Great places to watch the NCAA Tournament

[Cbbjunkie]

With the tourny just about a week away what are some of your go to places to watch the first few days of the tourny in the Des Moines area?

 

[JP4CY]

The Hall in Valley Junction is a newer cool place.

 

[Cbbjunkie]

Next year I'll probably be at the Prairie Meadows sportsbook for a bit just to check it out.

Good luck with that. Unless you want to get there at 5am for a 11am tip you are not getting a seat. Ive been to vegas multiple times during the first weekend. Even with as many sports books that they have in order to have a seat in a sportsbook you are looking at 5 hours prior if not more to get a seat

 

[cyfanatic13]

Went to spectators in Altoona last weekend and was impressed with their TV situation. I’m not sure if Meadows is planning on doing more with their sports book but went to check it out the same weekend and was very underwhelmed. Maybe they’re doing a lot more but I thought I had read somewhere it was close to finished

 

[3TrueFans]

Good luck with that. Unless you want to get there at 5am for a 11am tip you are not getting a seat. Ive been to vegas multiple times during the first weekend. Even with as many sports books that they have in order to have a seat in a sportsbook you are looking at 5 hours prior if not more to get a seat

Can you at least call seat backs when you go take a whiz?

 

[cyfan92]

The best is Johnny's and it's not close. If and only if you are willing to put up with the hoards of people. The Hall might be a great option like @JP4CY said if you don't want to go downtown

 

[Cbbjunkie]

Went to spectators in Altoona last weekend and was impressed with their TV situation. I’m not sure if Meadows is planning on doing more with their sports book but went to check it out the same weekend and was very underwhelmed. Maybe they’re doing a lot more but I thought I had read somewhere it was close to finished

I am assuming spectators will be the place to be once the book opens. Place bets and head over there to watch especially if the sportsbook is small

 

[mynameisjonas]

Next year I'll probably be at the Prairie Meadows sportsbook for a bit just to check it out.

I usually go to Vegas every year for March madness, but that might change if Prairie Meadows has a nice sportsbook.....

 

[capitalcityguy]

I"ll second Johnny's Hall of Fame. You always get a nice mix of fanbases which can make it interesting. ie.....some guy in town on business staying at downtown hotel is there to watch his team. Makes for interesting conversations.

 

[Cbbjunkie]

I"ll second Johnny's Hall of Fame. You always get a nice mix of fanbases which can make it interesting. ie.....some guy in town on business staying at downtown hotel is there to watch his team. Makes for interesting conversations.

Or fans from other teams that are here to watch games at Wells Fargo. Court avenue and that area are going to be nuts

 

[capitalcityguy]

Or fans from other teams that are here to watch games at Wells Fargo. Court avenue and that area are going to be nuts

Great point....I didn't even think of it from that aspect.

Also gives you the advantage of being within walking distance of half a dozen or more options too if you want to check out different places.

Just saw on FB that the Iowa Craft Beer folks are going to do the Hoops and Hops thing again on Cowles Commons (Nollen Plaza). Went last year with a buddy and that was pretty good time. Fun being outside but also having the heated tent too to warm in and watch games.

 

[NickTheGreat]

Or fans from other teams that are here to watch games at Wells Fargo. Court avenue and that area are going to be nuts

Yeah you get some nice warm weather and that could be a fun place. Maybe some day

 

[capitalcityguy]

Yeah you get some nice warm weather and that could be a fun place. Maybe some day

we are overdue...so I'm counting it! We've had some pretty nice weather in March at times.

Hard to imagine now, but if things break right weather wise could have patios open at Annie's Irish Pub and Twisted Crow, 1908 Drafthouse, etc. That always adds to the atmosphere because you can even hear the cheering down the street.

 

[ISUTex]

With the tourny just about a week away what are some of your go to places to watch the first few days of the tourny in the Des Moines area?

Wells Fargo?.

 

[cyfan92]

Weather Underground has this for their forecast in Des Moines



60's would be AMAZING if Downtown Des Moines isn't under water

 

[Ben4Cy]

A few places I like as I am not huge on downtown - but would agree Johnny's and Draught house are good spots down there.

Range in Waukee (the golf simulator place) their bar area has nice big TV's that are crystal clear and good food. Gets pricey though.

Saints in Beaverdale area has a lot of TV's lining their walls and I went there for football Saturdays a lot.

last year first day I went to the Chicken Coop in Urbandale/Grimes. they usually have decent tall boy deals and a few TV's to watch.

 

[capitalcityguy]

If you want to know where the particular fanbases will be hanging in DSM, Court Ave District just posted this on their FB page:

Bradley - The Exchange
Florida - Shag's
Louisville - Tonic (on Court)
Michigan - Annie's Irish Pub / 1908 Draught Haus
Michigan State - Beer Can Alley
Minnesota - Johnny's Hall of Fame
Montana - The Stuffed Olive
Nevada - The Copper Cup

 

[madguy30]

Don't live in Des Moines but for times like this if possible I find any sort of divey type place that has good beer and bar food, small crowds, and 4 tvs.

They're out there.

 

[Cyclone.TV]

 

[RING4CY]

Work.