With Hoops and Hops gone, where can you watch NCAA Tournament games during March Madness?
March Madness is here and Iowans are ready to celebrate. So, where's the best spot to watch some college basketball?
The annual Hoops & Hops event at Cowles Commons has been canceled for 2025. Started in 2017, the beer and basketball event was a free spot for Iowans to join together in watching the NCAA tournament.
Des Moines Performing Arts, which hosted the event and operates Cowles Commons, confirmed the cancellation but declined to comment further.
While there are fewer big parties planned, don't worry, there are plenty of sports bars across the metro will have the games.
We've also rounded up some spots where you can watch your favorite teams compete in the 2025 NCAA tournament with official watch parties or March Madness deals.
Drake's Des Moines downtown watch party
The Bulldogs are meeting up for a watch party on Thursday at Big Grove Brewery sponsored by the Drake Alumni Office to cheer on Drake University men's basketball team in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
The event is free, and there will be food and drinks for purchase.
- When: Thursday, March 20 at 6:35 p.m.
- Where:Big Grove Brewery, 555 17th Street, Des Moines and Iowa Taproom, 215 3rd Street Suite 100, Des Moines
Big Grove will also show other games throughout the NCAA Tournament.
Drake's Clive watch party
Another Bulldog watch party will take place in Clive for the first round. Join them on Thursday, March 20 at the Ducktail Lounge in Clive.
The event is free, and food will be available from Off-the-Griddle's food truck. There will also be $1 off on domestic tallboys and $2 off Spike's Ale.
- When: Thursday, March 20 at 6:35 p.m.
- Where:The Ducktail Lounge, 809 NW 86th Street, Clive
All-you-can-eat boneless wings at Jethro's
For the first weekend of the NCAA tournament, Jethro's is offering all-you-can-eat boneless wings for $14.95, hopefully running all the way through Monday, March 24, depending on Iowa teams' results.
- When: All day from March 19 through March 24
- Where: Any Jethro's location
Tito's Lounge March Madness specials
Tito's Lunge in Urbandale is celebrating March Madness with specials every day of the week. Join any day throughout the NCAA tournament and find a food or drink discount.
- Monday: All-you-can-eat wings
- Tuesday: Trivia Night and taco Tuesdays
- Wednesday: Burgers and wine specials
- Thursday: $7 house martinis & cosmos plus 50% off selected appetizers
- Weekends: Brunch with bottomless mimosas & bloody Mary's
- Where: Tito's Lounge, 3916 Northwest Urbandale Drive, Urbandale
Westown Tap March Madness specials
With TV's in every room, Westown Tap is ready for March Madness.
Thursday specials will include half-price appetizers and drink specials before 4 p.m. and all-you-can-eat wings after 5 p.m.
- Where: Westown Tap, 3530 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines
Know of a special or official watch party we've missed? Send an email to IowaConnect@gannett.com for consideration.
Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: How to watch March Madness games in and near Des Moines
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