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ChainsmokersFinal Four Bridge Show Draws Backlash Over Delay

Organizers frame the between-games set as part of a festival strategy to broaden March Madness’ reach to casual fans.

Overview

  • The duo, which performed Saturday between UConn–Illinois and Michigan–Arizona at Lucas Oil Stadium, delivered a first-of-its-kind TV segment on TBS and truTV.
  • The second semifinal listed for 8:49 p.m. ET tipped at about 9:20 p.m. after the concert extended the break.
  • Media working in an end-zone section were told to pack up and vacate their seats to clear space for the stage setup.
  • Viewers and media figures panned the timing, with ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt asking “Who asked for this?” and Dave Portnoy calling it a choice that felt like “somebody lost a bet.”
  • Event reps and agents have said the music programming is meant to make the Final Four a wider festival experience for casual fans as part of the March Madness Music Festival.