A March Madness Guide to Wichita, Kansas

Here’s everything you need to know if you find yourself in Wichita for the March Madness games.

So, your team is in Wichita for the first round? Wichita may not be the biggest or most famous city hosting NCAA tournament games, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some great finds for a fan looking to have a good time before, during, and after the game.

If you’re looking to spend the early rounds of the tournament in Wichita and need to know where to go aside from just the arena, look no further. We’ve put together a guide with recommendations for places to visit when you’re hungry, looking to bounce back after a rough game, or just want to spend some time taking in a new city.

Best place to eat before the game: The Newport Grill has you covered for everything from a burger to steaks and a variety of seafood sandwiches and entrees. It has a pleasant atmosphere for enjoying a meal that will keep you going through the rest of the day’s events.

Best place to celebrate a victory: Deano’s Grill and Tapworks is a great place to grab a celebratory beer or bite to eat. There’s no shortage of TVs to watch the rest of the day’s action and you’ll be surrounded by fellow sports fans to talk about your big win with.

Best place to bounce back after a loss: Papa’s Ice Cream and treats is the place to go for a pick-me-up after your team’s exit. You can get everything from a gourmet hot dog to a custom shake or sundae, or simple ice cream cone to forget that your team is going home early.

Best place to visit outside the arena: The entire Riverfront district is hands down the best place to visit in Wichita. As long as the volatile springtime weather of the midwest cooperates, you get a beautiful walk along the Arkansas River with a variety of stores, businesses, restaurants, and beautiful scenery to take in. You can’t leave Wichita without exploring the riverfront.

Where the true Kansas sports fan hangs out for fun: Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux has it all in the name. Everything is themed for sports and it’s another atmosphere where you’ll be surrounded by people excited about the tournament. Win or lose, if you’re taking in any of the other games when your team isn’t playing, make sure you stop by Walk-On’s to take in the action.