As March Madness tips off, metro Atlanta's bars and restaurants are lacing up to deliver a full-court press of events, specials, and ample screening options, ensuring that fans won't miss a single buzzer-beater. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, an array of venues including The Office Bar, Emilio's Tacos and Tequila, and McCray's Tavern are engaging in some friendly competition with their Midtown Ball Crawl, offering attendees basketball-themed games, DJ sets, and savory giveaways.
Scott Kerns, who has stakes in both McCray’s Tavern and Emilio’s, is bracing for a surge of patrons as the South Regionals approach at State Farm Arena, "It’s big for us, especially in the midtown area with all the hotels around town, we see a big influx of people coming in to support their teams, where they went to school, we definitely feel that impact," Kerns told Atlanta News First. The fever is infectious as even dog-friendly venues like Skiptown roll out the astroturf for their grand opening and a watch party yesterday.
Beyond the hoops hysteria, BrewDog's Beer Bracket Challenge and Culinary Dropout Dunwoody's "Watch & Win" promise to keep fans occupied between games, with BrewDog offering discounts on the winning brews and Culinary Dropout rewarding frequent visitors with a shot at a championship game viewing party. Meanwhile, HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern enhances the experience with their own March Madness Bracket and exclusive food and drink specials reported by FOX 5 Atlanta.
Yet while locals embrace the fervor of brackets and basketball, one pivotal play remains off the court in Georgia: the inability to legally place bets on the games. Despite increased interest in online sports betting, Georgia law stands firm, keeping the potential boost to the excitement, and possibly the economy, strictly theoretical, as highlighted in a statement obtained by Atlanta News First. But whether you're a die-hard enthusiast or in it for the camraderie and chicken wings, it appears that the Peach State is ready to play host to one of the biggest sports parties of the year.
