SAN ANTONIO – With the 2025 NCAA Men’s Final Four approaching, the Alamodome unveiled 18 new suites on the arena’s south end, part of a multi-million dollar renovation project.
KSAT had an exclusive look at these suites, which opened just in time for Monster Jam and will be ready for the Final Four in April. Here’s what you need to know.
Exclusive Tour of New Suites
Steve Zito, assistant director of convention and sports facilities at the Alamodome, shared insights about the new amenities.
“The new pocket doors are awesome,” Zito said. “They open up the capabilities of these suites so we can host larger groups.”
The new suites range from 13×20 feet to 19×20 feet.
Several include operable partitions between units, allowing the room size to be flexible as dictated by events. They total 174 seats, not including standing-room-only availability.
Zito said the suites also offer advanced amenities, including climate control, adjustable lighting and sound systems.
“You can control the climate, lighting and sound,” Zito explained, highlighting the suite’s modern features.
Food and drinks are a significant part of the new suite experience.
“Underneath there’s a heating element that will keep these chafing dishes hot,” Zito noted. The suites are equipped with two refrigerators (and) ice makers for the first time.
The new suites are part of a $29 million upgrade to host the 2025 NCAA Men’s Final Four. The NCAA requires at least 70 luxury suites to host the event, and this project reaches that capacity.
These upgrades add more than 170 new seats and will be available for future events, including the March UIL Boys and Girls State Basketball Tournaments, UTSA and Brahmas football games.
Economic Impact and Future Upgrades
Hosting the Final Four is expected to bring a significant economic boost to the city.
On Tuesday, Elena Wells, the executive director of the San Antonio Local Organizing Committee or SALOC, announced local officials are projecting an economic impact of about $440 million over the four days of the Final Four. The city expects close to 100,000 visitors during the event.
“Being able to host the Final Four and the economic impact from that one event alone certainly helps pay for these upgrades,” Zito said.
The improvements are designed to keep the Alamodome competitive and are seen as a valuable investment for San Antonio. “It’s a great investment for the city,” Zito added.
In addition to the suites, the Alamodome will also see major upgrades to the fifth-level concession and concourse areas, which will provide more space for fans.
“When it’s all said and done and ready for the Final Four, this building will never have worked so good,” Zito concluded.
