A Guide To All the Cities Hosting NCAA March Madness This Year

March Madness, the culmination of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Men’s Division I basketball season, is rapidly approaching. Even so, if you haven’t made your travel arrangements, it’s not too late.

After all, to get the best prices on flights, you want to book roughly 28 to 35 days in advance. Tickets in March won’t be as pricey as trying to book during the holiday season or even the summer. But it’s not exactly the cheapest time to fly. Check multiple websites and consider cashing in frequent flyer miles to make it to your March Madness destination.

Booking flights earlier in the day can help avoid what seems like inevitable travel delays lately. If you’ve shelled out money for tickets, try to fly in a day early so you don’t miss the main event. After all, there is plenty around these cities to see, do and eat. Plus, you’ll be less stressed when you arrive knowing you gave yourself plenty of time to enjoy the sights and tastes of the city.

If you don’t want to mess with airline travel right now, consider driving. Packing up your car with all the essentials – and perhaps a few friends – could give you the opportunity to visit multiple cities along the way.

After all, “traveling” may be considered a bad thing during an NCAA Finals game, but for those with wanderlust in our hearts, half the fun is getting there.

Dayton, Ohio

March 14 – 15

The first stop on the NCAA tour takes us to the University of Dayton (UD) Arena. UD Arena recently wrapped up a three-phase, $75 million renovation that makes the venue one to behold to kick off March Madness. But the surrounding city also has plenty to do, whether you’re looking for nightlife, breweries, or science and aerospace.

See: If I had to make just one stop in Dayton, it would be the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Rated Tripadvisor’s #1 attraction, the free attraction boasts more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles, including a space shuttle exhibit and an Apollo spacecraft.

Eat: Dayton boasts a vast variety of restaurants with cuisine from every region. While you are in town, you will not want to miss the famed Duck Donuts, a chain store with made-to-order donuts. This Tripadvisor review says it all: “It was so soft and delectable that I simply cannot see myself buying Duncan [sic] or Tim Hortons, donuts ever again.”

Stay: The University of Dayton has a Marriott hotel on campus, which you can’t beat for convenience. With an indoor/outdoor pool, a spacious restaurant that serves up classic New American dishes with locally sourced ingredients, and a patio with relaxing fire tables. Simply, the hotel provides the amenities and service you expect from a Marriott property.

Birmingham, Alabama

March 16 & 18

Next, the NCAA takes us to Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. The surrounding area has a ton of things to do on the off day between games.

See: If you have a bit of time in the city, it’s worth splurging on a Birmingham Area Family Fun Multi-Attraction Pass. Featuring up to seven area attractions at a discount, you can experience the Birmingham Zoo, the McWane Science Center, and the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum. Outdoor lovers will enjoy stops in Lake Lureen and Oak Mountain State Parks. If you feel the need for speed, be sure to take a spin around Alabama’s largest indoor go-karting facility.

Eat: Texas de Brazil is an upscale Brazilian barbecue with an robust salad bar and all you can eat meat carved on-demand at your table. Their wine selection is excellent; I personally choose the reds from Argentina or the house wine and I’m never disappointed. Reservations are recommended, especially on game day as it’s less than half a mile from Legacy Arena. While, Texas de Brazil is a chain, if you don’t have one in your area it’s worth experiencing.

For less pricey, regional fare, consider The Southern Kitchen and Bar, where you can grab gumbo, fried green tomatoes and other Southern staples. Not gonna lie–my mouth is watering over that Ribeye Mac & Cheese on the menu.

Stay: If you are looking for luxury accommodations close to the arena, the Westin Birmingham will have all you need. It boasts a heated terrace pool, bar, restaurant and a location that is central to many area attractions. Tripadvisor gives this hotel four stars. Plus, score Marriott rewards this property.

Des Moines, Iowa

March 16 & 18

The first and second rounds of March Madness take place in Des Moines, Iowa, at the Wells Fargo Arena.

See: This isn’t your usual botanical garden, museum or landmark building you might want to visit on a trip to a city you’ve never been to. (Although Des Moines has plenty of traditional tourist attractions as well!) If you’re looking for hours of fun after the game, hop into Up-Down Des Moines for a dose of 80s video game nostalgia and craft beers.

The venue is open until 2 AM and features an extensive collection of ‘80s and ‘90s video games, Skee-Ball, plus console gaming perfect to channel your GenX inner child. P.S. Tripadvisor rated in #1 in nightlife for the city. “The pizza was perfection and the selection of beers was more than my expectations,” said one reviewer.

Eat: You might smirk at the name, but this unfussy venue offers the best New Orleans southern cooking in Des Moines. If Cajun Creole isn’t your style, you can also find classic American fare like burgers and salads. The menu is extensive, and the prices will leave plenty of room in your budget for souvenirs at the game.

Stay: Rated #3 out of 53 places to stay in Des Moines by Tripadvisor, the Surety Hotel features a Billiards table in the lobby, spacious and stylish rooms, multiple gathering spaces to relax, an on-site bar and mini bars in the rooms. Described as a “one-of-a-kind Iowa experience,” the hotel is more affordable than you might imagine, too.

Orlando, Florida

March 16 & 18

Catch the first and second rounds of the NCAA championship at Amway Center in Orlando. Since Orlando is known for its tourist attractions, it might be hard to pinpoint a few of the best places if you only have a few days in the city. Theme parks aside, here are my top picks of things to see and eat near the arena.

See: I’ve become a big fan of escape rooms recently. The Asylum Escape Room within America’s Escape Game on International Drive is a fun attraction in the heart of the city, just 15 minutes from the Amway Center. It’s been recommended by 93% of travelers and received five stars on Tripadvisor. You can also choose from 5 other escape adventures.

Eat: For classic American fare in a convenient location, hop into Hamburger Mary’s on Church Street. You won’t want to be in Orlando for March Madness without experiencing Church Street Station nightlife. The historic area is home to upscale restaurants and casual eateries. If you’re in the mood for one of the best steaks in the area, however, Kres Chophouse will have what you’re looking for. The fine dining restaurant also includes vegan and gluten free options.

Stay: The Aloft Hotel elevates your Orlando experience with hip, modern décor, a spacious lobby and outdoor pool. Of course, it also checks off views of the city right from downtown Orlando. Marriott Bonvoy members collect rewards when you stay at this sustainable hotel, certified by the Florida Green Lodging Program.

Sacramento, California

March 16 & 18

Catch March Madness in California’s Capital City as the action heats up. You’ll find plenty to do, see and eat near Golden 1 Center.

See: Stop by the Sacramento waterfront and enjoy tourist-y shops, museums, and places to eat in Old Sacramento. One Tripadvisor reviewer spotlighted Evangeline’s Costume Mansion, with a general store on the first floor and costume shop above, as an eclectic stop you won’t find elsewhere. If you have the time, take a relaxing historic river cruise or rent bicycles and see Sacramento at a slower pace on the American River Bicycle Trail.

Eat: The Tower Café, inside Thimphu Clock Tower Square is rated third by Tripadvisor out of all the restaurants in Sacramento. Several reviewers declared it the best brunch and breakfast menu in town, with choices like Santa Fe Blueberry Cornmeal Pancakes. If you’re in town for the game on Saturday or staying through Sunday, it’s worth checking out.

Stay: Just a short walk from the Golden 1 Center, the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel represents a tremendous value for an upscale hotel in the heart of downtown Sacramento. Relax by the pool amidst an oasis of greenery atop the roof and grab a drink on the rooftop bar. Deemed the “quintessential pre- and post-game hangout on the hotel website, the Revival rooftop luxury lounge sets this hotel apart. You’ll also love the rooms, including spacious luxury suites.

Albany, New York

March 17 & 19

Catch the action for the first and second rounds at MVP Arena in the heart of downtown Albany. Dress in layers as the weather in March in upstate New York changes quicker than the scoreboard at a March Madness game.

See: As New York’s capital, Albany is home to the New York State Capitol Building, which is worth a stop if you are in town. It’s been deemed the most beautiful state capitol in the country, at a total construction cost of $25 million. Marvel at the Million Dollar Staircase, the 19th century architecture, and take a free tour to learn about the history of the building.

Eat: Albany is home to many craft breweries, pubs, and fine dining restaurants. Down a few beers and settle in for a bite in a casual setting–and a historic building–at the City Beer Hall. The menu leans toward gastro pub fare, with small plates, sandwiches, salads, and entrees. I’d be tempted by the lamb sliders and the braised brisket sandwich–topped with a sunny egg, of course.

Stay: The Renaissance Hotel in downtown is rated #6 by Tripadvisor as your best value hotel in Albany. It’s not a luxury hotel, but it offers all the amenities you need, plus a great view of the city. One reviewer said, “Room service and dinner downstairs were solid as a rock.”

Columbus, Ohio

March 17 & 19

Ohio State University hosts March Madness at Nationwide Arena. ExperienceColumbus.com offers plenty of things to do plus hotel deals.

See: From the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to the Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus boasts plenty of indoor and outdoor activities. If you have just a few days in the city, you may want to check out COSI, voted best science museum in the U.S.

Eat: If you’re looking for food you can’t find anywhere else, hop into Skillet, a farm-to-table restaurant that determines the daily menus based on what’s available from local farms and producers. Expect classic favorites elevated to excellence with locally sourced ingredients.

Stay: Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph is ranked in the top 10 of the city’s hotels by Tripadvisor. This sustainably minded hotel offers EV charging, free bike rentals and aromatherapy in the lobby. It’s just a little over half a mile to Nationwide Arena, too.

Denver, Colorado

March 17 & 19

Next stop, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and March Madness all in one at Denver’s Ball Arena.

See: While you’re in town, stroll Larimer Square for shopping, sightseeing and entertainment. You’ll also find plenty of museums in the area, including the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Denver Art Museum.

Eat: It’s not St. Patrick’s Day without corned beef and cabbage. Scruffy Murphy’s Irish Pub is touted by reviewers as “hands down a flipping fun Irish pub!” Friendly bartenders, a spacious patio, live music and karaoke deliver all the ambiance you need to celebrate.

Stay: I like to find boutique–or at least, unique–hotels. That diamond in the rough that may not be first on your list but offers exceptional service and a personal experience. But the Grand Hyatt Denver, a Four Diamond AAA award winning hotel, has so many amenities, it’s hard to pass it up. Just one block from the 16th Street Mall, with views of the mountains or the Mile High City skyline from the rooms, this hotel puts you in the heart of downtown action. Find an indoor pool, which is perfect for this time of year, an outdoor jogging track and tennis courts, plus an onsite restaurant and bar for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Greensboro, North Carolina

March 17 & 19

If you’re gravitating toward the East Coast games, your next time for March Madness will be the lovely city of Greensboro, North Carolina.

See: Much of Greensboro’s activities centers around sports, from golf to basketball. But the city, the third largest in North Carolina, also has a rich history. If you have just a few days in town, make sure to check out the ACC Hall of Champions, a celebration of Atlantic Coast Conference athletes.

Eat: It might be St. Patrick’s Day, but you don’t want to pass up your chance for authentic southern cooking in Greensboro. 42 Fry serves up fried chicken, fish and shrimp, Po Boys and a mouthwatering selection of sides at prices that leave plenty of cash left over for the next two stops on the Road to the Final Four. (You’ll need it for Vegas and New York.)

Stay: Rated #1 in Greensboro by Tripadvisor, the AAA Four Diamond award winning Grandover Resort & Spa, a Wyndham Grand Hotel, features an indoor / outdoor pool, a spa, and two award-winning 18-hole golf courses. Overwhelmingly positive reviews showed that guests loved their stays, from the food to the service.

Las Vegas, Nevada

March 23 & 25

It’s hard to encompass Las Vegas in just a few paragraphs. Whether you want to take in a show, gamble, or see the sights, there’s plenty to do after or before the games at T-Mobile Arena.

See: Partiers who want to experience as much of the Vegas nightlife as possible may want to join a Las Vegas Club Crawl. Rated 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor, it’s a great way to visit some of the city’s best party venues, with VIP access.

Eat: Las Vegas hotels have plenty of award-winning restaurants to choose from. A Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice for 2022, Chin Chin, in the New York-New York Hotel and minutes from T-Mobile Arena, offers Asian fusion that you may find in New York’s Chinatown neighborhood. From pad thai to freshly rolled sushi at affordable prices, you won’t go wrong.

Stay: It wasn’t easy to narrow down the options on places to stay in Las Vegas. The Park MGM, less than two minutes from T-Mobile Arena, earns my vote. New York New York is in the same area, and also a great pick, with a unique atmosphere. What sets Park MGM apart for me is the modern, European-style rooms and the top-rated steakhouse, Bavette’s.

New York, NY

March 23 & 25

The Road to the Final Four continues at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, a tourist destination in its own right. If you have just a few days in the city that never sleeps, how should you spend them?

See: From Hudson Yards to the Highline, you could spend a lifetime in Manhattan and still not see it all. If you have time for just one tourist attraction before the game, I’d recommend the Empire State Building, primarily for its proximity to Penn Station and the Garden. Enjoy 360-degree views of the city from 86 floors up.

Eat: While you’re in New York, you probably want to grab pizza and a bagel. New Yorkers all have their opinions on who serves the best. If you’re looking for pub fare close to the Garden, Mustang Harry’s has fabulous wings, an extensive menu, and friendly service.

Stay: The Henn na Hotel in midtown Manhattan, just a short walk from Penn Station, the new Moynihan Hall, and MSG, brings Japanese hospitality and high-tech amenities to New York. You can stream from mobile devices directly to the room’s Smart TV. Freshen up after the game by running your clothes through the LG Styler Closet, a steamer that refreshes your outfit. Refresh yourself in the soaking tub or make use of the bidet. The rooms are exceptionally spacious for a Manhattan property. Stand-out features include the T-Rex in the lobby (you have to see it to believe it) and a second-floor lounge that creates an urban sanctuary in the heart of the city.

Kansas City, Missouri

March 24 & 26

Known for barbecue, jazz, and, of course, a strong sports culture that celebrates basketball and football, fans won’t be disappointed to stop in Kansas City on the Road to the Final Four.

See: If you have time for just one stop, make it the American Jazz Museum. Experience interactive exhibits, and stay to enjoy the vibe of the Blue Room Jazz Club.

Eat: Kansas City has some of the best dining you’ll find anywhere, rivaling New York and Chicago. From award-winning rustic Italian restaurants to top-rated steakhouses it was tough to narrow my choice to just one. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood is an upscale eatery known for its oysters, fresh seafood, and a mouthwatering selection of steaks. Enjoy live jazz in the lounge, as you sip selections from the extensive wine list.

Stay: Rated third for best value in Kansas City by Tripadvisor and #10 overall, the historic Hotel Kansas City was recently renovated yet maintains its vintage atmosphere from the 1920s. Enjoy four onsite restaurants, minibars in the rooms, and an absolutely gorgeous lobby that will make you feel as if you were transported back in time.

One reviewer, who gave the hotel five stars on Tripadvisor, wrote, “This is one of the most beautiful hotels I've ever seen. So much charm, history and all in the heart of downtown.”

Louisville, Kentucky

March 24 & 26

Catch the NCAA games in Louisville’s KFC Yum! Center! But don’t let your sports adventure stop there.

See: You may be in town for basketball, but sports fans won’t want to miss a stop at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. Best of all, the tour takes just 30 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to explore other sites in the city. Also worth a mention is MEGA ZIPS, rated #1 of things to do in Louisville, as the world’s only underground zipline adventure park.

Eat: Fourth Street houses many bars and restaurants. I’m always a fan of Brazilian barbecue. I really can’t go wrong with all-you-can-eat meat sliced fresh at the table, plus an extensive salad bar. Brazerios Louisville was hailed by reviewers as the best restaurant in Louisville and also the “best Brazilian steakhouse ever.” I’ll definitely be checking it out next time I’m in town.

Stay: A Louisville landmark since 1923, the historic Brown Hotel is a AAA Four Diamond hotel devoted to sustainability and service. The lobby, decorated in Georgian-Revival style, is breathtaking in its elegance. It’s in the center of the action, on the corner of Fourth Street and Broadway. Make sure to enjoy a bourbon flight in the Lobby Bar and Grill during your stay.

Houston, Texas

April 1 & 3

The Final Four takes place in Houston at NRG Stadium. There’s so much to see and do in Houston, you may want to stick around even after the final buzzer to enjoy the sights and tastes of the city.

See: If I had just a few hours in Houston, I’d spend it at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. With the Burke Baker Planetarium, the King Tut’s Tomb Discovery Experience, and tons of exhibits for all ages, you’ll be educated, entertained, and inspired. Pick up a Houston CityPASS to experience the HMNS, along with other attractions, including the Houston Zoo and Downtown Aquarium.

Eat: When you’re in Texas, you’re going to want a good steak. Located in the famed Galleria Mall, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse will exceed your expectations for fine dining. The menu is extensive, with multiple sides for every taste and eclectic appetizers like lobster deviled eggs.

Stay: Earning “Best of the Best” in 2022 by Tripadvisor, this brand-new property is the only luxury hotel near NRG Stadium and a top choice for travelers. Enjoy the rooftop pool, take a spin on a Peloton in the fitness center, and enjoy the convenience of Samsung Smart TVs, Nespresso coffee makers, and Dyson hair dryers in the room.

Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.