It’s time for last-minute notes on the return to March Madness in Vegas 2021.
For parts of three decades, my wolfpack has descended on Las Vegas to mass in ballrooms and howl at wall-to-wall big-screen TVs showing college hoops action.
The (almost-always) annual NCAA Basketball Tournament is a sports spectacle. Sin City is ground zero for viewing parties consisting of wild wagering and two-fisted suds slamming.
COVID claimed March Madness in Las Vegas in 2020. It’s back in 2021. In smaller venues and at decreased room nights than years past. But social media chatter shows that the Big Dance will resume—masked and socially distanced.
To be safe, most big-ballroom parties have been nixed. The focus will be on sports books, bars and food-and-beverage venues decked out in view-party décor. Capacity in Nevada is 50 percent. Six people are allowed to sit together at a table.
MGM Resorts reports that nine of its gaming-oriented Strip casino-resorts will have more than three dozen spots to post up and eat while rooting for their hoops parlays to hit.
Those nine properties include: Bellagio, ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Park MGM, The Mirage, New York-New York, Luxor and Excalibur.
March Madness in Vegas 2021 Eatery Options
All of MGM Resorts’ casino-resorts will offer special menus at F&B offerings during the opening rounds of the tournament. If you like to float and watch games, or are looking for a daily spot, check out:
Bellagio: Bellagio Pools & Cabanas, BetMGM Sportsbook at Bellagio, FIX and Lily Bar & Lounge.
ARIA: ALIBI Ultra Lounge, BetMGM Sportsbook at ARIA, Lift Bar, Lobby Bar and Salt & Ivy.
MGM Grand: Centrifuge, Lobby Bar, TAP Sports Bar and Whiskey Down.
Mandalay Bay: BetMGM Sportsbook at Mandalay Bay, EyeCandy, Hazel Coffee & Cocktails, Libertine Social, Rhythm & Riffs.
Park MGM: BetMGM Sportsbook at Park MGM, Juniper Cocktail Lounge, Park MGM Pools & Cabanas.
The Mirage: BetMGM Sportsbook at The Mirage, Center Bar and RHUMBAR.
New York-New York: Bar at Times Square, Center Bar, Coyote Ugly, Nine Fine Irishmen and Tom’s Urban.
Luxor: Centra, Diablo’s Cantina, Flight, Playbar and Public House.
Excalibur: BetMGM Sportsbook at Excalibur, Dick’s Last Resort, The Lounge and Vagabond.
For specific details and availability, click on the casino-resort’s link (above) and shoot for a specific spot.
March Madness Room Packages
MGM Resorts is also offering March Matchup Packages for rooms and food-and-beverage credits. Rates differ for “The Layup” and “The Three-Pointer” packages.
The Layup: Room rates start as low as $37/night (not including resort fees and taxes) and includes a $75 F&B credits. Check-in dates range from March 15 to April 6.
The Three Pointer: Room rates start at $184/night (not including resort fees and taxes) and includes a $150 F&B credit. Check-in dates range from March 15 to April 6.
Hats All: Anybody who completes a mobile registration (in Nevada) on March 17-18 and makes their first deposit on the BetMGM app gets a free BetMGM hat. J&J
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How much desire to travel, to surely give me a March madness!
I still can’t believe that it is March Madness already. I don’t know if it’s due to the unfortunate events of 2020 or what.
This sounds like a fun time for basketball fans. I used to like going to the Bulls games but haven’t really been following basketball since I moved away.
Oh how I wish covid wasn’t around. I would love to watch the games.
Wish I could travel right now but unfortunately under lockdown in the UK, but can’t wait until we can again
Laura x
Oh wow sounds like it’s in the name March Madness, I am sure basketball fans are missing the good ole days.
I cannot wait to travel again, and Vegas is definitely on my list. Great post and ideas, thank you.