Everything You Need to Know About March Madness in Seattle
Seattle, where tech innovation meets coffee culture, and where sports fans (and basketball fans, more specifically) are as passionate as they come.
Seattle, known as the Emerald City for its dense green landscapes, is one of America’s most scenic and dynamic cities, where tech innovation meets coffee culture and where sports fans (and basketball fans, more specifically) are as passionate as they come. This year, the madness of March descends upon Climate Pledge Arena from March 20-22 for the first and second rounds of the men’s NCAA tournament.
Nestled between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, the city is known for its rainy weather, the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, the birthplace of Jimi Hendrix, the burial site of Bruce Lee, that “Sleepless” rom-com featuring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, and that Bezos guy who sends you your packages. (Though fun fact: NYC gets more average rainfall annually than Seattle. And while perhaps only a rumor without major evidence, Seattleites buying more sunglasses per capita than any other city is a major talking point.)
There is so much more to discover in Seattle including world-class cuisine, adventure of every kind and of course with its phenomenal, deep-rooted history of basketball, it’s a hoops town through and through. The campaign to bring back the beloved (and sorely missed) SuperSonics is just the beginning. The WNBA’s Storm have surged in popularity, superstar iconography, and success of late. Plus both the men’s (frankly, struggling,) Washington Huskies program and the women’s (a few exciting tournament runs in the last decade) have shown just how deeply connected Seattle still is to basketball. Whether you're here to cheer or just soak in the atmosphere, this guide will help you make the most of your trip to Seattle for the men’s NCAA tournament.
How do I get tickets?
You should always check the staple apps first: Ticketmaster, StubHub, and SeatGeek for available seats. But don’t sleep on going old school and exploring some other strategies. First, call the ticket office. Live humans can still be helpful, and a rep might be able to find seats that aren’t available online. If you’re game to wait until you’re on the ground, you’re sure to hear the chirp of resellers—“Tickets! Tickets!”—around the arena before the games. If you’re comfortable attempting to drive a bargain (and especially if it’s 10 minutes before tip-off), this is a sound choice for any NCAA postseason event. Post-game scavenging also works. Hang out near the exits after the first set of games, and you’ll likely find disappointed fans selling their seats for the next round. If their team just got bounced, they’ll be far more interested in drowning their sorrows than sticking around for games they don’t care about.
Climate Pledge Arena is a modern, state-of-the-art venue, but geographical seating strategy still matters. Remember that the school bands usually sit behind the baskets (sections 7, 8, 20, and 21). If you love their energy, grab a seat nearby (anything in 17, 19, 22, or 24). If you prefer a quieter viewing experience, aim for midcourt.
The lower bowl is where you want to be for the best atmosphere, but if you find yourself in the upper levels, don’t stress—this is one of the most well-designed arenas in the country, with excellent sightlines throughout.
And don’t forget to be opportunistic! After early games, many fans leave, so be on the lookout for prime seats opening up. A friendly chat with someone leaving could land you a free upgrade.
How do I get there?
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is an Alaska Airlines superhub and also carries a ton of Delta flights so you’re in luck if you’re a frequent flyer on either. The airport’s also connected to the city by the Link light rail—a 35-minute ride will get you downtown for just a few bucks. If you’re flying into Portland for a cheaper flight (a three-hour drive with a little traffic), you can also take Amtrak’s Cascades train up to Seattle in about three and a half hours while enjoying some fantastic views of the Columbia River Gorge and several national forests.
How do I get around?
Once you’re in town, I recommend avoiding a rental car unless absolutely necessary. Seattle’s traffic is infamously brutal, and parking near the arena is expensive. Instead, use public transport, rideshares or your legs. The Link light rail, buses, and streetcars make getting around easy and affordable, rideshares are everywhere (watch surge pricing post-game) and walking most of downtown Seattle is very easy. If you can’t avoid renting a car, download ParkWhiz to avoid expensive parking in and around the arena.
What else should I know about the venue?
Climate Pledge Arena is a futuristic marvel—it’s the first carbon-neutral arena in the world, and home to the NHL’s Seattle Kraken as well as the Storm. It seats around 18,000, and with the NCAA tournament in town, expect a very lively atmosphere.
The venue features top-notch local vendors, including Dumpling House (near section 4) where you should try the chicken soup dumplings. For a great smash burger, try Molly D (section 8), from Climate Pledge’s executive chef Molly DeMers. For something healthier, Just Poke serves fresh Hawaiian-style poke bowls (section 4).
Getting into the arena should feel like a pretty streamlined and modern entry process, but there are a few things to be mindful of before heading in. Make sure your tickets are loaded on your phone before you arrive as they are a mobile tickets-only building. Screenshots won’t work, so use the official Climate Pledge Arena app or your favorite ticketing app.
If you want to avoid long lines, use the entrance at 1st Ave N and Thomas St—it’s often less crowded than the main gates and is a good entry and exit place. Doors tend to open about 90 minutes before tip-off. 5th Ave N and Harrison has a designated rideshare pickup/dropoff as well if you’re going carless and can’t walk to the venue.
Lastly, the arena has a strict bag policy. Small clutches (4.5" x 6.5") are allowed, but anything larger must be a clear bag (12" x 6" x 12"). Backpacks are not generally permitted.
Other places to eat (and watch)
Tournament games happen Thursday and Saturday, leaving you an off day if you’re in town for the whole long weekend. The women’s tournament starts Friday so if you’re interested in a slower day eating, drinking and watching, Seattle has plenty of fantastic sports bars and unique spots to catch the action.
Start at Buckley’s in Belltown, a classic sports bar with a great beer selection and plenty of TVs, with close proximity to the Edgewater hotel. Try the Thai sesame ribs, which will stun you amidst a menu of otherwise expected bar food offerings.
Atlas Sports & Spirits is a must-visit as well. A cozy sports bar adjacent to the arena with a huge menu and no shortage of TVs, they serve ‘Atlas plates’, inspired by the original NY Garbage Plate, essentially a bunch of meat, cheese, onions, and fries on a plate.
Sam’s Tavern is known for their extravagant Bloody Marys and a lively sports crowd. Try the Sammy’s 50/50, a burger with a patty made of half meat and half bacon, plus cheese and avocado.
The Westy is known for being a big Seattle Sounders bar but remains a laid-back sports bar on non-game days. Their weekend brunch menu goes until 2 p.m. if you want to stay in town over the weekend; order the Irish nachos, with waffle fries replacing the traditional tortilla chips.
If you want to get a little movement in yourself, check out Flatstick Pub. They have mini golf, shuffleboard, casino-style games, and plenty of local and national sports on TV.
If you like your coffee and you need a kick after a long night, you’ll love what Seattle has to offer. My favorite is Elm Coffee Roasters in Pioneer Square, about a 40 minute walk south of the arena down the waterfront, which presents a valuable opportunity to get your steps in while you’re eating and drinking your way through the Pacific Northwest. I’d stop at nothing to visit this beautiful wooded building. Their excellence is mostly in the espresso area but it’s very unlikely you’ll go wrong with most orders.
Final tips
Its loveliness notwithstanding, Seattle’s weather is unpredictable. March could bring rain, sun, or even snow flurries, so dress in layers and always carry a rain jacket. Carrying an umbrella will “out” you as a dorky tourist but if you’re allergic to getting drenched, it might be the right call.
As mentioned, embrace the walkability of Seattle. There’s so much to explore beyond basketball, and with the city’s natural beauty, great food, and unique neighborhoods, you’ll be glad you made the trip.
Now, grab a coffee or that drink of your choice and enjoy the games but leave that Oklahoma City Thunder jersey at home!