LAS VEGAS — The city is preparing for a surge of visitors as college basketball fans from across the country descend on the Strip for March Madness.
March Madness season is one of the busiest betting seasons in Las Vegas, where sportsbooks, bars, and fan-centric venues are filled with tournament viewers and bettors. Every year, the NCAA College Basketball tournaments draw in thousands of crowds. In previous years, the city saw 67 million visitors, and this year the numbers are expected to be high.
Fans can watch future NBA and WNBA stars on the court throughout March at multiple locations across the valley.
The Credit Union 1 WCC Basketball Championship will take place at Orleans Arena at The Orleans Hotel & Casino from March 5 through March 10.
The Mountain West Basketball Championships will also be held at the same venue, the Thomas & Mack Center, from Saturday, March 7, through Saturday, March 14.
Additional tournaments include the Hercules Tires Big West Basketball Championships at Lee’s Family Forum from March 11 through Saturday, March 14, and the Hercules Tires WAC Basketball Tournament at Orleans Arena from Wednesday, March 11, through Saturday, March 14.
For those who don’t have game tickets, the Strip is home to many popular viewing hot spots like the STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower, the Proper Bar inside the ARIA, and the Pool at SAHARA. The Plaza Hotel & Casino will be hosting a March Mania viewing party from March 19 – 22.
Due to increased demand, visitors are encouraged to book accommodations on the Strip early to avoid higher room rates. Visitors should plan for longer lines and capacity limits at sportsbooks, especially on Thursday through Sunday. Restaurant reservations and transport hires should be made in advance.
