A Sports−Filled Spring Kicks Off in Las Vegas with March Mania

LAS VEGAS – There’s always an exhilarating sports event to experience in the Greatest Arena on Earth™, but the spring season ups the ante with marquee events that start with March Mania excitement. From the hardwood to the ice and racetrack, there’s a place for every fan in the destination.

College Hoops Kicks Things Off with March Mania

• The Pac-12 Women’s Basketball Tournament presented by New York Life returns to Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino from Wednesday, March 1 to Sunday, March 5.
• The University Credit Union West Coast Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament returns to Orleans Arena at The Orleans Hotel & Casino from Thursday, March 2 to Tuesday, March 7.
• The Mountain West Conference Women’s Basketball Championships return to the Thomas & Mack Center at UNLV from Sunday, March 5 to Wednesday, March 8.
• The Hercules Tires Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament takes place at Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino from Monday, March 6 to Tuesday, March 7. WAC completes its tournament at Orleans Arena at The Orleans Hotel & Casino from Wednesday, March 8 to Saturday, March 11.
• The Hercules Tires Big West Conference Basketball Championships return to The Dollar Loan Center from Tuesday, March 7 to Saturday, March 11.
• The Mountain West Conference Men’s Basketball Championships also return to the Thomas & Mack Center at UNLV from Wednesday, March 8 to Saturday, March 11.
• The Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Tournament presented by New York Life returns to T-Mobile Arena from Wednesday, March 8 to Saturday, March 11.
• A first for Las Vegas, the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Regional takes place at T-Mobile Arena on Thursday, March 23 and Saturday, March 25.
• The destination also hosts the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) for the first time. Being held at Orleans Arena at The Orleans Hotel & Casino, the semifinals take place on Tuesday, March 28, with the championship game set for Thursday, March 30.

The Greatest Arena on Earthä Keeps the Adrenaline Going Through Spring

• Vegas Golden Knights continue to pursue a playoff berth with home ice matchups at T-Mobile Arena, including the following games:
  • vs. Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday, March 1
  • vs. New Jersey Devils on Friday, March 3
  • vs. Montreal Canadiens on Sunday, March 5
  • vs. Calgary Flames on Thursday, March 16
  • vs. Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday, March 19
  • vs. Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday, March 28
  • vs. Minnesota Wild on Saturday, April 1
  • vs. LA Kings on Thursday, April 6
  • vs. Seattle Kraken on Tuesday, April 11
• Henderson Silver Knights continue their season at The Dollar Loan Center. Select games include:
  • vs. Abbotsford Canucks on Thursday, March 2 and Saturday, March 4
  • vs. Bakersfield Condors on Saturday, March 18 and Friday, April 7
  • vs. Coachella Valley Firebirds on Friday, March 24
  • vs. Tucson Roadrunners on Wednesday, April 5
  • vs. Ontario Reign on Saturday, April 15
• Competitive racing returns to the destination for the 2023 Spring NASCAR Weekend at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Events include the Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200 presented by Westgate Resorts NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series on Friday, March 3; the Alsco Uniforms 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series on Saturday, March 4; and the Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube NASCAR Cup Series on Sunday, March 5.
• Mixed martial arts fans can watch Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane go head-to-head in the octagon with UFC 285 at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday, March 4.
• The Las Vegas Raiders host the inaugural Raiders 5K presented by Intermountain Healthcare at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, March 4. Benefitting the Raiders Foundation and Hope Means Nevada, the 3.1-mile race also offers participants access to the team’s playing field afterward to relax and take photos.
• The annual Big League Weekend, presented by the Las Vegas Aviators, again brings MLB teams to Las Vegas Ballpark on Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5. This year’s match-up features the Cincinnati Reds facing the Oakland Athletics.
• Tennis great Rafael Nadal faces number-one player in the world Carlos Alcaraz during The Slam presented by Chase Sapphire. The event takes place at MGM Grand Garden Arena at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on Sunday, March 5.
• The BFGoodrich Tires Mint 400 returns to the destination, featuring a Vehicle Parade on the Las Vegas Strip on Wednesday, March 8; a free and open to the public Off-Road Festival on East Fremont Street on Thursday, March 9; and races in Primm, Nev. on Friday, March 10 and Saturday, March 11.
• Las Vegas Desert Dogs continue their inaugural season in the National Lacrosse League, with matchups being played at Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. Select games include:
  • vs. Vancouver Warriors on Saturday, March 11
  • vs. Rochester Knighthawks on Saturday, March 25
  • vs. San Diego Seals on Saturday, April 8
  • vs. Saskatchewan Rush on Saturday, April 29
• Wrestling enthusiasts can catch WWE Friday Night Smackdown at MGM Grand Garden Arena at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on Friday, March 24. The event’s featured superstars include Charlotte Flair, Drew McIntyre, Solo Sikoa, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso and Sami Zayn.
• Premier Boxing Champions presents Benavidez vs. Plant at MGM Grand Garden Arena at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on Saturday, March 25. The 12-round, high-stakes matchup pits undefeated former two-time WBC Super Middleweight Champion David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez against former IBF Super Middleweight Champion Caleb Plant. Additional bouts include Jesus Ramos vs. Joey Spencer, Chris Colbert vs. Jose Valenzuela and Cody Crowley vs. Abel Ramos.
• Vegas Knight Hawks are back for a second season in the Indoor Football League with home gridiron matchups at The Dollar Loan Center, including the following games:
  • vs. Iowa Barnstormers on Saturday, March 25
  • vs. San Diego Strike Force on Saturday, April 8
  • vs. Duke City Gladiators on Friday, April 21
  • vs. Northern Arizona Wranglers on Friday, April 28
  • vs. Tulsa Oilers on Saturday, May 20
  • vs. Tucson Sugar Skulls on Saturday, June 3
  • vs. Bay Area Panthers on Saturday, June 17
• Las Vegas Aviators kick off their season in April at Las Vegas Ballpark. Select games include:
  • vs. Oklahoma City Dodgers from Tuesday, April 4 to Sunday, April 9
  • vs. Salt Lake Bees from Tuesday, April 11 to Sunday, April 16
  • vs. Tacoma Rainiers from Tuesday, April 25 to Sunday, April 30
  • vs. Albuquerque Isotopes from Tuesday, May 9 to Sunday, May 14
  • vs. El Paso from Tuesday, May 30 to Sunday, June 4
  • vs. Reno from Tuesday, June 13 to Sunday, June 18
• Soccer fans can again watch the Las Vegas Lights FC take the pitch at Cashman Field, with home matchups starting in May. Select games include:
  • vs. Charleston Battery on Friday, May 5
  • vs. San Antonio FC on Sunday, May 7
  • vs. FC Tulsa on Saturday, May 13
  • vs. Monterey Bay FC on Saturday, June 10
• The World Champion Las Vegas Aces begin defending their WNBA title in May at Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. Select games include:
  • vs. Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday, May 27
  • vs. Minnesota Lynx on Sunday, May 28 and Sunday, June 18
  • vs. Chicago Sky on Sunday, June 11
  • vs. Seattle Storm on Thursday, June 15

Where to Watch All the Action in the Destination

• Caesars Palace presents its Hoops on the Strip, featuring special and packages throughout the March Mania. The resort offers fans unobstructed views of the games, betting stations, drink packages and more at Alto Bar, Caesars Race & Sportsbook, Montecristo Cigar Bar, Stadia Bar and VISTA Cocktail Lounge.
• Circa Resort & Casino features two unique experiences to watch the mania. Circa Sportsbook offers fans several seating options in its three-story, stadium-seating space, where they can view the action on its 78-million-pixel, high-definition (HD) screen. Free Wi-Fi, in-seat power outlets, and food and beverages (from Project BBQ and Victory Burger & Wings Co.) are also available. The downtown resort has a free Big Bracket Party at Galaxy Watch Zone located in its new conference space, where ballrooms will be equipped with HD screens, state-of-the-art audio, a Circa Sports Satellite Book, on-site bars, food and blackjack tables. Visitors can also watch the games outside at Stadium Swim, a pool amphitheater that features several seating options, a 143-foot HD screen and a variety of seating options.
• The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas reimagines its Belmont Ballroom with Hoops & Hops, a viewing experience spanning 40,000-square feet and immersive, high-definition projection screens. Watch parties can also be found at the resort’s CliQue Bar & Lounge, offering viewing packages and a special breakfast menu for early games, as well as the BetMGM Sportsbook & Lounge.
• The D Las Vegas features a Mania March lineup at the downtown resort from Wednesday, March 15 to Sunday, March 19. The celebration includes March Hoops on the 12th Floor, in which The D will transform its 12th floor Detroit ballroom into a viewing space that is free and open to the public. The event includes multiple high-definition TVs, Circa Sports betting stations (and satellite book access), craps and blackjack games, and food and beverage options. The hotel also offers Private Man Caves, wherein groups of eight or more can watch the games on a 70-inch high-definition TV while enjoying free Wi-Fi, betting at Circa Sports, stadium-style food and beverages and an all-access pass to the main viewing party.
• Fashion Show Las Vegas presents March Mania games in its Great Hall, where visitors can watch the excitement while experiencing fun activities like testing their jump-shot.
• Visitors can catch the games poolside at GO Pool at Flamingo Las Vegas, where a beach club vibe meets the resort’s stunning oasis surroundings.
• The Fremont Street Experience presents the World’s Largest Tournament Bracket, totaling over 130,000 square feet, from Tuesday, March 14 to Monday, April 3. The six-block downtown entertainment district will keep fans updated daily with a massive visual running multiple times per hour on the Viva Vision screen.
• Green Valley Ranch Resort, Casino & Spa hosts a viewing party on Thursday, March 16 and Friday, March 17 at its Estancia Ballroom. The free-admission event features food and beverage specials.
• Fans can also get a splash-and-sports fix at Influence, The POOL at The LINQ Hotel + Experience, which features life-sized party games, beer pong, food and beverage packages, and splendid center-Strip views.
• More viewing experiences are available at The LINQ Promenade, where foodie fans have their pick of its restaurant collection. Visitors can choose from watch parties at ameriCAN Beer & Cocktails, Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar, Off the Strip Bistro & Bar, Tilted Kilt Pub and Eatery and Virgil’s Real BBQ.
• Tailgate Social at Palace Station Hotel & Casino offers a view of the mania on its 30+ high-definition TVs from Thursday, March 16 to Monday, April 3. The space also features food and beverage packages sure to please foodie fans.
• Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino offers special beverage packages at Ringer Wings, Pizza & Sliders Sports Bar. The sports bar features floor-to-ceiling LED screens and a tasty menu of gameday favorites, including slices from Pin-Up Pizza.
• The Plaza Hotel & Casino holds its March Mania viewing party from Thursday, March 16th to Sunday, March 19th. Games will be projected on a 24-foot LED video wall at the resort’s Plaza Showroom. Admission includes access to a raffle, unlimited draft beer and soft drinks.
• Rampart Casino at The Resort at Summerlin offers visitors March Hoops food and beverage specials from Tuesday, March 14 to Monday, April 3.
• Eight Lounge at Resorts World Las Vegas hosts viewing parties starting Thursday, March 16 to Sunday, March 19. The expansive cigar bar features over a dozen high-definition TVs, food and beverage options and a limited-edition collection of cigars and cocktails.
• AZILO Ultra Pool at SAHARA Las Vegas presents Hoops Madness parties at its outdoor oasis, featuring a 240-foot, HD video wall displaying multiple games. The poolside space will offer packages with beverage options, a gameday menu and tailgate games like beer pong and corn hole.
• The March Festival of Hoops at The STRAT, Hotel, Casino & SkyPod presents games at the resort’s STRAT Theater, with three large screens showing the action and a food and beverage menu available. Fans can also watch the day’s games throughout the tournament at PT’s Wings & Sports, featuring LED video walls and numerous TVs, all steps from the William Hill Sports Book.
• Sunset Station Hotel & Casino presents viewing opportunities at Club Madrid on Thursday, March 16 and Friday, March 17. The 21+, free event open to the public offers beverage specials, hot dogs and chips.
• The Venetian Resort Las Vegas presents March Mayhem viewing opportunities at Electra Cocktail Club from Tuesday, March 14 to Sunday, March 19. Visitors can watch the action on a 40-foot, 70-million-pixel digital screen while enjoying bottle packages, cocktails, and bites including pizza, burgers, wings and more.

For more information about Las Vegas or to plan your next trip, please visit www.VisitLasVegas.com.

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ABOUT THE LVCVA
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is charged with marketing Southern Nevada as a tourism and convention destination worldwide and with operating the 4.6 million square-foot Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). With more than 150,000 hotel rooms and 14 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space in Las Vegas alone, the LVCVA’s mission centers on attracting leisure and business visitors to the area. The LVCVA also owns the Convention Center Loop, an underground tunnel designed by The Boring Company and the Las Vegas Monorail, an elevated 3.9-mile system with seven stops throughout the resort corridor. Both transportation systems will operate when conventions reconvene. For more information, go to www.lvcva.com, www.visitlasvegas.com or www.vegasmeansbusiness.com.