Get your game face on and gear up for March Madness in Wisconsin by attending these watch parties and events to catch all of the unbelievable buzzer-beaters and relentless rivalries in real time.
March 18, April 1 and April 3: JPAC March Madness Watch Party
Janesville
The Elevate Student Project Team will collaborate with the Janesville Performing Arts Center to present a March Madness watch party for basketball fanatics and non-basketball fans alike. This entertaining event will feature live basketball games in JPAC’s vast performance area, as well as snacks, halftime entertainment, raffles, sports predictions and more. There will also be a bracket challenge where guests can enter their predictions for which teams they think will win certain games in order to win cash and raffle prizes. The watch parties will take place on Saturday, March 18 from noon to 4 p.m.; Saturday, April 1 from 4:30 to 9 p.m.; and Monday, April 3 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Janesville Performing Arts Center.
For more information: janesvillecvb.com.
March 12 to April 1: Good Ol’ Fashioned Bracket Contest at The Turn Green Bay
In honor of March Madness, The Turn Green Bay will put its own unique spin on the sporting celebration with a brand-new mixology madness concept that they’re calling the Good Ol’ Fashioned Bracket Contest. This bracket-style mixology competition will take place throughout the NCAA basketball tournament in March and impress guests with eight Old Fashioneds made with eight different spirits. Guests can sample each recipe and vote for their favorite to win prizes. Then, on Saturday, April 1, from noon to 3 p.m., the two finalists will duel it out in an in-house grand finale, with the winner earning a seat on The Turn Green Bay’s menu.
For more information: theturngreenbay.com/bracket-challenge.
March 16: MABS Watch Party at Elite A/V & Automation
Madison
Even though the Wisconsin Badgers won’t be shooting their shot at the NCAA Tournament this year, Madison will still be a hotspot for keeping up with the grueling game highlights and bracket-breaking upsets. For the fourth year in a row, the Madison Area Builders Association will be hosting a free watch party in collaboration with Elite A/V & Automation. Since Elite A/V & Automation has made a name for itself by providing Wisconsinites with larger-than-life in-home theater screens, this watch party will surely be one for the books. Guests will be immersed in the tournament as it’s shown on a massive screen and also try out virtual reality golfing and play some pool while enjoying free food and drinks. MABS Watch Party will take place on Thursday, March 16, from 2 to 7 p.m.
For more information: maba.org.
March 15 to March 19 and March 23 to March 26: O’so Brewing Company
Plover
Make the most of March Madness in Wisconsin with good company at O’so Brewery, where the games will be shown on a giant screen on select days throughout March. Not only is this trendy taphouse the perfect place to catch all of the college basketball action, but it is also home to a unique core lineup of made-in-house beers. From refreshing sour ales to hoppy, hazy IPAs, O’so Brewing Company is a must-try destination for brews and basketball. Plus, even if the games are unpredictable, guests can always rely on the plenty of delicious pizzas, handhelds and appetizers to score big. Be sure to visit this must-try taphouse at least once during the weekends of March 15 to March 19 and March 23 to March 26 for an evening of sports entertainment and fermented sips.
For more information: osobrewing.com.
March 16: CARW March Madness Event at Whitetail MKE
Milwaukee
Although the Fiserv Forum’s NCAA March Madness Tournament tickets are officially sold out, Milwaukee is still the best place to get into the spirit of the most anticipated event on your sporting calendar. Whitetail MKE boasts a comfortable sports bar setting for fans to take advantage of for basketball games all month long, but if you’re seeking a sociable night out, be sure to visit when the Commercial Association of Realtors of Wisconsin hosts its March Madness Event. Guaranteed to be a hopping atmosphere, this entertaining event will have you celebrating victory surrounded by good company, live basketball and ice-cold drinks. CARW’s March Madness Event will take place on Thursday, March 16, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $45 per person.
For more information: carw.com.