We take our sports seriously in Chicago, and that energy is just as strong for college sports.
Avid basketball fan or not, March Madness tends to be on everyone's radar. Competition is high across the United States as the top NCAA teams compete for the winning title. Essentially, in the world of American college sports, there is not much (if anything) more popular than March Madness.
For starters, let's look at the logistics of this tournament and its ties to Chicago.
What Is March Madness?
March Madness is a single-elimination tournament that takes place every March, with games all over the United States.
Watchers enjoy the tournament because of the exciting wins, loses, and underdogs. The tournament always has a major upset, and there has never been a verified perfect bracket in NCAA history.
How Do I Celebrate March Madness?
Sports bars, communities, and households across the city will host events during this time. The Chicago community is lively, and you can always find something to do.
Coast residents- keep an eye out to see if our community hosts any March Madness events this year. Otherwise, our community is a short drive from downtown Chicago and other popular spots! Renting in Chicago has some major social perks.
Think about throwing a party in your own home! Our apartment community loves hosting, and apartment living does not hinder that. Utilize your apartment space to host an epic March-Madness themed get together!
March Madness Party Ideas
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Create A Bracket
First, the classic option is to throw together a bracket with your friends, family, or coworkers. While there has never been a winning bracket, there is always a chance that the first could be you!
With brackets, you can lean into the competition or choose to collaborate. Digital or paper brackets are readily available online. Activities like brackets are simple to start, and it pairs well with different activities.
Brackets are also an excellent way to connect with people remotely. Get connected with your friends across the nation-or even the world-from the comfort of your apartment home. In a lot of ways, brackets have the same level of fun as fantasy football leagues but without a lot of the pressure.
Another important aspect is buy-in vs. no-buy-in. No-buy-in competitions can lower the stakes and appeal to more casual fans. However, a lot of people enjoy participating in a more competitive bracket. Consider the different fun options and pick something that works best with your circumstances, people, and setting.
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Host a Watch Party
Watch parties are a fun, easy way to theme a get together. The fun thing is - they can be super simple or elaborate! As long as you have access to watch the game, your watch party is a guaranteed success.
Potluck style dinners can help distribute the workload. Themes can also help bring an element of fun. From Bring-Your-Own-Pizza topping, finger foods, dip night, or Taco Tuesday - the options are endless.
Virtual watch parties are another fun option if space or location is an issue. Also, consider checking with your apartment community. Residents can sometimes use clubhouses, conference rooms, or other community spaces to host private events.
Play Some Games
Keep your night interesting with some party games! If you're with basketball fanatics, NCAA basketball trivia could be the perfect way to spend time. You could make your own trivia questions or utilize some online content/articles.
If your group isn't into trivia, try some classic or basketball themed party games! From adults-only to a family-oriented, you will definitely be able to find some creative, fun party games.
Outdoor games can even be a fun way to spend time before or after a game. At the Grand Venetian, we have a sand volleyball court and a clubhouse! Reach out to the leasing center if you have any questions about setting up your own lawn games.
Have Fun This March
Overall, get creative and find a way to enjoy March Madness! Let us know how you decided to partake in the tournament this year.