A Slam Dunk

Celebrate college hoops in style all over Las Vegas

It’s the best feeling in the world— that moment when your 23 carefully considered March Madness bracket choices have not been completely destroyed by all the upsets to come. No matter how many times your hopes have been dashed, you always look forward to the beginning of the NCAA Division 1 men’s basketball tournament. And Las Vegas has plenty of venues where you can enjoy the chaos in style.

Head downtown to Circa Las Vegas ’ Stadium Swim complex for Mania Under the Sun, where the seating arrangements are limitless. Bring the whole gang and opt for everything from general admission to the owner’s suite—there are no bad viewing angles here, thanks to the facility’s 143-foot HD screen. Don’t forget to bring your swimwear, as Stadium Swim contains six pools and two spas on two levels. Tickets start at $20.

Westgate Las Vegas ’ Hoops Central promises to pack the International Theater (no limit on group size), with tickets starting at $45. Buckets of beer are $35 ($30 for domestic), and plenty of your favorite snacks will be on hand, from popcorn to nachos.

The viewing party at the Grand Ballroom of Golden Nugget is open to the public, but for a guaranteed seat (plus some tasty food and drink), opt for VIP tickets. Prices range from $129-$599, depending on the day, and each comes with four free food items and five free drink tickets. Act quickly!

One of the Strip’s hottest properties hosts one of the hottest parties—Hoops & Hops (now in its 12th year) at The Cosmopolitan’s Belmont Ballroom, featuring wallto-wall screens, hardwood basketball court with regulation hoop and complimentary games like Super Shot. Packages range from $150 to $300 and include options like open bar and a gourmet buffet.

Resorts World Las Vegas gets in on the action with Battle of the Brackets parties at both Eight Lounge and Gatsby’s Cocktail Lounge. Eight will offer cigar and beverage packages, while Gatsby’s serves up a huge array of champagnes and signature cocktails.

At The Linq Hotel , Buddy’s Jersey Eats serves up Mad Specials for the occasion—six wings for $15, 10 wings for $20 and Nacho Fries (waffle fries topped with spicy chili cheese sauce, bacon, scallions, cilantro, queso fresco and jalapeño) for $14. –Ken Miller

For an expanded list, go to lasvegasmagazine.com

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