Are you ready for March Madness in Wichita? The NCAA men’s basketball tournament starts on March 18th, and the championship game will be held on April 7th, 2025. Sixty-four teams battle it out for the National Championship title. This tournament is a single elimination, so every game is a big game. Overall, March Madness is a celebration of college basketball that captivates sports fans nationwide with its drama, unpredictability, and thrilling moments.
If you dont want to buy a ticket you can watch an open practice for free. More info below.
March Madness in Wichita
Wichita is hosting the first and second rounds at Intrust Bank Arena this year on March 20 & 22, 2025. The last time Wichita hosted, the streets came alive with fans, pop-up bars, tents, vendors, and more. Downtown around INTRUST Bank Arena turned into an incredible fan experience, buzzing with energy and excitement.
Wichita March Madness Ticket Information:
All-session tickets, which include access to all games during the first and second rounds, are currently available for purchase. These tickets cover:
- Session 1 (March 20): Two games
- Session 2 (March 20): Two games
- Session 3 (March 22): Two games
| Thursday, March 20 – Session 1: |
| 1:00 p.m. – (16) SIU Edwardsville vs. (1) Houston |
| 3:35 p.m.* – (9) Georgia vs (8) Gonzaga |
| Thursday, March 20 – Session 2: |
| 6:35 p.m. – (11) Drake vs. (6) Missouri |
| 9:10 p.m.* – (14) UNCW vs. (3) Texas Tech |
| Saturday, March 22 – Session 3: TBD |
If you dont want to go to downtown Wichita to watch the first rounds of the tournament, March Madness will be broadcast on CBS, TBS, TNT, and TruTV, with each channel carrying different games throughout the tournament.
How to watch March Madness for FREE or at a Discount:
- Paramount +: They will show all the games that are on CBS, including the Final Four games and the Championship. Paramount + costs $7.99 a month.
- NCAA March Madness Live App, you can watch the first three hours FREE, but after that period, you will need to log in. This is the official platform for streaming the Tournament. It offers live game coverage, highlights, analyses, and more. The app is available on multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, and streaming platforms.
- YouTube TV: Provides a comprehensive package with channels like CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. They often offer a free trial period, allowing you to watch games during that time.
NCAA Tournament Schedule
- Selection Sunday – March 16
- First Four Play In – March 18 – 19
- First Round – March 20 -21
- Second Round – March 22 – 23
- Sweet 16 – March 27 – 28
- Elite Eight – March 29 – 30
- Final Four – April 5
- NCAA Championship Game: April 7
The Depot in Downtown Wichita March Madness Block Party
711 E. Douglas
The Depot is a family favorite, and this block party is a must if you are downtown for the tournament. There will be a beer garden, big screens outside, food tents, and more.
Fan Fest at Naftzger Park
Join the community at Naftzger Park for Fan Fest from March 20-22 as Wichita becomes the ultimate hub for college basketball excitement. While the men’s basketball tournament takes over Intrust Bank Arena, Naftzger Park will be transformed into a lively fan zone where supporters of every college team can gather, cheer, and enjoy a variety of activities throughout the day.
Highlights include:
- Live entertainment and games
- Interactive fan experiences
- Activities for kids and families
- A variety of food trucks offering delicious bites
- A booze truck for those 21+ to enjoy their favorite beverages
- Live DJ
Warbeard Patio Party at March Madness
400 S Commerce St, Wichita
Heading out to March Madness at INTRUST Bank Arena? Make sure you stop by the Warbeard Patio Party for the finest selection of Local Craft Beer put on by Walnut River Brewing Company.
Hoops at the Hudson
508. S Commerce St.
You can enjoy multiple TVs to watch the games, cash bars, food, a live DJ, food trucks, games, and more.
City Arts: FREE Art Making
Visitors of all ages can take a fun, creative break at this free, relaxed art event during Wichita’s March Madness! Stop by CityArts in the heart of old town anytime from 10 AM – 4 PM on Friday, March 21. Kids and adults can enjoy making easy collages with our free materials—no experience needed. Drop in, have fun, and take home your creation!
Boulevard Movie Theater in Old Town
Watch the tournament action on the big screen! Admission is FREE. The event will be held at the Boulevard Theater in the heart of Old Town Wichita (the old Warren). You can order food and enjoy cold beverages (Soda and beer).
Courtside at Brick and Mortar: 230 S Topeka St.
Hopping Gnome Pop-UP at Tor Brewery: 222 S. Commerce
Shot Clock at the Railhouse: 400 S. Commerce St.
Party Outside the Arena: 500 E. Waterman
Wichita Brewing Company Garden Party: 33 S. Emporia
The Workroom Bubbly Bar: 523 E Douglas
Layup at Le Luci: 214 S. Commerce
Best Places to Watch the NCAA Tournament in Wichita:
- Chicken N Pickle
- They have 56 TV’s on their property and will show all games.
- B&C Barbecue and Pub
- They have a lot of TVs, a great BBQ menu, and a full bar.
- Pumphouse
- They have over 100 TVs indoors and outdoors.
- Deano’s Grill and Tapworks
- With more than 20 big-screen TVs on lining the walls.
- The Hill Bar & Grill
- They have craft beers and an American classic menu.
- We will continue working on this article. Check back soon!
- They have 56 TVs on their property and will show all games.
FREE Open Practice
Article: NCAA Open Practice – FREE Event
This is your chance to see the 8 teams selected to play in Wichita paractive befor the battle it our on the court. This event is FREE and open to the public.
Date: March 19
Time: 10:00 am – 4:55p.m.
March Madness Related Articles:
NCAA Open Practice – FREE Event
