March Madness is a cultural phenomenon! It’s the buzzer-beaters, Cinderella stories, and bracket-busting upsets that keep fans hooked. But while most bars and restaurants focus on game-day promotions and drink specials, the real winners are those who embrace the spirit of March Madness: underdogs, unpredictability, and unforgettable experiences.
Lets outline how we can take advantage
It all starts March 16th and creates business opportunities until April 7th!
Here are your key 2025 dates!
March 16 Selection Sunday
March 18-19 First Four
March 20 -23 First/Second Rounds
March 27-28 Sweet Sixteen
March 29-30 Elite Eight
April 5 FINAL FOUR!
April 7 CHAMPIONSHIP!!!
Table of Contents
The Ultimate Underdog Night
Every year, one team no one expected makes a deep run. Why not celebrate the underdog spirit?
- Underdog Specials: Offer discounts or themed drinks based on the lowest-seeded team still standing. If a #12 seed upsets a #5, that night’s drinks are $5.12.
- Let customers predict the next upset. Provide a voting station where fans can pick an underdog to win their next game. The most correct predictions win a spotlight feature on your digital signage or a “Fan of the Week” shoutout.
- Second-Chance Brackets: Most customers’ brackets are busted by the second round. Keep them engaged by offering a “Second-Chance” bracket challenge, with prizes for the best picks from the Sweet 16 onward.
Mascot Mayhem: A Battle of the Beasts
Forget team names—let’s talk mascots. Create a “Mascot Face-Off” where customers vote for the best, wildest, or weirdest mascot in the tournament.
- Themed Drinks & Dishes: A “Blue Devil Brew” for Duke, “Cougar Claws” chicken strips for Houston, or “Wildcat Whiskey” for Kentucky.
- Rivalry Seating: Designate sections of your bar for specific teams—when fans sit there, they get team flags, rally towels, or even special-themed drinkware.
The Clutch Player Challenge
Some players shine brightest in the big moments—so why not reward clutch performances in your own venue?
- The Last-Minute Shot Deal: If any game ends on a buzzer-beater, give out a special “Last-Second Shot” promo on shots for the next 10 minutes.
- Comeback Rewards: If a team comes back from a 10+ point deficit to win, celebrate with a “Comeback Cocktail” special.
“Hot Streak” Music Playlists
Control Play already helps businesses curate their music experience—so why not lean into the tournament’s energy with a March Madness Soundtrack?
- Heat Check Songs: When a player is on fire, queue up classics like Hot in Herre or Burning Down the House.
- Buzzer-Beater Anthems: Close games deserve high-energy tracks like Eye of the Tiger or We Will Rock You.
- Underdog Uplift: When a Cinderella team pulls off a shocker, switch to inspirational tracks like Don’t Stop Believin’ or Lose Yourself.
- Halftime Jams: Play fan-favorite anthems and let customers vote on which song plays next using QR codes on tables.
Check out our curated Playlist Packs
The “Final Four Feast”
As the tournament winds down, ramp up your high-end offerings with premium experiences.
- Final Four Flight Night: Curate a whiskey or craft beer flight themed around the remaining teams’ home states.
- VIP Championship Game Booths: Offer reservable seating with exclusive perks—maybe a bucket of beers, championship-worthy nachos, and a swag bag for attendees.
- All-or-Nothing Giveaway: Everyone who dines in for the Final Four gets entered to win a free meal during the championship game.
March Madness is about more than basketball—it’s about unforgettable moments. By embracing underdogs, buzzer-beaters, and creative engagement, your venue can stand out from the pack and keep customers coming back long after the final whistle.
Need help setting the perfect March Madness atmosphere with music, signage, and digital engagement? Control Play has you covered—let’s make this tournament one for the books!
