A handful of first and second round games of the 2025 men’s NCAA tournament are taking place in Providence this year.
The NCAA tournament is finally here, and with that, the nation-wide tour the tournament takes is in full gear. It is a golden opportunity for communities that may not receive tremendous amounts of tourism to have new visitors by the thousands. The city of Providence is not a stranger to hosting the madness of March, having first hosted back in 1975. Rhode Island’s capital will once again host the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament on March 20th and 22nd. Making the trip to Providence to watch some stellar college hoops but wondering what else to do on your trip? Here are some great spots to check out as you venture out to the Renaissance City.
Need a Quick Bite?
Providence is a paradise for any foodie with plenty of spots that will leave you drooling. However, if you are going to be at the tournament all day, you are going to need a tried and true dive spot with remarkable food and speedy service. Approximately one mile away from the AMP, officially the Amica Mutual Pavillion or more fondly referred to as the Dunk by locals, is Capitol Hill Taqueria right on the outskirts of the downtown area. During both days of the tournament the restaurant will be open until midnight, and there is plenty to find and enjoy in the beloved diner. Specializing in authentic Mexican cuisine, you can get anything from birria tacos with the savory consommé to nachos carne asada with all the fixings which is perfectly fitting for the madness of the tournament.
Not feeling Mexican? Well do not fret because one of the all-time classic spots in the state is Olneyville New York System with the original establishment being in the heart of the Olneyville neighborhood of Providence just about a mile and a half away from the AMP. Since 1953, Olneyville New York System has been at the same location in Providence specializing in a class Rhode Island dish known as the New York System Hot Weiner. In a slightly different casing than a hot dog, this weiner is topped with diced onions, mustard, celery salt, and a homemade meat sauce that is fastly served and sure to satisfy your cravings. With doors open until 2am Thursday night into Friday and 3am Saturday night into Sunday, you will have a plethora of time to check out the essential Rhode Island dive restaurant after enjoying a fantastic day of basketball.
Time to Celebrate
Whether you just got to witness a Cinderella team emerge victorious or you just hit your college hoops parlay, you are going to need a place to celebrate and perhaps grab a drink. Luckily for you, in a city filled with a variety of bars, there is surely something for you. However, if you are looking for a relaxed sports bar, then check out Brass Monkey which is just under three miles from the AMP. The pub is a laidback spot with 20 different beers on draft and plenty of cocktails including their signature Monkey Punch which includes Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, peach schnapps, banana liqueur, with orange, pineapple and cranberry juices. With a lengthy food and drink menu, there is certainly something you will find that you are sure to love after a great night of college basketball.
Need to Lament?
Let’s face it: We will not always get the happy ending we hope for if our sports team does not win. However, do not fret because Providence has one of the best spots to head to when you are feeling down and you need to have something sweet and delectable to numb the pain and that is Gregg’s. As a local Rhode Island chain, Gregg’s is a staple in the Ocean State so of course there is one right in the state’s capital just over three miles away from the AMP. The classic restaurant has everything from cheesecakes including its own turtle cheesecake, to pies like a good old fashioned apple pie. When it comes to Gregg’s cakes, there is nothing Rhode Islanders praise more than their signature Death by Chocolate Cake. With six layers of chocolate cake covered in chocolate chips and frosting, Gregg’s famous Death By Chocolate Cake will be sure to lift your spirits.
Enjoy the Sights
With all of the amazing college hoops and days surrounded by excitement, it can be easy to forget to enjoy where you are. Luckily for you, Prospect Terrace is just the place to do that. A beautiful park with walkways and plenty of benches, the setup allows you to enjoy the spectacular view you get as you can see the entirety of downtown from the terrace. With a statue of the founder of Rhode Island, Roger Williams, at the face of the park, it is the perfect place to take a break from all of the madness and just enjoy the scenic views that the city of Providence brings.
Where the Sports Fans Go
After having an absolute blast watching some college hoops, you may want to keep the fun going with some fellow sports fans. If you are looking for a fun spot filled with drinks and activities, then check out Snookers which is just 1.6 miles from the AMP. The 36-year-old bar has specialty sports themed drinks that are sure to match the mood after some college ball. Not to mention, the bar has plenty of sandwiches and finger food to snack on as well as 15 billiard tables. Most importantly, there are dozens upon dozens of screens so you do not miss a second of the action for all of the big games. There is nothing like a casual game of pool with some friends and a couple of brews while watching the game to celebrate a fantastic night of basketball.
Ready for PVD?
There is certainly so much to do in the city of Providence. Of course, you will be enjoying so much that the NCAA tournament has to offer, hopefully including some Cinderella runs and plenty of games that will have you on the edge of your seat. However, do not forget to make a trip out of your time in Providence and have some fun with what the city has for you. Enjoy the food, enjoy the sites, and most importantly, enjoy the madness.
