A Guide to March Madness in Sacramento 2023

Sacramento is hosting the first- and second-round games of the 2023 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship tournament, at Golden 1 Center

Sacramento is hosting the first- and second-round games of the 2023 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship tournament, at Golden 1 Center. Known as March Madness, 68 teams take part in a single elimination tournament that runs from March into April, the first- and second-rounds of the tournament consist of 48 games played over 4 days. At Golden 1 Center attendees can see how well these brackets do live and in real time at the NBA’s most technologically advanced arena. Visit the NCAA Ticketing website for a chance to score seats.

Those who can’t get tickets to the games  can still join in the March Madness fun and watch the tournament at one of the many sports bars in the city. Public House Downtown has 25 television screens meaning visitors won’t miss a minute of any of the weekend’s 48 games, as well as 60 beers on tap so there is never a shortage of beverage choices either. Barwest Midtown is another great spot to enjoy the tournament with a 75-foot big-screen TV, plenty of small bites and dozens of craft cocktails allowing for the perfect game day experience.

When visiting Sacramento for the tournament there are plenty of other things to see, do and eat in the city. Being the capital of California, there are several landmarks not to be  missed. Stroll down Capitol Mall to catch a glimpse of the Capitol Building at one end and Tower Bridge at the other. Afterwards, head over to East Sacramento to take a walk through the McKinley Park Rose Garden, which was featured in the popular Sacramento-based film Lady Bird.

Food and drink options are plentiful when in America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital. Start the day off with some locally roasted coffee from Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters or Old Soul Co. then head over to DOCO before a game to enjoy southern barbeque at Sauced BBQ & Spirits, surf ‘n’ turf at Echo & Rig, or delicious food and craft cocktails at Punch Bowl Social. Those running late between games, not to worry, there are plenty of delicious local restaurants to eat at inside Golden 1 Center.

The fun doesn’t have to stop once the buzzer goes off. Those who are  in a celebrating mood after the games can head out and explore Sacramento’s nightlife. From Tiger and Coin-Op Game Room on K Street, to Goldfield Trading Post and The Golden Bear in Midtown, there are plenty of happening spots near Golden 1 Center.

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