How to Spend the Day Between the Games
In town for the NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center? After the excitement of the first round, the day in between the action offers the perfect opportunity to explore Buffalo before round two. Whether you’re looking for the best place to watch the next slate of tournament games, dive into the city’s legendary food scene, or check out a few standout attractions, Buffalo has plenty to keep basketball fans busy between tip-offs.
Catch the Tournament Action Around Town
Even when your team isn’t on the court, gametime energy fills Buffalo’s bars and breweries. Spots like Pearl Street Grill & Brewery, Big Ditch Brewing Company and Sidelines Sports Bar & Grill are popular gathering places during big sporting events, with plenty of screens, great food and lively crowds. It’s the perfect setting to settle in for an afternoon of buzzer beaters while soaking up the tournament atmosphere with fellow fans. Check out more ideas for places to watch the game here: FANtastic Places to Watch the Game – Visit Buffalo .
Explore Buffalo’s Sports Entertainment District
While you’re in town for the tournament, take some time to explore Buffalo’s growing Sports Entertainment District surrounding KeyBank Center. The downtown neighborhood has become a hub for fans before and after games, with restaurants, bars and gathering spots all within walking distance of the arena. Stop by places like Southern Tier Brewery Buffalo or Other Half Brewing for a pregame drink, grab dinner nearby, or simply soak in the buzz of fellow fans in town for the tournament. The district also offers plenty of entertainment beyond the games themselves, including live music at nearby venues like Buffalo Iron Works and laughs at Helium Comedy Club, making it easy to turn the day between rounds into a full night out downtown.
Follow the Buffalo Wing Trail
Of course, no trip to Buffalo is complete without experiencing the food that made the city famous. The Buffalo Wing Trail is a must for first-time visitors and seasoned wing lovers alike, connecting dozens of local bars and restaurants that each serve their own take on the original Buffalo classic. From neighborhood taverns to modern restaurants putting creative spins on the dish, the trail is the ultimate way to experience Buffalo’s signature flavor while you’re in town for the tournament.
Taste Your Way Through Buffalo’s Signature Foods
If you’re ready to expand your Buffalo food tour even further, the Ultimate Buffalo Food Trail highlights some of the region’s most iconic bites. Visitors can track down local staples like beef on weck, pierogi, sponge candy and Buffalo-style pizza while exploring neighborhoods throughout the city. Think of it as a self-guided culinary tour that pairs perfectly with a weekend of basketball.
Check Out Some of Buffalo’s Iconic Attractions
If you’re looking to mix a little culture into your basketball weekend, Buffalo is home to several standout attractions worth visiting. The Buffalo AKG Art Museum is one of the country’s leading institutions for modern and contemporary art, with a newly expanded campus featuring striking architecture, outdoor sculptures and rotating exhibitions. Architecture fans can also tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House, widely considered one of the architect’s greatest Prairie-style designs and a National Historic Landmark located in Buffalo’s Parkside neighborhood. Sports fans may also want to stop by the Buffalo History Museum to see the ICONS: The Makers and Moments of Buffalo Sports exhibit, which explores the deep connection between sports and the city’s identity through memorable moments, legendary athletes and historic artifacts. And of course, the world-renowned beauty of Niagara Falls is just a 25-minute drive up the road. Check out our event calendar for a full rundown of what’s happening during your day off, including live music at Buffalo Iron Works, Pausa Art House, the Town Ballroom and more! Buffalo, NY, Events Calendar | Upcoming Events & Festivals
Raise a Glass at a Buffalo Brewery
Buffalo’s growing craft beer scene makes it easy to turn the day between games into a relaxed brewery tour. Local and regional favorites like all pour a wide range of locally brewed beers and often feature lively atmospheres on tournament weekends. Many also have plenty of screens, meaning you won’t have to miss a single moment of March Madness while sampling Buffalo’s craft beer culture.
Between the wings, the breweries and a few cultural stops along the way, Buffalo offers plenty of ways to make the most of the day between games. And when tip-off arrives for the next round at KeyBank Center, you’ll return to the arena having experienced a little more of what makes the city such a great place to visit.
