Video: See how the hardwood panels for the NCAA Championship games are made

Connor Sports has more than a century of experience producing high-performance maple courts for every level of play. 

Photo By Connor Sports (Facebook)

CRYSTAL FALLS, Mich. — Connor Sports, a Michigan-based manufacturer of hardwood sports flooring, has been the official court provider for NCAA basketball championships since 2006. The company designs, builds, and installs the portable hardwood floors used throughout March Madness, including the Final Four, which start on April 4, 2026, at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Their flooring systems are engineered for durability, consistency, and athlete safety, and are trusted across collegiate and professional arenas worldwide. 

"When the 2026 NCAA Men’s Final Four tips off in Indianapolis, the court will once again be built by Connor Sports, a Gerflor North America company," says Benjamin Bachman, CEO of Gerflor. "At that level, nothing is left to chance. Every bounce, every cut, every moment relies on absolute precision. Because when the stage is that big, performance is not optional."

Here is a video from Connor Sports showcasing how these championship courts are designed and installed:

 

The men's Final Four court measures 70 feet by 140 feet and uses 381 panels, each weighing 165 pounds. The women's Final Four surface uses 262 panels, weighing a total of 42,500 pounds, reports KVOA News

This maple flooring provides an ideal combination of durability, shock absorption, and consistency. The quality of the hardwood used can greatly impact the overall performance of players on the court, the Connor Sports states. A well-maintained court can provide better traction, reducing the likelihood of slips and falls. Regular inspections can identify any potential hazards such as loose boards or cracks in the floor before they become a safety issue.

NBA floors are replaced every ten years, per league standards, so keeping them in the best shape possible is best for eliminating any chance of unnecessary injury. NBA and WNBA competition floors are generally portable hardwood flooring systems for ease of install and removal, so maintenance of these floors and specific panels is critical to player safety.

The Final Four will take place April 4 and 6 in Indianapolis. The national semifinal games will take place on April 4 at 6 p.m. ET and 8:30 p.m. ET. The national title game will be played at 8:30 p.m. ET. 

To learn more, visit connorsports.com.

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Dakota Smith | Assistant Editor

Dakota is an assistant editor at Woodworking Network, avidly exploring the woodworking industry.