Wichita is a great place to watch televised sporting events with fellow fans, whether you’re following college rivalries, pro leagues or national tournaments lighting up the screen.

Recently recognized as the Best Sports-Host City, Wichita is also the perfect place to experience the action live. From Wichita Thunder hockey at INTRUST Bank Arena to Wichita Wind Surge baseball at Equity Bank Park starting in April, plus major national championships and ESPN-broadcast tournaments hosted right here, there’s almost always a big game happening somewhere in the city. And when you’re not in the arena? Wichita’s sports bars and restaurants deliver the perfect game-day atmosphere.

Here’s where to grab a seat, a drink and a great view of the action in the Heart of the Country.

Video Thumbnail - youtube - Wichita's Hockey Culture

Watch local

Wichita regularly hosts high-profile sporting events that draw fans from across the country, many of which spark full weekends of watch parties, pre-game meetups and post-game celebrations.

A few to put on your radar include:

Whether you’re cheering in person or watching nationally televised matchups with friends, Wichita makes it easy to turn game day into a full experience.

Where to watch televised sports

Central

B&C Barbeque Pub and Grill

B&C Barbeque Pub and Grill is your headquarters for gameday if you love barbecue. Plenty of big screens fill this former garage-turned pub, along with mouth-watering meats, classic sides and over-the-top appetizers. Enjoy a barbecue buffet during lunch service, smoked prime rib on Friday and Saturday nights and a full bar.

Pumphouse

A former service station turned sports-viewing powerhouse, Pumphouse features nearly 100 TVs, garage doors that open to a massive patio and crowd-pleasing burgers and pizzas. It’s a go-to spot for big games and big crowds.

The Depot

Whether you’re meeting friends before a Wichita Thunder game or settling in to watch a nationally televised matchup, The Depot delivers an easygoing spot where sports and good food come together. Multiple TVs throughout the space make it easy to keep an eye on the action, while the menu leans into comfort food favorites like tavern-style pizza, sliders and shareable appetizers that pair well with a craft brew from Walnut River Brewing Company.

Others to consider: The Hill Bar and Grill, The Monarch, Old Chicago - Old Town, River City Brewing Co., Solly & Jude’s and Ziggy's Pizza - Clifton Square.

East

Chicken N Pickle

Chicken N Pickle is a built for game day. With 30+ TVs, plenty of seating and activities like pickleball, lawn games and foosball, it’s an easy choice when you want more than just watching. Pair the action with additive-free comfort food and a strong drink lineup.

Deano’s Grill and Tapworks

More than 20 big-screen TVs, walls of sports memorabilia and 31 taps make Deano’s Grill and Tapworks a reliable place to catch every play. Daily drink specials and fan-favorite food round out the experience.

The Hill Bar and Grill

Locally owned and operated, The Hill Bar and Grill is the place to be on game day. This establishment melds the perfect combination of a wide selection of craft beers, a menu featuring a different take on American classics and a great atmosphere to watch your favorite team play.

Others to consider: Bricktown Brewery - East, Carlos O’Kelly’s Mexican Café (Northeast and South), Dave & Buster's, Oak & Pie, ShotSuite, Social Tap Drinkery (WSU and Greenwich), Topgolf Wichita, Twin Peaks - East, Wichita Brewing Co. and Pizzeria - East, Ziggy’s Pizza – Northeast, Old Chicago - East, Southrock Billiards & Sports Bar and Walt’s East Wichita.

West

Deano's on Pier 37

Good luck finding a seat without a good view of a TV at this west-side sports grill. Deano's on Pier 37 is the second Deano's location in west Wichita, complete with a two-story bar overlooking a lake.

JJ Beard’s Pub & Pizza

If your ideal game-watching setup includes great pizza, cold drinks and a true pub atmosphere, JJ Beard’s Pub & Pizza delivers. This locally owned spot pairs fresh-made pies and classic bar food with plenty of TVs, making it easy to catch every play without missing a bite.

Wichita Brewing Co. and Pizzeria - West

Wichita beers and wood-fired pizza – the only thing to improve this combination is a good game on television! Check out Wichita Brewing Co. and Pizzeria - West for all of the above. They have a full food menu and pour handcrafted ales, stouts and IPAs packed with flavorful hops and character.

Others to consider: Bar Louie, Bricktown Brewery - West, Carlos O’Kelly’s Mexican Café – West, Oasis Lounge, Pizza Ranch, Twin Peaks, Ziggy’s Pizza (West & Auburn Hills), Emerson Biggin’s Sports Bar & Grill - West, Old Chicago - West, Side Pockets Restaurant & Sports Bar and Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux.

Just outside the city

Gilley’s
Just north of Wichita, Gilley’s in Park City is a laid-back entertainment complex that makes watching the game feel effortless. With TVs, classic pub fare and cold drinks always flowing, it’s a solid go-to. Additionally, the gambling hall has two types of betting, a saloon, high-tech arcade games, pickleball, bar bowling, ax throwing, a roller-coaster simulator and an outdoor terrace.

Others to consider: The Sandbox (Derby and Goddard), Stearman Field Bar and Grill and Tin Lizard Bar & Grill.

Make it a full game-day experience

From national tournaments hosted in Wichita to hometown teams and marquee ESPN broadcasts, sports are always on in the Heart of the Country. Whether you’re watching live, catching highlights or celebrating a win afterward, these spots deliver the camaraderie and energy that make game day better.

Looking for more ideas? Wichita has more than 1,200 restaurants to explore. Download the latest Visitors Guide and keep planning your next winning weekend.