Key Points:
- Book a *refundable* hotel room early & check back for price drops & upgrade opportunities.
- Sign up for & load your sportsbook apps before Thursday (because NV is weird).
- Reserve a seat at a watch party – You can’t just waltz into a sports bar.
Oh baby. I’ts almost that time. The opening weekend of March Madness in Las Vegas is upon us.
Minus the COVID year (man, I was so worried about Fred Hoiberg during the Big Ten Tournament), I’ve been making this trip for years, and figured I’d share some lessons learned and tips.
Feel free to drop a comment with any questions – I’m happy to help!
Where to Watch
Option 1 – Sportsbook Hopping: An actual chair in a sportsbook on the Strip is going to cost you an arm & a leg, but standing in the back of the room is a decent solution.
The crowd’s engaged and roars with every shot, turnover, etc.
The main drawback is that you’re on your feet all day. This is what my crew used to do, and I’d be sore AF at the end of the day.
Probs just my flat feet. But old guys should be aware of the pain.
Option 2 – Watch Parties: I meticulously create a rundown of March Madness Watch Parties, with options ranging widely.
There are free parties at spots like South Point, Binions, the D, Fontainebleau, Golden Nugget, and even Circa. The main drawback is that seating can disappear quickly, requiring you to line up at 6 am like it’s Black Friday (but the wild Black Fridays from the early 2000’s, not today’s watered-down version).
Paid watch parties are my preferred route, as you’ll be guaranteed a seat in most cases, and many offer AYCE buffets and/or open bar packages.
Go-to budget-friendly options I usually hit include Plaza’s (pictured below), which costs $100 and includes a seat and AYCD beer, and Westgate’s theater, which Costs $70 and only includes a seat.
Ritzier options, like Cosmopolitan’s “Hoops & Hops” party, can cost up to $300 for the full day.
Not all parties are created equal.
I recommend joining the March Madness in Las Vegas Facebook group to get feedback from real people on the party you’re considering. Once there, the search function is your best friend. You’ll get all the important details (atmosphere, food quality, service, TV quality, game management, etc.)
Refer to my list of parties to find one that fits your budget and needs.
Flights & Lodging
One of the busiest weekends of the year, flights and rooms are going to be spendy.
I like to arrive on Tuesday to avoid the rush and ideally leave on Monday, which results in cheaper flights.
On the hotel front, book a refundable room early, and check back frequently for price drops or opportunities to get a better room for your money.
My first booking is rarely my last, and sniffing out that ridiculous deal is half the fun.
Sidenote: I can get a complimentary room with Caesars or MGM anytime of the year… except for the opening weekend of March Madness.
I’ve since played a minimal amount at Fontainebleau, a new resort with a hotel product close to being on par with Wynn, and now get comp offers for this coveted weekend with freeplay.
May be worth giving them some play for future tourneys – This was my brother’s recent stay.
Let’s Talk Drinks
If you’re on the alcoholism spectrum (slowly raises hand…), book a watch party with an open bar or endless draft beer.
For those booking parties without endless drinks, tipping the ticket writer can go a LONG way.
We typically attend the party at Westgate’s theater, which doesn’t include drinks. My friends were placing bets, whining about getting 1… or no drink tickets.
I went up, handed my ticket writer a $20 tip, and he gave me a STACK of tickets worth way more than $20.
If it looks like you’re going to get the shaft, just ask. Make it awkward.
Placing Bets
Ideally, you’d walk up to the counter and place your bets in person. That way, you can get some drink tickets, and there’s nothing better than holding paper bet slips.
That said, lines to bet can be absurd. You’re going to want betting apps.
I ensure I have 2-3 apps loaded with funds to make line shopping possible, BUT newcomers need to plan ahead.
Unlike other states, Nevada requires new sportsbook signups to physically visit the sportsbook before they can load funds. An absurd rule, but a rule, nonetheless.
For larger chains like Caesars or MGM, you can visit any of their properties for this in-person verification step.
You’ll want to complete this step before Thursday to avoid crowds and ensure your account is loaded for the early games. This is a great little Wednesday night activity.
March Madness Eve Party
Lastly, the March Madness in Las Vegas Facebook group I mentioned hosts a party on Wednesday night at PT’s within STRAT to watch the games.
It costs $50, and gets you endless domestic bottled beer for 6 hours, a buffet from 3-6 stocked with gameday fare, raffle entries, and more.
I was there last year, and it’s an amazing deal.
Happy trip planning, and drop any questions you have in the comments! I live for this stuff, and am overjoyed to help.
I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.
mattbob77
Friday 20th of February 2026
My crew has been going to Vegas for MM for over 20 years. I agree with everything you've written. For this year's trip, we've now booked and re-booked nine times to get the best rate. For my money, the MMILV Strat watch party is by far the best. Way more value than any other option. A couple of additional suggestions:
1) Even with a tip, many places want bets of several hundred dollars before giving a drink ticket. (Admittedly, I've never tipped as much as $20; may roll the dice and try that this year.) But in many books there is a separate line for horse racing bets, and they are more liberal with free drinks. I've made a ten-dollar race bet with a five dollar tip and walked away with a handful of tickets.
2) If you want a seat to watch the game outside the packed sportsbook, grab a seat at any bar with video poker and collect the free drinks as you watch. Just play at a reasonable pace and the cocktails never stop.
3) The Las Vegas Advisor coupon book is a must. Plenty of free play and match play coupons that more than cover the $50 annual cost.
Let's goooooooo!!!!
Jake
Saturday 21st of February 2026
@mattbob77, love this. See ya at STRAT!
jim
Sunday 25th of March 2018
Have a good time and do not worry about money