. This initiative will not only enhance aesthetics but also foster community engagement and improve quality of life by creating a vibrant, welcoming public space.”
Employees from multiple divisions across the Parks and Recreation Department worked tirelessly on the project, alongside staffers from Facility Management, and contractors.
The Tampa Bay Sports Commission is the host organization for the 2025 Women's Final Four and provided local guidance for the Legacy Project.
“The Women’s Final Four is way more than three games, and this is the perfect example of how the Championship leaves a lasting legacy in WFF host communities,” Tampa Bay Local Organizing Committee Executive Director Claire Lessinger said. “This court and beautification project will transform and instantly resurrect a historic basketball facility and community center destined to positively impact local youth and nurture the next generation.”
The 2025 Women's Final Four semifinals are Friday, and the championship game is Sunday, all at Amalie Arena.