March Madness kicked off with Selection Sunday on March 12. The selection committee chose 68 teams, which have made the field for that year's basketball championships beginning at 5:30pm EST. The First Four began playoffs on March 14th in Dayton, Ohio.
This year, forget the stands and head to one of the recommended spots below for the ultimate March Madness viewing party. As college basketball dominates the airwaves and thousands of fans cheer on their favorite teams, pull up a seat at one of our tables and let incredible sports grub and drink specials help you forget those bracket-busting wildcard wins from the start of the tournament all the way through The Final Four.
AJ’s Sports Grill
3232 N. Rock Road or 11413 E. 13th
With two locations in Wichita as well as home to the 29” Superdome pizza, this is the ultimate viewing spot. Their 29-inch Superdome pizza feeds up to eleven people. The Northrock location features three 70-inch screens as well as 14 screens in total. At their 13th street location, each booth has its own individual screen. Want to make it a family affair? This is the perfect place with options for games or bowling for the kids while you watch the games.
Emerson Biggins
2330 N. Maize Rd #100 or 808 E. Douglas
“Lou knows food” and proves it with more than 15 sandwich and burger options as well as an endless menu of tacos, soups and comfort food. Each of their 50 screens are HD. They also have daily drink and food specials. For those with a big appetite, we recommend the E.B. Burger which is topped with cheddar cheese, ham, sautéed mushrooms and a fried egg.
Pumphouse
825 E 2nd St N.
If you are looking for something a bit more historic, then Pumphouse is your place. Located in the heart of the city’s Old Town district inside a converted filling station, it is a premier viewing spot. They have more than 25 screens, seven of which are 70-inch. If the weather is nice they roll up the large garage doors to spill onto one of the largest patios in the city. For pizza lovers, try the Beer, Pig and Cheese. It features garlic and chive cream cheese, Free State’s Ad Astra beer sautéed onions, smoked bacon, all lightly covered with mozzarella to hold it together.
River City Brewing Co.
150 N. Mosley
For the authentic brewery experience while watching the game, River City Brewing Co. is the best bet. They continually offer six different styles of microbrews and have 16 beers on tap, including an ever-changing seasonal beer that celebrates the diversity of beer from all around the world. They have more than twelve screens, five of which 70-inch. With a diverse menu featuring pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and burgers, even the pickiest eater can find something to enjoy.
Deano’s Grill & Tapworks
9747 E 21st Street North, Suite 101
Featuring 23 tap beers, artisan oven pizzas, and house-made sausages, their goal is to delight the sports customer. All their sports memorabilia are original hand-signed items from the biggest names in sports. They have more than 23 big screens upon which to view the games. Eight different pizza choices, including a make your own, and six burger combinations ensure you won’t be hungry. For the inner foodie, try one of their unique pizzas such as the Deano’s Doggy Breath. It features dog sauce (house-made pizza sauce and garlic paste), mozzarella, pepperoni and red onion. Garnished with garlic chips.
