Fans slam Chainsmokers show between Final Four games
The Chainsmokers performed between NCAA men's basketball Final Four semifinal games on April 4, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The electronic duo's set marked the first concert staged during the tournament's semifinals. The appearance drew criticism from fans and sports media figures over its timing and placement.
UConn defeated Illinois in the first semifinal, followed by the Chainsmokers' performance. Michigan then beat Arizona 91-73 in the second game, with the tipoff delayed from its 8:49 p.m. ET schedule to around 9:20 p.m. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, a Michigan supporter, tweeted: "This Chainsmokers concert in between games is playing off like somebody lost a bet. I like the Chainsmokers but nothing has ever made less sense than this."
ESPN's Scott Van Pelt posted: "Who asked for this?" He later clarified in a reply that he held no grudge against the duo, calling it simply "an odd spot." Michigan advances to face UConn in the national championship on Monday night at the same venue.
Aday Mara led Michigan with 26 points on 11-of-16 shooting, nine rebounds and three assists. Trey McKenney added 16 points off the bench, including four three-pointers. Senior Yaxel Lendeborg, playing through a sprained MCL and ankle injury, contributed 11 points, three rebounds and one assist in 14 minutes; he vowed to play in the title game.
Michigan returns to the championship for the first time since a 79-62 loss to Villanova in 2018.
