When the NCAA Tournament kicks off every year for both the men and women, every team that enters the tourney has one goal, to reach the Final Four. While winning the championship is the pinnacle for any college program, making it to the Final Four is proof of a successful season. In men’s basketball, the UCLA Bruins and North Carolina Tar Heels are tied for the most appearances ever in the national semi-final with 18 apiece, as of 2009. For the women, the Tennessee Lady Vols hold that distinction with 18 of their own.

The Final Four is one of the biggest events in sports. On the secondary ticket market, the popularity of tickets for the Final Four is often determined by the teams involved. While that can be said for any sport, it is especially true for the Final Four. For example, in 2009, tickets were suffering due to the poor economy, but after the Michigan State Spartans qualified for the semi-finals, sales were boosted due to the tournament being in Detroit, MI.