Brief History of the Final Four Analytics Challenge

The Crossroads Classic Analytics Challenge was launched in 2021 as a statewide collegiate data‑analytics competition bringing together Indiana universities—Butler University, Indiana University, Purdue University, and the University of Notre Dame to solve real‑world business problems using modern analytics techniques.

The competition was created by Dr. Matthew Lanham and Dr. Scott Nestler in collobaration with faculty from the four universities to give students hands‑on experience with data modeling, visualization, and storytelling while collaborating with industry partners. Early challenges were supported by organizations such as the Teacher’s Credit Union, MISO, the Indianapolis Colts,  Pacers Sports & Entertainment, Atrium AI, Tableau, and Visualize your Technology. Events were hosted at Purdue University (2022) and Butler University (2023), including a full‑day data‑thon in 2023 featuring case competitions and live presentations.

In 2023 Butler University’s Lacy school of Business became the official host school and operator of the analytics challenge ushering in an expansion beyond the original four universities. By 2023–2024, additional institutions—including Ball State University, Rose‑Hulman Institute of Technology, IU Southeast, and the University of Indianapolis joined the competition, transforming it into one of Indiana’s largest multi‑university analytics events.

In 2024 the CCAC partnered with the NCAA and in 2025 was rebranded the Final Four Analytics Challenge. Today, the Final Four Analytics Challenge stands as a collaborative, industry‑connected platform that prepares students for careers in analytics while strengthening partnerships across Indiana’s higher‑education and business communities. The 2026 competition is the largest in the history of Indiana with over 700 students from all 23 participating NCAA schools in Indiana.