The Zags fell to the University of North Carolina Tarheels 71 to 65 in the National Championship at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
While the title game ended in defeat, this season has been nothing less than an unparalleled success: The program’s first Final Four. First National Championship game. Most wins in program history. Nineteenth straight NCAA tournament appearance. The list goes on – and on.
We thank our student athletes, coaches and all of Zag Nation for standing by Gonzaga, believing in us, and cheering us on through thick and thin.
Our story began in 1887 when a Jesuit priest, Father Joseph Cataldo, purchased a plot of land along the Spokane river. The grit and determination it took to build up a great University became the school’s academic and athletic hallmark, eventually sparking student athletes with names like Burgess, Stockton, and Morrison to basketball greatness.
An unexpected Elite Eight run in 1999, achieved by a group that believed in themselves – and in Gonzaga – when nobody else did, lit a fire that burned and grew until it exploded to new heights this year.
This season is for those of you who never give up on a dream, no matter how long the odds. For those who set goals and relentlessly pursue them. Those who tackle challenges with imagination, courage and conviction.
You are all forever part of our story. And we can hardly wait for the next chapter.
This is where it all unfolds.
Go Zags!
This incredible Final Four and NCCA tournament run brought an energy and excitement to our campus, Spokane, and all of Zag Nation that has been truly inspiring. Our team, students, and community made us proud.
But this kind of thing doesn’t happen by accident.
Gonzaga has reached unprecedented levels of excellence in academics and athletics thanks to the hard work and dedication of our students, faculty, staff, as well as the consistent support of so many alumni, friends, and benefactors around the world.
Now, sustaining and amplifying this success requires all of us who love Gonzaga – who love our Zags – take action.
It felt great to share the magic of this place with the rest of the world. Let’s keep it going.
Join a community that will not only enrich your life, but allow you to make a positive impact on the lives of those around you.
There is no limit to what we can accomplish together. With your support, Gonzaga will uncover the potential that exists in every student.
Gonzaga University fosters talented individuals who are prepared to meet the profound needs of a complex and ever-changing world.
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Foley Lawn (just north of the Foley Center Library), Gonzaga University campus, 502 E. Boone Ave. Spokane, WA 99258
What a season it has been. Our first ever Final Four appearance. Our first ever National Championship appearance. Join us as we celebrate our incredible Men’s Basketball Team with a community rally on the GU campus!
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
University of Phoenix Stadium - Lawn B
$75 Adults
$30 Gonzaga Students with ID or children 18 yrs. and younger
Join Spike and thousands from Zag Nation at this long-awaited Gonzaga Championship Pregame Party! Featuring live music, celebrity guests, photo opportunities, face painting and a performance by the Bulldog Band and Cheer team! Guests will enjoy a Southwest Tailgate Meal with options, as well as a full cash bar.
McFadden's is the 2nd Kennel for Zags to Meet – right next to Gila River Arena!
Westgate Entertainment District
9425 W. Coyotes Blvd
Glendale, AZ 85305
McFadden’s is the official “Home of the Zags” all weekend for gatherings, game watches and post-game celebrations! All events at McFadden’s are no-host. Reservations are recommend to watch Saturday’s Final Four game: Call (623) 872-0022.
Noon – 12:50 p.m.
Noon – 8 p.m.
Phoenix Convention Center
6:40 p.m.
Peoria Sports Complex
16101 N. 83rd Ave.
Peoria, AZ 85382
Join other Zags to cheer on the Seattle Mariners in their last Spring Training game before they head back to Seattle. We’ll also be rooting for alum and former major leaguer Mike Redmond (90’), now the bench coach for the Colorado Rockies.
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Phoenix Convention Center
3:09 p.m.
University of Phoenix Stadium
All Sunday events will be held regardless of whether the basketball team wins their Final Four game on Saturday. Win or lose, don’t miss these opportunities for reflection, service, and fun with fellow members of the Zag family.
10 a.m.
Sheraton Grand Phoenix
Phoenix Ballroom D (located on 3rd floor)
340 N. 3rd St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Celebrated by Gonzaga University Alumni Chaplin, Fr. Steven Hess, SJ.
Please RSVP for seating capacity.
Tee times begin at 10:30 a.m.
Whirlwind Golf Course
5692 W. North Loop Road
Chandler, AZ 85226
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
1375 E. Broadway Road
Phoenix, AZ 85040
Help the Phoenix community with an outside clean-up project at a location 4.5 miles south of the Sheraton Grand (map). Unfortunately, we are unable to provide transportation so driving/carpooling is suggested. Dress appropriately for outside work, including wearing sunscreen and good shoes – no open-toed shoes or sandals. Gloves and all tools needed will be provided.
6 p.m.
Talking Stick Resort Arena
201 E. Jefferson St.
Phoenix, AZ 850004
Cheer for your favorite NBA team as well as Zag Alum and Houston Rockets player, Kyle Wiltjer. There will also be a post-game meet-and-greet and group photo opportunity with Kyle! The Arena is a approximately a 10-minute walk from the Sheraton Grand (map).
Can’t make it to Phoenix? Gonzaga Alumni Chapters are hosting game watches all over the country.
Doors open at 5:15 p.m. Tipoff at 6:20 p.m.
McCarthey Athletic Center
801 N Cincinnati St, Spokane, WA 99258
Admission is FREE
Seating is limited, so arrive early (no ticket needed)
Zags, this is it. The National Championship game watch on Monday, April 3 is happening where it all began. Join the Spokane community in the McCarthey Athletic Center!
One hundred and thirty years and still going strong. It all started in 1887 when Father Joseph Cataldo, S.J., purchased the land we sit upon for 936 silver coins and established this Jesuit, Catholic university.
Our student-athletes’ Graduation Success Rate of 98 percent puts Gonzaga at No. 3 in the nation. There they go again, making us look good!
Zags hit the ground running. Ninety-four percent of the 2016 graduating class is gainfully employed, performing service work or continuing their education. Talk about hustle!
English Professor Tod Marshall is Washington State’s Poet Laureate. He builds appreciation of poetry through visits to communities statewide. Now that’s what we call a road less traveled.
Parli Italiano? Forty-seven percent of Zags study abroad at some point during their time here.
A proud first: Gonzaga Law School alumna Catherine Marie Cortez Masto was elected the country’s first Latina U.S. senator (Nevada) in November 2016.
The doctors are in. We’re now educating talented medical students on our campus thanks to our innovative partnership with the University of Washington School of Medicine.
Serving our purpose: For the last four years, more of our graduates have headed to the Peace Corps than from any other school our size.
Bee healthy! Gonzaga’s Hemmingson Center has an apiary, hydroponic greenhouse and rooftop garden that helps supply fresh, organic produce for student dining.
Gonzaga football has been undefeated for 75 years! OK, so the sport was dropped in 1941 due to World War II and the lack of available men, but not until after we sent 23 players to the NFL.
At Gonzaga, our story is your story. There’s something big in store for you, and this is where you’ll find it. Learn more about Gonzaga, our students and this unmatched community.