What Up Wichita?
Quite possibly the biggest week for Wichita starts Wednesday.

In today’s email:

• Downtown Events: Your complete guide of NCAA events around downtown

• Dining Guide for Downtown: Where to eat around the arena

FEATURE STORY
NCAA Tournament Events in Wichita

One of the biggest weeks in Wichita kicks off Wednesday with the arrival of the NCAA Tournament at Intrust Bank Arena.

While the games don’t start until Thursday, March 20, there are festivities all over town. If you don’t want to miss out on the fun, we’ve got you covered with the NCAA events, watch parties and fun taking place all around the arena.

March 19

Open Practice Day
Where: Intrust Bank Arena
Time: 11 a.m.
Come early and be part of the action as the eight teams take the court throughout the day on Open Practice Day at INTRUST Bank Arena. Tournament tickets are not needed, and this event is free! Fans are permitted and encouraged to come and go throughout the day, but will be required to go through security each re-entry of the arena. Doors open at 10 a.m., arena concessions will be available, and the first practice is scheduled at 11 a.m.

March 19-23

Shot Clock at the Railhouse Venue
Where: Railhouse Venue – 400 S. Commerce St.
Basketball fans, this is your HQ for all the madness!
Get ready for the ultimate game-day experience at Shot Clock at The Rail House—Wichita’s hottest pop-up bar, just steps away from Intrust Bank Arena! Whether you’re catching every game or celebrating after the buzzer, this is the place to be!

JOIN IN THE ACTION!
March 16 (Selection Sunday) | 3 PM to 11 PM
March 19 (Welcome to Wichita Party) | 5 PM to 2 AM
March 20 | 11 AM to 2 AM
March 21 | 11 AM to 2 AM
March 22 | 11 AM to 2 AM
March 23 | 11 AM to 11 PM 

WHAT TO EXPECT:
Massive LED video walls streaming tournament play
Well-stocked bar with daily drink specials
Tasty bar snacks to keep you fueled
Live DJs, a high-energy dance floor, and a wild light show every night
Before, during, and after the games—Shot Clock is the MVP of your tournament experience

March 19 – 22

Party Out Front
Where: Arena District ICT – 500 E. Waterman
Over 100,000 Square feet of Bars, TV’s, Seating, VIP tents, Games, Giveaways, Rally’s, DJ’s and Food! The party Out Front is right across from the front doors of the Arena and features over a dozen bars, experiences from Bulleit, Jose Cuervo, Modelo, Corona, Fireball, Deep Eddy Vodka and many more, BBQ from JT Tailgates inside the largest mobile restaurant in America! Social Tap bar! J. Reiger Cocktail Bar, ICT Bartending, Tap Beer Trailer and NAB’s from The Phoenix! Party Out Front is the largest event outside the Arena and is open Wednesday 1 – 6 p.m. and Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m!

March 19 – 22

Wichita Brewing March Party Garden
Where: 333 S. Emporia
A pretty big Basketball Tournament is coming to Wichita in March and we’re throwing the best party downtown.

We are assembling the best PARTY GARDEN outside INTRUST Bank Arena during the college basketball tournament.

We will be set up right accross the street to the west of the main south entrance of Intrust Bank Arena.

What to expect:
Beers/Alcohol – We will have Wichita Brewing beers and cocktails!
Food- Hopperoni Express will be serving up all our delicious wood-fired pizzas. We are still in talks for a couple more Wichita Food Trucks.
Entertainment- We will have multiple TV’s on site to watch all the games during the week. There will be music playing and will also have multiple tailgate games.
Kid friendly- Yes! We will have our Rootbeer and other non-alcoholic options.

March 20 – March 22
Courtside at Brick & Mortar – Basketball Tournament Party Zoon
Where: Brick & Mortar – 230 S. Topeka St.
Courtside at Brick & Mortar is the ultimate college basketball tournament fan experience. Join us steps away from Intrust Bank Arena for a three day party!

– Dozens of food & drink vendors
– Entertainment & activities
– Kids zone
– TVs and covered seating
– All-inclusive VIP lounge
– Music by DJ Ashton Martin

The perfect spot for basketball fans to gather pregame, postgame, during games, and during intermissions.
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Una Vida Tequila Party Zone
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The lots just across the street from the arena will be transformed into open-air beer gardens with games, live music, local vendors, kids activities and more. The Una Vida Tequila Party Zone will feature a full bar, dozens of food and drink trucks, and more. Open to the public.

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Coors Light Party Tent
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The massive Coors Light Party Tent will feature a cash bar, tables and seating, TVs, music and entertainment. Open to the public.

March 20

NCAA Bubbly Watch Party
Where: Bubbles Champagne Bar
Time: 10 a.m.
Wichita is hosting the first two rounds of the NCAA Tourney just down the street at the arena… So were joining the party all weekend long with a special watch party room to catch the games or take a break from the MADNESS.

March 20 – 22

Fan Fest at Naftzger Park
Where: Naftzger Park – 601 E. Douglas Ave
Join us at Naftzger Park for Fan Fest from March 20-22, 2025, as Wichita becomes the ultimate hub for college basketball excitement. While the men’s basketball tournament takes over Intrust Bank Arena, we’re transforming Naftzger Park into a lively fan zone where every college team’s supporters can gather, cheer, and enjoy a variety of activities throughout the day.

Highlights Include:
– A booze truck for those 21+ to enjoy their favorite beverages
– Live entertainment and games
– Interactive fan experiences
– Activities for kids and families
– A variety of food trucks offering delicious bites

March 20 – 22

Hopping Gnome Brewing Pop-Up at Tor Brewing
Where: Tor Brewing – 222 S. Commerce St.
We’re bringing the Gnome vibes to Tor Brewing for a special basketball tournament pop-up!

We’ve teamed up with Tor Brewing to brew a one-of-a-kind collab beer, and we’ll be pouring it alongside a lineup of Hopping Gnome favorites- all from the comfort of Tor’s patio!

We’ll have our tent set up, cold beers flowing, and plenty of game-day energy. Whether you’re rooting for your team or just here for the great beer and atmosphere, come hang out and catch the action with us!

March 20 – 23

ESPN Wichita Fan Zone
Where: Union Station – 710 E. Douglas Ave.
The ESPN Wichita Fan Zone is the ultimate destination for basketball fans during March Madness!

This Ultimate Downtown Block Party is at Union Station featuring Ziggys The Depot, The Kitchen, ESPN Wichita and we will be out there with Una Vida Tequila and El Trago. There will be a big screen, interactive activities, giveaways, and appearances by local sports personalities. Enjoy local restaurants, music, and an electric atmosphere as you cheer on your favorite teams with fellow fans. One Life Spirits will be offering signature cocktails with El Trago and Tequila Shots with Una Vida Tequila.

March 20 – 22

Hoops at The Hudson 2025 Basketball Watch Party
Where: The Hudson – 508 S. Commerce St.
Hoops at The Hudson will be your go to spot for nonstop basketball action! 
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for a good time. This event has something for everyone!

Here’s what to expect:

 Multiple cash bars
 Delicious food options
 Live DJ
 Multiple TVs broadcasting the games
 Parking Lot Party with Food Trucks and Games

March 20 – 22

Layup at Le Luci
Where: 214 S. Commerce St.
Layup at Le Luci – A March Madness Watch Party! Join us for an unforgettable March Madness watch party at Le Luci! Catch all the action, enjoy great music, and sip on drinks from our cash bar. This is a FREE event!

March 20 – 23

NCAA March Madness at Mort’s
Where: Mort’s Martini Bar – 923 E. 1st St. N.
There will be:
• Pop-up food vendors
• Spots around the building will be transformed into a parking lot party paradise
• Live Music

March 21

Midday Madness at The Ninth Floor
Where: 100 N. Broadway St.
Skip the crowded sports bars and elevate your game day! Join us at Ninth Floor Club + Venue for March Madness—where the brackets are hot, the drinks are cold, and the vibes are elite. Don’t just watch the madness… experience it in style!

Proceeds from Midday Madness benefit Rainbows United, Inc. A Non profit organization the enhances the lives of special needs and their families.

DINING
Where to eat in Downtown Wichita?

Rarely venture around downtown Wichita outside of Intrust Bank Arena? Have friends and family coming to Wichita for the games and need help making suggestions on where to eat?

We’ve put together a guide of dining in and around downtown Wichita you can view here.

THE BIG GAME
Game Schedule

Tickets are still available for the NCAA tournament at Intrust Bank Arena

EVENTS
Other Events in Wichita

Looking for something else to do while you’re in town or want to escape home but not head downtown?

It's back! The interactive exhibit, Stingray Cove, has returned to the Sedgwick County Zoo. It's the hands-on experience that allows visitors to see, touch, and feed stingrays.

Back for its fourth season, entry will now be free for all Zoo guests.

Entry into Stingray Cove previously required an attractions ticket, but now the experience is included in the price of Zoo admission. Guests will still have the opportunity to upgrade their experience by using an attraction ticket to feed the rays during their visit.

Stingray Cove will be open daily from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., now through October.

Read More

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