Big Ten Tournament Wraps Up as Storm Cleanup, Spring Events Fill Indy Weekend
Indianapolis, IN – March 8, 2026 – Big Ten tournament finals, flood concerns and major family events headline a busy early March weekend downtown.
It has been a packed first full weekend of March across Indianapolis, with championship basketball, lingering flood concerns and family-friendly events drawing crowds downtown.
Big Ten Women’s Tournament Concludes
The 2026 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament wraps up today at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, capping five days of competition in the heart of downtown. The event, running March 4 through March 8, has brought thousands of fans into hotels, restaurants and bars around Georgia Street and Mass Ave.
City leaders say large-scale tournaments like this one provide an early spring boost for local businesses while keeping Indianapolis firmly in the national sports spotlight.
Flood Watch After Heavy Rain
Earlier this week, steady rainfall triggered flood watches across parts of central Indiana, including Indianapolis. High water along the White River and low-lying roadways created minor travel disruptions midweek, with standing water reported in several areas.
Conditions have improved heading into Sunday, but residents are still urged to use caution near swollen creeks and riverbanks as runoff continues to move through the system.
Family Events Kick Off Spring Season
Meanwhile, spring programming is ramping up across the city. A new interactive exhibit inspired by Disney’s Princess Tiana opened this weekend at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, offering a Mardi Gras-themed experience designed for kids and families.
Runners also took part in the 500 Festival 6-Miler as training season builds toward May’s Mini-Marathon. The race began and ended near Fowling Warehouse, drawing participants from across central Indiana.
With major sports, cultural attractions and improving weather, Indianapolis is stepping into March with momentum — and plenty on the calendar in the weeks ahead.
Sources
https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/03/04/2026-big-ten-womens-tournament-begins-in-indianapolis
https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/03/06/your-weekend-plans-tianas-joyful-celebration-easel-by-penrod-500-festival-6-miler-and-more
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/flood-watch-continues-central-indiana-133451191.html
