You’ve been tasked with hosting this year’s March Madness celebration. March Madness is a special time for basketball fans, foodies, and everyone in between. Your March Madness party can look a lot different, depending on when and where you catch the game. You can create your own game day experience right from the comfort of your own home.
Hosting a March Madness party is just like any other meet, with basketball being the main topic. You can easily create the perfect atmosphere for each guest with the right mix of entertainment, decor, and delicious food. Follow our tips and tricks to bless your friends and family with the best March Madness party ever.
What is March Madness?
If you’re not a sports fan, you’re probably wondering, “What is March Madness?” An annual event, March Madness is when basketball fans across the country gather in bleachers and their living rooms to tune in to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I men’s basketball tournament.
This 68-team single-elimination tournament begins with Selection Sunday around the second week in March. Sunday is when the selection committee chooses all the teams that will compete. The next three weeks will be full of suspense and excitement as sports fans remain glued to their TVs for every round until the final match of the tournament in early April.
Dating back to 1939, when the term was coined, March Madness has expanded into a treasured event, even for non-sports fans. Friends and families gather to enjoy good food, cold drinks, and lots of laughter as they cheer on their favorite team in hopes of victory and bragging rights.
How to host a March Madness party
Hosting a March Madness watch party is a task you shouldn’t take lightly. When you think of a March Madness party, imagine everything that goes into attending a live basketball game. Friendly competition, lively energy, March Madness decorations, and plenty of delicious food and drinks are a perfect place to start.
Think about the type of audience you are hosting. Some of your guests may be glued to the TV with a cold beer in their hands, while others are chatting and periodically listening to check the score. You’ll want to be able to accommodate all attendees. Most activities will typically take place in your living room, kitchen, or backyard, so we recommend tailoring your event planning to each space.
Living room
The first and most important section is the living area. Where will your guests gather to watch the match? Prioritize comfortable seating, whether that’s reclining furniture or a cozy area. Since many of your guests will be spending a lot of their time in this room, you’ll want to make sure it’s open and welcoming. Another key component is television. Home theater TV stands are perfect for wowing your guests and making sure their game day experience is a great one.
kitchen
The next area you should do is the kitchen. Food is crucial to any party, especially a March Madness event (but more on that later). Make sure you have a practical setup in your kitchen, where friends and family can easily grab, grab and go snacks. Potlucks are perfect for hosting a March Madness party so guests can enjoy multiple dishes and come back for more.
Backyard
If you’re going for a game day cookout, your backyard will be a big factor in your planning. Make sure there is plenty of seating and relaxation areas. March Madness party games like basketball, basketball, or giant Jenga are an excellent touch. This way, you can easily keep your guests entertained during breaks or while they’re waiting for the game to start. Depending on your preference, gas or charcoal grills are a must. You’ll also need to fill coolers with cold drinks to simulate the game day experience.
March Madness decorations
March Madness decorations are essential to spark everyone’s competitive spirit. You can still go all out with decorations, even if you’re hosting a basketball-themed party for adults. March Madness decorating ideas translate best when your guests are on top. Since so many teams compete in March Madness, you’ll want to keep your decorations neutral, unless your guests are rooting for a specific team.
Gathering the best basketball party supplies is crucial. Basketball shaped confetti, streamers, banners, basketball balloons, and other themed party favors can all tie together the perfect party. If you’re hosting a championship party, follow the dress code with your favorite team’s colors and gear.
You can add a touch of March Madness to everything from serving trays to desserts. Your snack table is the perfect space to pull out all the stops. Basketball-themed cups and plates and orange and black tablecloths all have their place here.
Snacks for your March Madness viewing party
Of course, you can’t forget the snacks, drinks, and food for your March Madness party. Whether you order or serve your own dishes, you’ll want to aim for quick meals that pack a lot of punch. Think buffalo wings, pizza, meatballs, chili, salad and sandwiches. These simple dishes are easy to make (or order) and save you time and effort while planning the rest of your party. You can also encourage your guests to bring their favorite dishes and prepare a meal on your kitchen island.
If you’re going the barbecue route, classic hot dogs and hamburgers are the way to go. You can also enhance your party menu with grilled chicken, sausage, corn, mixed vegetables, and seafood.
Snacks, desserts and drinks are no different. The perfect March Madness party has no shortage of delicious snacks and desserts like nachos, mozzarella sticks, savory dips, cookies, and cupcakes.
Are your party guests beer lovers? Try creating a beer tasting station with local craft beers in your kitchen or backyard. Don’t forget non-alcoholic drinks like soda, soda and juice (if kids are invited).
Even if basketball isn’t your thing, hosting a March Madness party brings your favorite people together for an unforgettable event. At Ashley, we’re all about curating these experiences. Browse our wide selection of affordable furniture and decor, and start planning your March Madness celebration!
