March Madness is coming to Benchmark International Arena this week! With Tampa and USF serving as hosts for the First and Second Rounds of the men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament, fans will land right in the middle of Tampa’s most exciting neighborhood. Attendees will be in the middle of the sprawling and award-winning Water Street neighborhood, along with easy access to the Tampa Riverwalk to explore downtown Tampa and the Heights District more.
Tickets are going fast, but limited seats for the three sessions are available here. Act fast if you haven’t yet. You can get the full rundown on how it works here, but the key to know is that each session has two games. Friday’s first round action has four games across the two sessions, with two more elimination games taking place in the second round during Sunday’s one session. For all your action between games, and while you’re looking for a place to watch other games on Saturday, we have you covered.
A view from above at Sparkman Wharf
The top restaurants and bars near Benchmark International Arena
Sparkman Wharf (615 Channelside Dr): An open-air food hub with container kitchens, riverside seating, lawn games, and often live music. It’s casual, quick, and perfect for groups or families. Highlights: JoToro Kitchen + Tequila Bar, Dang Dude, Gallito Taqueria, JoDog Craft Hot DOgs, Jeni’s Ice Cream, LightHaus Beer Garden.
Yard House (450 Channelside Dr): A go-to for fans who want great food and a full bar with plenty of TVs to keep up with every game. Known for a massive beer list and buzzy sports atmosphere.
Naked Farmer (1001 Water Street): A modern, farm-to-table, fast-casual option with seasonal bowls, fresh veggies, and locally sourced ingredients. Great for a healthy break between games.
Chill Bros Scoop Shop (1050 Water Street): This locally loved handcrafted ice cream shop uses Florida dairy and creative flavors. It’s great for cooling down postgame or treating the kids.
Short Wave Coffee (117 N 12th St): A hip coffee shop with expertly brewed coffee, espresso drinks, and quiet energy. A perfect stop for early game days or a midday recharge.
Boulon Brasserie in Water Street Tampa
Boulon Brasserie (1001 Water Street): A polished French-inspired brasserie offering brunch, oysters, steaks, and an energetic crowd. Great for social meals or upscale drinks.
The Pearl (823 Water Street): Stylish and modern with a seafood-forward menu and signature cocktails. A favorite for date night or elevated game-day dining.
Predalina (1011 E Cumberland Ave): Savor Mediterranean flavors with seafood, pasta, and a gorgeous dining room and patio. Newly reimagined, it is ideal for groups looking for something fresh and vibrant.
District Tavern (116 N 12th St – Channelside): A neighborhood favorite with pub-style food, casual energy, and great drinks. A low-key pregame or postgame hangout.
Harpoon Harry’s Crab House (225 S Franklin St): Located right next to the arena, this seafood spot brings tropical energy, waterfront views, and a lively crowd.
The Sail Plaza is a top hangout spot in Tampa
The Sail Plaza (333 S Franklin St): A relaxed, open-air bar on the Tampa Riverwalk with drinks, snacks, and great people-watching. Pet-friendly and no reservations needed.
Columbia Cafe at the Tampa Bay History Center (801 Water Street): An extension of Tampa’s famous Columbia Restaurant, this café offers Cuban sandwiches, black bean soup, and sangria in a scenic waterfront setting.
Dreamy rooftop bars to enjoy around downtown Tampa
Beacon Tampa Rooftop Lounge Bar (510 Water Street): This is the tallest rooftop bar open to the public in Tampa. Make a reservation to reserve your spot because the elevator up to the bar gets busy. They have a fantastic cocktail lineup, and their small plates are delicious. But it’s the view you’ll be feasting on.
SIX at JW Marriott Water Street (510 Water Street): A rooftop lounge with skyline views, craft cocktails, and a poolside vibe. Ideal for sunset drinks and a sophisticated postgame hangout.
The Rooftop at Tampa EDITION (500 Channelside Dr): Enjoy rooftop drinks at a MICHELIN key hotel. The rooftop is gorgeous and will give you a perfect view of all the downtown tournament fun.
M.Bird (1910 N Ola Ave): This deco-inspired lounge offers waterfront views of downtown Tampa with tropical curated cocktails and sharable small plates. It may only be on the second floor, but this offers one of the best sunset views in the city.
More entertainment options in the city of Tampa
Tampa Riverwalk: This gorgeous 2.6-mile path connects Sparkman Wharf (615 Channelside Dr) to Armature Works (1910 N Ola Avenue) with multiple scenic stops in between. Take in the perfect views, or hop off at Curtis Hixon Park, the Tampa Museum of Art, or even the bridge over to Julian B Lane Riverfront Park.
Florida Aquarium: A few blocks from the arena, this large aquarium is ideal for families or those exploring Tampa Bay marine life. It features a splash pad, adorable river otters, spoon bills, and more engaging activities for kids and adults. If you plan ahead, you can also book an underwater walking tour.
Armature Works (1910 N Ola Ave): A beautifully restored streetcar warehouse turned food hall on the river. With dozens of food options, a rooftop bar (M.Bird), picnic seating, and Riverwalk access, it’s a must-visit while in Tampa. Try: Graze 1910, Zukku Sushi, Buddy Brew, Steelbach, Empamamas, Ling’s Dumplings.
Waterbike Rentals: Paddle the river solo or with a buddy. Rentals are available right by The Sail and Sparkman Wharf.
Pirate Water Taxi: Hop-on, hop-off boat taxi connecting downtown stops by water. A fun, relaxing way to explore the city. Their stops go to Harbour Island, Sparkman Wharf, Curtis Hixon Park, and all the way to Armature Works.
Tampa Bay History Center: Waterfront museum next to Amalie Arena with exhibits on pirates, Cuban culture, and 12,000 years of Florida history.
Tampa Museum of Art: A modern art museum just off the Tampa Riverwalk, great for a quiet break or culture fix between games.
Clearwater Beach was named one of the best beaches in America by TripAdvisor | Photo via Visit St. Pete-Clearwater
Head to the best beaches in America
St. Pete Beach
Distance: ~30 miles | Drive Time: 40–50 minutes
This gem is not hidden but worth the trip and the crowds. The beach is resplendent. The iconic Don CeSar just reopened, so you could grab a cocktail and enjoy the view. There are so many bars and restaurants all in a row. Just walk and treat yourself to the beachy vibes. On Sunday, you can catch the Corey Avenue Sunday Market featuring dozens of local artists and produce vendors.
Treasure Island Beach
Distance: ~31 miles | Drive time: 45 minutes
A relaxed, family-friendly beach with a long boardwalk and a quieter vibe than Clearwater or St. Pete. Popular for shelling and long walks.
Madeira Beach (John’s Pass)
Distance: ~32 miles | Drive time: 45–50 minutes
Laid-back beach with soft sand and a boardwalk shopping village (John’s Pass). It’s certainly a local icon, but it’s worth a visit even if there is a crowd.
Indian Rocks Beach
Distance: ~28 miles | Drive time: 40–45 minutes
This area is far less crowded than some other beaches in Pinellas County. It’s the place to go if you want to lay out and enjoy a quiet afternoon. Grove Surf Cafe is also nearby if you’re in the market for a great cup of coffee.
Pass-a-Grille Beach
Distance: ~34 miles | Drive time: 50–55 minutes
Pass-a-Grille is the ultimate sunset destination in the region. Grab a drink at Paradise Grille and ring the bell on the patio as onlookers await the elusive green flash. The area has wonderful boutique shops and the iconic Hurricane Rooftop Bar.
Clearwater Beach
Distance: ~30 miles | Drive time: 35-55 minutes
This white-sand oasis is worth the hype. Yes, you’re gonna hit some traffic and some crowds, but it’s worth it. You can go to the JW Marriott Clearwater Beach for a rooftop drink, enjoy 5-star seafood at Frenchy’s, or walk on the white sand.