Ottawa sports fans know the feeling. It's mid-March, your bracket is already busted, and you wouldn't have it any other way. The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, better known as March Madness, is one of the most electric events in all of sports, and this year's edition is no exception as the field of 68 teams battles it out for college basketball's ultimate prize.
The Most Wonderful Time of the Sports Calendar
March Madness has a way of turning even casual sports fans into obsessive bracket-checkers. The single-elimination format means any team can pull off a stunning upset on any given day, and that unpredictability is exactly what makes it must-watch television. From buzzer-beaters that go viral in seconds to double-digit seeds toppling powerhouses, the tournament delivers drama like nothing else.
The men's tournament kicked off March 20, with the First Four play-in games clearing the path for the full 64-team bracket. From there, the Round of 64 and Round of 32 games deliver a relentless slate of basketball across multiple days, perfect fuel for a long weekend of sports-watching with friends.
Ottawa's Best Spots to Watch March Madness
While Sportsnet has you covered on the broadcast side, there's nothing quite like watching a last-second shot in a packed sports bar. Ottawa has plenty of great options to soak it all in:
- Luneta Lounge (ByWard Market). Multiple screens and a lively crowd make this a go-to for big sports events
- The Prescott (Preston Street), A neighbourhood pub with great beer selection and screens throughout
- Jack Astors (various locations). Reliable for big game days with plenty of TVs and game-day menu specials
- Pitcher's Sports Bar (Glebe), A dedicated sports bar that brings energy to every major tournament
Call ahead to snag a spot, because brackets get serious and seats fill up fast during the Round of 64.
Fill Out Your Bracket
If you haven't filled out a bracket yet, there's still time. Both ESPN and Sportsnet offer free bracket challenge platforms where you can compete against friends, coworkers, or the general public. Ottawa has plenty of workplace bracket pools running too, a timeless March tradition that makes every game feel personal, even when your favourite team isn't playing.
Catching Every Game
Sportsnet is your home base for March Madness coverage in Canada, streaming games and providing analysis throughout the tournament. The bracket progresses through the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight in late March before the Final Four and National Championship in early April. That means weeks of college basketball action ahead, more than enough time to pick a new favourite team after your original bracket picks flame out.
Whether you're a die-hard college basketball fan or just in it for the office pool, March Madness is one of those sporting events that brings people together. So grab some wings, pull up a barstool somewhere in Ottawa, and enjoy the chaos.
Source: Sportsnet, March Madness Men's Tournament coverage. For broadcast schedules and streaming, visit sportsnet.ca.
