Get in on March Madness in Des Moines with free NCAA Tournament events and places to watch

Jay Stahl, Des Moines Register
·4 min read

The metro is about to get maddening when the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament makes its way to Des Moines in mid-March. The first and second rounds of the tournament will be hosted in the city on March 16 and 18, and the 515 has ways to celebrate your favorite teams and cheer on your picks. Here is a guide to March Madness must-haves in Des Moines and for more information on how to make the most of the tournament, visit catchdesmoines.com/ncaa-basketball.

More:Des Moines will host 2023 NCAA men's basketball tournament

Watch an open practice at Wells Fargo Arena

Michigan State fans Brian and Casey Gawronski of Urbandale pose for a photo in front of the March Madness sign outside of Wells Fargo Arena in 2019, the last time the tournament visited Des Moines.
Michigan State fans Brian and Casey Gawronski of Urbandale pose for a photo in front of the March Madness sign outside of Wells Fargo Arena in 2019, the last time the tournament visited Des Moines.

Prep for the big games by attending open practice — whether you have tickets to a tournament game or not — and watch the eight teams as they dribble, shoot and pass at Wells Fargo Arena on Wednesday. All eight teams are allotted 40 minutes on the court. Doors open at 10 a.m., Wednesday.

Here's when to watch:

  • 11 to 11:40 a.m. — Howard

  • 11:45 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. — Illinois

  • 12:30 to 1:10 p.m. — Kansas

  • 1:15 to 1:55 p.m. — Arkansas

  • 2 to 2:40 p.m. — Texas

  • 2:45 to 3:25 p.m. — Texas A&M

  • 3:30 to 4:10 p.m. — Colgate

  • 4:15 to 4:55 p.m. — Penn State

Location: Wells Fargo Arena; 730 Third St., Des Moines

Hours: 11 a.m to 6:20 p.m., Wednesday

More: Where to park near Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines for the NCAA Tournament

Attend the free Fan Fest in Des Moines

Fan Fest is a perfect way to participate in the magic of March Madness without a ticket to one of the games. The free event, which takes place on March 16 and requires no tickets, is open to the public. The fest will have games, food, beverages, and TVs to watch games.

Location: Iowa Events Center; 730 Third St., Des Moines

Hours: Hours vary, March 16

More:Fun things to do in Des Moines this winter: From kid-friendly entertainment to great food

Drink some beer and watch some games during Hoops and Hops

Cheer on your favorite team in a heated tent during the big games at Hoops and Hops at Cowles Commons in downtown Des Moines. The free event features TVs, food trucks, heated tents, two basketball courts, the Iowa Craft Beer tent, and additional fun activities.

Location: Cowles Commons; 300 Locust St., Des Moines

Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., March 16-18

More:Here are 5 restaurants to try near Wells Fargo Arena in downtown Des Moines

Where to watch and support teams in bars and restaurants near Des Moines

Buzzard Billy’s

Buzzard Billy’s will be opening its basement bar during tournament play for local fans to feast on grab-and-go food, sip on brews, and watch the games on their wide selection of TVs with a variety of seating options.

Location: 615 Third St., Des Moines

Contact: buzzardbillys.com; 515-244-2899

Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday

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Mad Meatball

Mad Meatball is ready for March Madness.
Mad Meatball is ready for March Madness.

Mad Meatball will be hosting March Madness watch parties on March 16 and 18. The restaurant, which serves pizza, pasta, wings, and sandwiches in downtown Des Moines, will offer happy hour specials, no cover charges, games, and giveaways.

Location: 210 SW. 11th St., Des Moines

Contact: meatballdsm.com; 515-244-6419

Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Sunday

More:Here's a list of places to eat and drink in the Des Moines metro

The Hall DSM

The Hall in West Des Moines
The Hall in West Des Moines

The Hall DSM is hosting a Brews ‘N Balls March Watch Party at the West Des Moines-based food hall for all of the tournament games. The business will turn the sound on the large screens during the games played in Des Moines. The Hall DSM will serve game day specials including $2 off wings and beer and all-day happy hour drink specials.

Location: 111 S. 11th St., West Des Moines

Contact: thehalldsm.com; 515-608-4100

Hours: 3 to 10 p.m., Monday through Wednesday; 3 to 11 p.m., Thursday and Friday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday; and closed Sunday

More: 15 hotels near Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines within walking distance to the NCAA tournament

Smash Park

Smash Park in West Des Moines offers drink specials for March Madness.
Smash Park in West Des Moines offers drink specials for March Madness.

Make sure to watch March Madness games at Smash Park in West Des Moines, the adult adventure park known for pickelball and games, and celebrate the dozen days of tournament play. Specials include $1 wells drinks on March 16 and $2 Fireball on March 18.

Location: 6625 Coachlight Drive, West Des Moines

Contact: smashpark.com; 515-313-0700

Hours: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday

Jay Stahl is an entertainment reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow him on Instagram, Twitter, or reach out at jstahl@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines' free NCAA Tournament events, where to watch March Madness