Splash Magazines Worldwide is here to help you maximize your Las Vegas experience, where you can dive into all the nonstop basketball action, thrilling buzzer-beaters, and plenty of wagers. Along the way, you’ll discover the best spots for cocktails, world-class dining, and the largest TVs in the world.
March Madness is the ultimate event for any basketball fan. Whether you’re attending games across the country or watching from home, nothing compares to the electric atmosphere of Las Vegas. The tournament kicks off on March 20th (the round of 64), but in Vegas, there’s so much more than just the games. We are going to share the best food, drinks and the best places to enjoy after second of the Madness!
Sapphire Las Vegas, the world’s largest gentlemen’s club and adult entertainment complex, will transform into a seductive sports lounge with basketball shooting games, Sapphire entertainers in barely-there, painted on referee and game day jerseys and exclusive party packages during the 2025 College Hoops Tournament. Basketball fans can root for their favorite of 64 teams with multi-screen viewings, all-inclusive drink deals and of course, Sapphire entertainers to rally the fans!
Throughout the tournament, college basketball fans are being called out of their hotel rooms and off their couches and into Sapphire Las Vegas’ annual Babes & Brackets viewing parties. With Sapphire “Babes & Brackets” package options as low as $30, fans can enjoy a two-hour open bar every game day between 10am-6pm or get their game time grub on with highlights like the Double Dribble Breakfast Platter (Two Eggs, Two Pancakes, Two Bacon or Sausage and a side of Breakfast Potatoes), Sapphire Signature Breakfast Burrito (Egg, Sausage, Tater Tots, Bell Peppers, Onion, Cheddar Cheese), Sapphire Angus Burger (Sapphire Sauce, American Cheese, Lettuce, Pickles, Onion, Tomato), Signature Thin Crust Pizza, Jumbo Wings (Frank’s Red-hot, Mild, Honey Garlic, Lemon Pepper, Asian Sesame), Handmade Milkshakes or an ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sunday, to name just a few.
Toast to the madness at Sapphire Las Vegas with its exclusive College Hoops cocktails, crafted to keep the energy high all tournament long. The Bracket Buster delivers a bold mix of bourbon, orange liqueur, and bitters for a winning shot of flavor. For those craving something crisp and refreshing, the Triple Double Tonic shakes up a classic gin & tonic with elderflower liqueur and lemon, served in a tall glass for a smooth, buzzer-beating finish. And for a slam dunk of tropical vibes, the Sapphire Slam Dunk stirs up an electrifying blend of coconut rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and a splash of champagne—because every victory deserves a little extra sparkle. Whether you’re cheering courtside or from the best seats in Vegas, these cocktails are your ultimate game-time companions.
With Las Vegas serving as the backdrop to America’s greatest sports binge, Sapphire rises to the occasion with complimentary transportation to and from sports books so guests can place their bets before heading back to Sapphire to watch the games.
In celebration of the tournament, Sapphire will partner with Skin City body painting to ‘outfit’ the Sapphire ‘cheerleaders’ with custom game day jerseys to rally the crowd for college hoops tip off. For the ultimate party, guests can purchase the following value packages including:
Game Day Open Bar – $100 per guest
- 2-hour Open Bar
- College Hoops Daytime Special
The Tip Off – $225* (valid up to 5 guests)
- Select 1 premium bottle with mixers and Red Bull
- Choice of: Grey Goose Vodka or Patron Silver with other premium bottles available
- College Hoops Daytime Special
ALL-STAR: $425* (valid up to 10 guests)
- Select 2 premium bottles with mixers and Red Bull
- Choice of: Grey Goose Vodka or Patron Silver with other premium bottles available
- College Hoops Daytime Special
The 3-Peat – $550* (valid up to 15 guests)
- Select 2 premium bottles with mixers and Red Bull
- Choice of: Grey Goose Vodka or Patron Silver with other premium bottles available
- 1 Case of beer choice of: Heineken or Bud Light
- College Hoops Daytime Special
*tax, venue fee, and gratuity not included
All premium bottle package options are valid throughout the tournament from 10am-6pm and include complimentary cover, transportation to Sapphire, front of line admission and a VIP table on the main floor. Fans can visit https://sapphirelasvegas.com/babesandbrackets/ for more package options and to book their “Babes & Brackets” experience!
Fine Entertainment is your has a number of great locations to ensure that you don’t miss a minute of the college basketball action. Whether you’re a die-hard hoops fan or a casual viewer, Fine Entertainment has curated the best viewing options to help you catch every thrilling buzzer-beater, intense upset, and unforgettable game. Fine Entertainment has you covered with all the ways to stay connected to the madness all month long with a spot for any level of college basketball love.
AmeriCAN, located at The LINQ Promenade, is offering a full day open bar option for $175 MARCH MAYHEM 2025 — ameriCAN Bar – Las Vegas.
Rockhouse, located at the Grand Canal Shoppes inside of The Venitian, will allow you to experience all the action with two food and beverage minimum options, half day $175, full day $300 MARCH MAYHEM 2025 — Rockhouse Las Vegas | Grand Canal Shoppes inside The Venetian
The George, located inside Durango Casino & Resort, offers you a beautiful view of the sportsbook as well as an amazing outdoor setting with both spots offering up some of the best views of the games anywhere in Las Vegas. Food and beverage minimum, half day prices start at $175 based on location and then full day starts at $300 based on location. These are listed under experiences on Open Table to reserve or people can fill out the link below which is a jotform The George Sportsmen’s Lounge Restaurant – Las Vegas, NV | OpenTable or visit the link for The George “March Hoops” Events & Promotions — The George Sportsmen’s Lounge at Durango Resort
Rouge Room, the modern Parisian cocktail lounge at Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa, will open early to showcase all of the college basketball championship action from 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 20 through 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 22. Guests can view the games across the lounge’s dropdown 75” HDTVs, four additional 80” HDTVs, and a 16-foot projector screen on the main stage, ensuring there won’t be a bad seat in the house. Viewing reservations are available in morning time slots running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and evening time slots running from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., each with a $75 per person minimum. For diehard fans, all-day viewing reservations are available with a $175 per person minimum. Open seating at the bar is first come, first serve. Reservations can be made online here.
With over 70 locations throughout the state, PT’s Taverns locations are an excellent choice for catching the championship action. Fans can to take advantage of March food and beverage specials just in time for the college championship, including two crunchy tacos priced at $3; grilled bratwurst priced at $5; mini corn dogs served with crispy french fries and ranch dressing, priced $5; grilled chicken, bacon and chipotle ranch quesadillas priced at $5; snack-size Jameson sauce boneless wings and cheeseburger tots both priced at $6; and 7-inch cheese or pepperoni personal pizzas served with boneless wings and a choice of dipping sauce, priced at $10. The deals don’t stop there, as PT’s award-winning twice-daily happy hour offers guests 50% off all drinks including wines by the glass and premium spirits and 10-inch personal pepperoni or cheese pizzas priced at $6 from 5 – 7 p.m. and again from midnight to 2 a.m. Find your local PT’s location here.
Battle of the Brackets returns to CliQue Bar & Lounge, the chic cocktail lounge located at the heart of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. From the start of the tournament on Tuesday, March 18 through the championship game on Monday, April 7, the venue will showcase all of the college basketball games across its six HD plasma-screen TVs. Fans can make the most of their viewing experience with specialty game-day bites including game-day nachos priced at $22 and pigs in blankets or lollipop chicken wings priced at $26, among others. CliQue will also be opening early at 9 a.m. Thursday, March 20 through Sunday, March 23 with additional screens for viewing so fans don’t miss a moment of the action. While taking it all in, fans can dine on light bites including flame-grilled wagyu sliders and lollipop chicken wings, and sip on signature cocktails like the spicy and refreshing “So Fresa, So Clean,” or the tart and tangy “Blueberry Mule.” Available for morning or afternoon tournament sessions during the first two rounds, table minimums start at $500 per viewing session, with bar seating available starting at a $125 minimum per session. Reservations are available online here.
Eight Lounge, the award-winning cigar and cocktail lounge at Resorts World Las Vegas and known as being “where the pros smoke,” will bring college hoop madness to life. From Thursday, March 20 through Sunday, March 23, the lounge will open early at noon with no minimums for reservations before 7 p.m. Basketball fans can take in the action from the lounge’s picturesque terrace where they can catch every rebound and slam dunk with additional HDTVs showing the games, weather permitting. Guests can elevate their watch experience with signature libations including the crisp and refreshing “Sweet Melissa” or the silky smooth “Rising Sun Sour.” Whether first-time smokers or cigar veterans, fans looking to pair a game-day stick with their drink of choice can rely on Eight Lounge’s professional cigar ambassadors to help them pick the ideal cigar pairing for the drink of their choice, or vice versa. Reservations can be made online here.
Gatsby’s Cocktail Lounge, located just off the casino floor at Resorts World Las Vegas, will tip off its own Battle of the Brackets for the college basketball tournament. Opening early at 10 a.m. from Thursday, March 20 through Sunday, March 23, the roaring 20s-inspired lounge will be showing the games across eight HDTVs with no minimums for reservations before 7 p.m. Starting at 11 a.m., basketball fans can have game day-inspired bites such as Buffalo wings, deli sandwiches, loaded potato pancakes and more, delivered from Junior’s at Resorts World, the famous New York restaurant’s first West Coast location. Gatsby’s bartenders will also be crafting the lounge’s specialty cocktails to make sure guests have a drink in hand to cheer on their favorite team. After the action ends each night, a DJ will keep the energy up with dance worthy beats playing late into the night. Reservations can be made online here.
Tailgate Social Sports Bar & Grill inside Palace Station Hotel and Casino, will host Buckets & Brews viewing parties for each weekend of the college basketball playoffs. Beyond the action on the screens, Tailgate Social delivers game-day eats that are just as exciting as the matchups. Fans can kick things off with crispy style chicken wings with choice of sauce or Tailgate nachos, both priced at $19. In addition to these all-star menu items, guests can choose from a lineup of handcrafted sandwiches, freshly made pizzas and more, ensuring there’s something for every fan to enjoy. A wide selection of ice-cold beers and expertly crafted cocktails will keep the energy high from tip-off to the final buzzer. More details and reservations are available here.
The Buckets & Brews party schedule includes:
- Round 1 from March 20-21 with a $95 food and beverage minimum per person per session
- Round 2 from March 22-23 with a $75 food and beverage minimum per person per session
- Super 16 from March 27-28 with a $50 food and beverage minimum per person per game
- Only 8 from March 29-30 with a $50 food and beverage minimum per person per game
- Last 4 on April 5 and the Championship Game on April 8 with no minimums.
Borracha Mexican Cantina, the Day of the Dead-inspired dining destination at Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa and Casino, will bring a south-of-the-border twist to college basketball tournament viewing. From Thursday, March 20 through Monday, March 24, the cantina will open early at 9 a.m. with its full menu of Mexican-inspired dishes – from tacos bursting with flavor like the carne asada and marinated mahi mahi to sizzling fajitas cooked with chile butter and inventive burritos like the artichoke chicken. Brunch, typically only served on Saturday and Sunday, will also be available each day with favorites like chorizo skillet with two eggs any style with chorizo, peppers and onions, ready to pair with the morning action. The bar will also be pouring bottomless micheladas and mimosas each day, priced at $25 per person, as well as serving an abundance of tequila and cerveza options.
During this March Mania tournament season, Proper Bar inside Proper Eats Food Hall at ARIA Resort & Casino will be the ultimate destination for college basketball fans. For the first weekend of play, from Thursday, March 20, through Sunday, March 23, guests can enjoy an all-you-can-eat package for $75 per session, available during two daily viewing sessions. The morning session runs from 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., and the afternoon session runs from 3:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. Each $75 package grants unlimited access to a wide range of delicious dining options, including Korean fried chicken from Seoul Bird, authentic deli sandwiches from Wexler’s, mouth-watering pizzas from Pizzaoki and more. For those looking to upgrade their experience, hand-cut sushi rolls from Temaki Bar Sushi will be available for an additional charge.
OYO Hotel & Casino is taking the excitement of the college basketball championship to the next level in true Vegas style. From Thursday, Mar. 20 to Saturday, Mar. 22, guests can purchase a March Mania Wristband for $99, granting them four hours of unlimited domestic draft beer, house wine, and house liquor at select locations throughout the property. Wristbands can be used at Splash Cantina, Lobby Bar or while cheering on their teams on one of Underground Lounge’s 26 plasma TV screens, ensuring fans can keep the drinks flowing without missing a moment of the nonstop action.
Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant in Downtown Summerlin welcomes basketball fans of all ages to enjoy the tournament excitement. With a lively, family-friendly cantina atmosphere, guests can watch every game with live sound while enjoying festive food and drinks, including shareable dishes ideal for game day gatherings. Highlights include Botanas Especiales, a combination platter featuring flour quesadillas, chicken drumsticks, beef taquitos and chicken flautas served with sour cream and guacamole; the shrimp cocktail garnished with avocado, pico de gallo and cucumbers; and the Artichoke and Jalapeño con Queso, a blend of melted cheeses, cream cheese, artichoke hearts and slices of jalapeño served bubbling in a ceramic skillet. Guests over 21 can take advantage of the cantina’s array of handmade margaritas with over 40 tequilas to choose from. Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant opens daily at 11 a.m. with Happy Hour in the cantina from 2 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are recommended and can be made here.
Get ready for the ultimate March Madness viewing experience as Basketball Bonanza returns to Palms Casino Resort from March 20–23, transforming Palms Pool into an electrifying basketball hub where fans can watch every game on massive LED screens while enjoying free admission, free parking, live betting action, interactive games, DJs, and unbeatable food and drink specials.
This year’s event takes the hoops-watching experience to new heights with live game/sound on Thursday and Friday, followed by a DJ on Saturday and Sunday to keep the energy high. Guests can also test their skills with Pop-a-Shot, Cornhole, and Life-Sized Beer Pong, plus a live host activating games and giveaways for exclusive prizes on Thursday and Friday.
EVENT DETAILS:
- Dates: March 20–23, 2025
- Hours:
- Thursday and Friday: 8:30 a.m. – End of Final Game
- Saturday and Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
FREE ADMISSION – General admission is free daily. First-come, first-served seating is available.
FREE PARKING – Self Parking and Valet Parking are always free.
VIP EXPERIENCE – Reserve Bungalows, Cabanas, and Daybeds with food & beverage minimums at palms.com/experiences/palms-pool.
LARGE LED SCREENS – High-quality video and sound for every game.
INTERACTIVE GAMES – Enjoy Pop-a-Shot, Cornhole, and Life-Sized Beer Pong (weather permitting).
HOSTED ACTIVATIONS – Game-day contests, prizes, and giveaways on Thursday and Friday.
GAME-DAY FOOD and DRINKS – Special menu items plus rotating daily beer bucket features:
• Thursday Sunday:
- Bud, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra Buckets, Jack Daniels, and Jack Honey
LIVE BETTING ACTION – Place your bets with William Hill Sportsbook inside Palms.
“Basketball Bonanza at Palms is the ultimate way to experience March Madness in Las Vegas,” said Steve Sagan, Executive Director of Daylife/Nightlife Operations at Palms Casino Resort. “With free entry, giant screens, interactive games, and top-notch food and drinks, we’ve created the perfect destination for fans to soak up the action in a fun and vibrant setting.”
For VIP reservations and more details, visit palms.com/basketball-bonanza.
After a sold-out Big Game viewing party, The Front Yard inside Ellis Island Hotel and Casino is excited to announce March Mania packages available on March 20th and 21st. Enjoy every game being aired from wall-to-wall TVs in the two-story indoor/outdoor venue featuring an 18-foot big screen TV and 27 additional screens throughout the space. The energy of the vibrant atmosphere, with the beautiful views of the Las Vegas Strip and the Sphere from the second-floor atrium, make The Front Yard the perfect spot to watch the NCAA First Round Tournament.
On March 20th and 21st, guests are invited to cheer on their team while enjoying an all-you-can-eat-and-drink menu full of Ellis family favorite recipes and Ellis Island craft beer, for $175 each session.
- Session times:
- Morning Session: 8AM – 3PM
- Evening Session: 3:30PM – 10PM
- Full-Day Session: 8AM – 10PM
Guests can choose between the morning session, afternoon session, or can show their true love for the game by staying for both! This event is 21+. For additional details, ticket pricing, and to purchase tickets, visit TicketSauce.com.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will once again become the epicenter for college basketball’s most passionate fans when the popular “Hoops & Hops” party returns to the resort March 20-22, 2025 during the Men’s and Women’s NCAA Basketball Championships. The Cosmopolitan’s Belmont Ballroom will be the ideal venue to watch all the tournament games offering fans more than 40,000 square feet of non-stop college basketball action.
Tickets for “Hoops & Hops” go on sale to the public Friday, Jan. 24 at 10 a.m. PST. An MGM Rewards
member pre-sale will run Thursday, Jan. 23 from 10 a.m. PST to 10 p.m. PST. Tickets may be
purchased online at Hoops & Hops at The Cosmopolitan. There will be no refunds or exchanges once a
ticket is purchased; re-entry is allowed for all guests.
“Hoops & Hops” will feature multiple stadium-style, high-definition projection screens airing the
tournaments’ first and second round games Thursday-Saturday. Complimentary bar games will be
available along with a hardwood court and regulation basket for fans to test their free throw shooting
skills. Fans also will have the opportunity to place wagers at dedicated sports betting windows or, of
course, on their downloaded BetMGM app.
Additional “Hoops & Hops” Event Information
Doors open at 7:30 a.m. for the first-round games on Thursday and Friday and at 8 a.m. on
Saturday for the second round.
À la carte food and beverage options are available as well as all-inclusive ticket packages:
o Thursday and Friday – single-day open bar ticket priced at $300, not including service
fees
o Saturday – single-day open bar ticket priced at $150, not including service fees
o Thursday-Saturday – three-day open bar ticket priced at $675, not including service
fees
Reserved seating features private sofas, coffee tables, beverage service and gourmet buffet. For
reservations fans can email The Cosmopolitan Entertainment Sales or call 702-698-6797.
Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis; reserved seating is not available for general entry
guests.
Guests can purchase food and drink inside the event or bring in food and drink from any
restaurant inside The Cosmopolitan.
Guests receive complimentary entry to Marquee Nightclub with a valid “Hoops & Hops”
wristband.
There is no smoking inside the venue; smoking is permitted on the casino floor.
All “Hoops & Hops” attendees must be 21 years of age or older.
For more information about “Hoops & Hops” or to book reservations, visit Hoops & Hops at The
Cosmopolitan or call 877-893-2003. F
For information on other happenings at the other MGM Resorts Properties, visit: MGM Resorts
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