March Madness 2025 Travel Guide: Best Hotels, Cities & Tips for Basketball Fans

At the end of every March, one of the most remarkable events in sports history engages millions of eager viewers: March Madness! During the weeks of this tournament, 68 teams compete in a single-elimination tournament to win the NCAA College Basketball Championship. There are upsets, excellent last-second buckets, drama, and excitement only this event can trigger. 

The Parking Spot knows that fans nationwide will be looking for places to stay and hotels near San Antonio, the host city for the championship game. However, they’re also looking for destinations near the multiple venue destinations across the nation in hopes of watching their favorite teams beat the odds and come out on top. If you’re one of those screaming fans, here’s a guide for you!

Overview of March Madness 2025

The very first March Madness in 1939 featured just eight teams and was over in a few days. Since then, the tournament has welcomed 60 more teams to produce one of the world's most interesting and exciting competitions. Teams play through several stages, including:

• Selection Sunday (March 16): Two days before the tournament, the NCAA Selection Committee selects the teams based on their record and quality.
• First Four (March 18-19): Four games played by eight teams, with four winners advancing.
• Round of 64 (March 20-21): 64 teams fight to move to the next level over two days. Here, you’ll see some of the best and most interesting upsets. 
• Round of 32 (March 22-23): The best teams from the previous rounds compete over two days to move even higher in competition. By now, the pretenders are getting filtered out. 
• Sweet 16 (March 27-28): Here’s where the outstanding games start popping up! The games are down to just the most competitive and exciting crews by this point. 
• Elite Eight (March 29-30): Another two days of high-octane basketball action, where lots of dreams and heartache will emerge on the game floor. 
• Final Four (April 5): One day of fantastic basketball action in San Antonio (in 2025) that leaves two teams ready to compete for the championship.
• Championship Game (April 7): Two days after the Final Four, the two remaining teams will go toe-to-toe in San Antonio to earn an elusive championship.

If you plan on trying to find hotels near a game arena or venue during this tournament, it’s critical to start looking right away. Close to three-quarters of a million fans visit these games every year! As a result, you need to choose the best days to fly and visit to ensure you find places to stay in each host city you plan on visiting.

Game Locations & Best Cities to Visit

During March Madness, some of the biggest cities in the nation will see thousands of people, which is truly mad indeed! The busiest airports in the country will get even wilder during this massive event. Here’s some information our team at The Parking Spot was able to find about this tournament, including its host cities and which is a great choice to check out:

• Round of 64: Host city options during the first two rounds include Lexington, Kentucky; Providence, Rhode Island; Seattle, Washington; Wichita, Kansas; Cleveland, Ohio; Denver, Colorado; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Raleigh, North Carolina. 
• Sweet 16 and Elite Eight: Venue destinations during these rounds include Newark, New Jersey; San Francisco, California; Atlanta, Georgia; and Indianapolis, Indiana.
• Final Four and Championship Games: Finding places to stay and hotels near the San Antonio arena, which will host this year’s Final Four and Championship game, will be very tough. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing 

Picking the best destination for this year’s March Madness requires a little research. Typically, true basketball fans want to spend the extra money to get to the Final Four and Elite Eight games. The stakes are higher, and attendance (while not at the championship-game level) reaches 50,000 to 60,000!

During the first and second rounds, tickets are cheaper, fewer people show up, and the atmosphere is far more relaxed and cozy. The First Four games are even more sparsely attended and ooze a historic atmosphere thanks to the unique nature of the event. Dayton is a huge basketball city; there’s plenty to do here to make it truly enjoyable for most visitors.

Expect ticket prices during each round to run to approximately these levels:

• First Four range from $137 to nearly $500
• Round of 64 and 32 have ticket prices from $453 to $1,800
• Elite Eight and Final Four typically range from $700 to $2,500
• Championship game tickets cost well over $1,500 to $3,000

Expect accommodations, food, and all other expenses to rise sharply as the tournament advances. After all, later rounds are far more popular and bring in many more people. Host cities can make around $10.5 million in revenue, so plan your budgets accordingly depending on the games you travel to.

Hotel & Accommodation Recommendations

Once you pick a host city you’d like to check out during March Madness, choosing your accommodations wisely is essential. Finding hotels near the arena or other places to stay will require a little work, especially if you’re trying to save money on your plane tickets. Thankfully, The Parking Spot has some suggestions that will make this experience a little easier for you: 

Lexington, Kentucky

Hotels near Lexington’s Rupp Arena include: 

• Luxury Option: The Manchester Hotel, with a fitness center, terrace, and free bikes
• Budget Option: GLo Best Western Lexington, a low-cost alternative to The Manchester

Providence, Rhode Island

This small city has lots of places to stay near the Amica Mutual Pavilion arena, including:

• Luxury Option: The Hilton Providence is close to the venue and offers easy walkability. 
• Budget Option: Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites is less than 10 minutes away. 

Seattle, Washington

Travelers visiting Climate Pledge Arena can stay at multiple hotels in luxury or save money, including:

• Luxury Option: MarQueen Hotel is a historic destination with a spa, salon, and business center.
• Budget Option: American Hotel Hostel emulates a European hostel environment. 

Wichita, Kansas

Hotels near InTrust Bank Arena in this host city include:

• Luxury Option: Hilton Garden Inn offers a fitness center, a shared lounge, and a cozy atmosphere.
• Budget Option: Comfort Inn East is only six miles from the arena and is very cost-efficient.

Cleveland, Ohio

Not far from Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse are destinations like:

• Luxury Option: Crowne Plaza Cleveland is located right downtown and is very centrally located.
• Budget Option: Tru By Hilton offers Hilton-level quality at more reasonable prices. 

Denver, Colorado

A few hotels not far from Ball Arena include:

• Luxury Option: La Quinta features large rooms, free Wi-Fi, and proximity to Ball Arena.
• Budget Option: Motel 6 isn’t fancy but works well for those budget-conscious visitors.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Accommodations near Fiserv Forum include:

• Luxury Option: SpringHill Suites, which is just a 13-minute walk from the venue.
• Budget Option: Holiday Inn Express Downtown offers easy access to the arena. 

Raleigh, North Carolina

March Madness is always wild in Raleigh, so book ahead at places like:

• Luxury Option: La Quinta is just a few miles from downtown.
• Budget Option: Motel 6 Downtown to save yourself and your family some cash.

Newark, New Jersey

This host city offers many hotels near Prudential Center, including:

• Luxury Option: Courtyard by Marriot Newark is right downtown and not too far from interstates and the arena.
• Budget Option: Rodeway Inn is a low-cost hotel a bit outside Newark but not too far to be annoying.

San Francisco, California 

This popular spring break destination offers many hotels and amenities, including: 

• Luxury Option: Hyatt Place Downtown is just three minutes from Chase Center. 
• Budget Option: Comfort Inn By The Bay offers a beautiful view without breaking the bank.

Atlanta, Georgia

Amazing hotel destinations in Atlanta near State Farm Arena include:

• Luxury Option: Reverb by Hard Rock, just eight minutes from the stadium.
• Budget Option: Holiday Inn Express offers low-cost accommodations for those on a budget.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Hoosier Country has lots of great accommodations near Lucas Oil Stadium for March Madness, like:

• Luxury Option: Staybridge Suites is comfortable and within walking distance of the arena.
• Budget Option: Wingate by Wyndham Airport is a low-cost but relaxing hotel. 

San Antonio, Texas

The Final Four and Championship Game host city has multiple places to stay near the Alamodome, like:

• Luxury Option: La Quinta Inn and Suites with outdoor pools and fitness centers. 
• Budget Option: Best Western Plus Roland is inexpensive and not too far from the Alamodome.

Best Restaurants & Bars Near Arenas

You'll find many great food options when traveling to a March Madness host city. While trying to eat healthy in an arena or sports venue might be impossible, you’ll get lots of physical activity to help you stay in shape.

With that in mind, our team at The Parking Spot has researched some dining options for fans to try when staying at hotels near their game venue.

Lexington, Kentucky

When visiting Lexington for March Madness, look for local dining favorites like:

• Pre-Game Option: The Sage Rabbit combines delicious pub-style food with Lexington dishes.
• Post-Game Dining: Bourbon n’ Toulous, a bar where you can relax with great music and drinks.
• Local Foods You Have to Try: While visiting, try Kentucky Hot Brown, burgoo, catfish, and lamb fries 

Providence, Rhode Island

After finding places to stay in Providence, try out these delicious dining options:

• Pre-Game Option: Aleppo Sweets is a great place to get a few desserts before the game. 
• Post-Game Dining: Chow down on delicious Mexican food at Dolores to celebrate your team’s win.
• Local Foods You Have to Try: Enjoy quahog, stuffie, coffee milk, clams, and crabs in Rhode Island.

Seattle, Washington

This West Coast host city offers many delicious dining options, like:

• Pre-Game Option: Cafe Juanita is popular for trying snacks, like duck breast.
• Post-Game Dining: Ono Authentic Hawaiian Poke is a great place to pig out after a game. 
• Local Foods You Have to Try: Eat oysters, Dungeness crab, and lobster while visiting Seattle.

Wichita, Kansas

Not known for its culinary delights, Wichita still has excellent restaurants like:

• Pre-Game Option: Enjoy some drinks and food at Headshots Bar & Grill.
• Post-Game Dining: Siena Tuscan Steakhouse is perfect for a post-game celebration.
• Local Foods You Have to Try: Wichita is known for amazing cocktails, as well as chicken and waffles.

Cleveland, Ohio

Great places and foods to eat in Cleveland include:

• Pre-Game Option: Alea is a small-plate restaurant with a unique spin on Mediterranean foods. 
• Post-Game Dining: L’albatros is a fancy French dining experience for people eating in style. 
• Local Foods You Have to Try: Try to eat Polish boy, corned beef on rye, and paczki in Cleveland.

Denver, Colorado

As one of the most popular host city options in March Madness, Denver offers restaurants like:

• Pre-Game Option: Foraged offers tasty sushi that will prepare you to watch a game.
• Post-Game Dining: Jovanina’s Broken Italian is a great place to chow down after a game. 
• Local Foods You Have to Try: Bison steak, green chili, and Mexican hamburgers are essential in Denver.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

As one of the Midwest’s largest cities, Milwaukee offers excellent dining options like:

• Pre-Game Option: Movida at Hotel Madrid offers tapas and other small plates for tasty eating.
• Post-Game Dining: Five O’Clock Steakhouse will leave you satisfied after a big slate of games.
• Local Foods You Have to Try: Beer, cheese curds, and sangria are all Milwaukee favorites. 

Raleigh, North Carolina

Raleigh offers some amazing dining opportunities for b-ball fans, such as:

• Pre-Game Option: Dive into some Southern favorites at Mandolin before your games.
• Post-Game Dining: Check out Sullivan’s Steakhouse after the game to enjoy some great meat.
• Local Foods You Have to Try: Chicken and waffles and pulled pork are favorites in Raleigh.

Newark, New Jersey

Like most of the East Coast, New Jersey has some unbelievable dining experiences, like:

• Pre-Game Option: Relax with delicious Italian food and ice cream at Caffe Gelato.
• Post-Game Dining: Blue Crab and Grill features some authentic Newark seafood favorites.
• Local Foods You Have to Try: Pork roll, Taylor ham, slobby joes, and disco fries: try them here!

San Francisco, California

As one of the biggest cities in the country, San Fran offers opportunities for eating like:

• Pre-Game Option: State Bird Provisions is a low-key dining option where you’ll meet fellow fans.
• Post-Game Dining: Kokkari Estitatorio offers Mediterranean foods that even locals love.
• Local Foods You Have to Try: Sourdough, clam chowder, and dim sum are San Fran faves!

Atlanta, Georgia

This sprawling host city offers mouthwatering meals during March Madness, like:

• Pre-Game Option: Ecco Midtown offers European foods not far from the venue. 
• Post-Game Dining: STK Atlanta is a great place to relax with steak and drinks after the game.
• Local Foods You Have to Try: Find pizza, dumplings, and barbeque near the arena. 

Indianapolis, Indiana

Indy’s culinary scene is diverse and includes options like:

• Pre-Game Option: Get a drink at Upland Brewing and a nice snack-like meal.
• Post-Game Dining: Ocean Prime offers exceptional seafood that even non-fans will love.
• Local Foods You Have to Try: Tenderloin, milkshakes, and fried pickles are Indy faves.

San Antonio, Texas

With a broad food scene, San Antonio offers restaurants and foods like:

• Pre-Game Option: Whiskey Cakes offers alcohol and farm-to-table dining that locals love.
• Post-Game Dining: Tenfold Rooftop offers a luxurious international dining experience.
• Local Foods You Have to Try: Check out puffy tacos, barbacoa, and chorizo in San Antonio.

Tailgating & Fan Events

Whether you’re watching March Madness in Dayton or San Antonio, it's critical to choose fun events and tailgating parties near the venue or arena you’re visiting. After finding places to stay and hotels near the center, sign up for these activities or check them out to ensure you have fun. 

Lexington, Kentucky

Lexington offers plenty of tailgating parties and watch events in places like Graze at the Woodlands, East End Tap and Table, Wildcat Saloon, and Centro, making this a very popular host city.

Providence, Rhode Island

While there are no official watch parties in Providence, fans can check out destinations like Arooga’s, Providence GPub, and The Rosendale to watch games in style surrounded by fans. 

Seattle, Washington

Blue Water Taco Grill, Sport, Red Papaya Ale & Spirits, and Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar all have large televisions where you can watch March Madness, as well as a few parking lots for tailgating it. 

Wichita, Kansas

Wichita has multiple fun fan events for this year’s tournament, including Fan Fest, Party on the Patio at Lou’s Place, Courtside on Commerce Street, and Bracket Bash.

Cleveland, Ohio

Not able to get tickets for the tournament in Cleveland? Hop into bars like the Winking Lizard, The Clevelander, and Southern Tier Brewing to enjoy some foods and drinks with your bball. 

Denver, Colorado

Denver offers bars like Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, college locations near the arena like The Mayor of Old Town, and diverse tailgating experiences throughout the city. 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Marquette fans love holding some cold-weather tailgating (bring your gloves and scarves!) and also hang out at Bluemound Gardens, Matty’s Bar & Grille, and other local bars. 

Raleigh, North Carolina

With relatively warm weather during late March and early April, Raleigh should have lots of outdoor tailgating and multiple bars (TheMixx and My Way Tavern) to enjoy the games.

Newark, New Jersey

Newark’s busy bar scene includes places like Redd’s Biergarten, The Ainsworth, and The Beer Spot and Grill, where you can catch games. Tailgating might be a little chilly, but fans do it anyway!

San Francisco, California

San Fran offers multiple watch parties during March Madness, including one at the Madaree, which features a huge 165-inch TV that’s almost as large as life itself.

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta’s warm climate makes tailgating a dream, as do the many sports bars (like Doc’s Food and Spirits and Dantannas) that will undoubtedly show games on every television.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Sports bars in basketball-obsessed Indianapolis include Kilroy’s Ale Emporium, The District Tap, and Average Joe’s Sports Pub, which are great places to watch the games. 

San Antonio, Texas

As the March Madness host city for the Final Four and Championship Game, San Antonio offers official NCAA activities like a music festival, student-led games, tip-off tailgates, and a river rally. 

Travel Tips & Logistics

The Parking Spot can share some great March Madness travel tips that will work well no matter which host city you visit. Whether you need to find a place to park near the venue or arena (especially in San Antonio), here are some suggestions that can make this experience easier: 

• Tap into ridesharing apps, like Uber and Lyft, to get around with ease.
• Find reputable sites, like StubHub and SeatGeek, to buy tickets.
• Research each area before visiting to park and travel safely (Milwaukee receives a lot of snow and slush, for example.)

Work With The Parking Spot!

Whether you’re looking for hotels near San Antonio or any other March Madness host city or trying to find a place to park your car, The Parking Spot is here to help you! Join our Spot Club savings program to earn rewards toward parking costs so you can invest more in your hotel during your trip. You can also check out our airport parking coupons when making your reservation to ensure you get the experience you deserve.