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3h ago

TV Viewers Pan Chainsmokers Set Slotted Between Final Four Games

The move reflects a bid to pitch the Final Four as a festival for casual fans.

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 04: The Chainsmokers perform between games in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows The Chainsmokers performing on stage with fans below and above, Image 2 shows Dave Portnoy watches a game between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts

Overview

  • The Chainsmokers performed between the men’s semifinal games at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, taking the stage on the TBS/truTV broadcast after UConn–Illinois and before Arizona–Michigan on Saturday.
  • The duo opened with their new single Echo and then played hits like Don’t Let Me Down, Roses, and Closer in a brief set aimed at filling the TV gap between games.
  • Reaction on TV skewed negative, with ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt calling the placement an odd spot and Barstool’s Dave Portnoy saying it felt like somebody lost a bet.
  • Fans in the building appeared more receptive, though the broadcast caught few people singing along on cue, and some viewers complained the segment pushed the second tip closer to 9:30 p.m. ET.
  • Organizers previously framed the booking as part of a festival-style weekend to attract casual fans, and no changes or sanctions were reported after the broadcast.