Coming to Sacramento for the NCAA Women's Basketball Regionals, March 27-30, 2026? Whether you’re here to cheer on your team, follow your bracket, or simply soak up the excitement, Sacramento makes it easy to turn game day into a full weekend getaway. With walkable downtown streets, award-winning restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of things to do between tipoffs, California’s capital is ready to host the ultimate tournament weekend.
Image Courtesy of: Polanco Cantina
Grab a Bite to Eat Near the Golden 1 Center
One of the best parts about attending a game at Golden 1 Center is how walkable everything is. Located in Downtown Commons (DOCO), the arena is surrounded by restaurants that make pre-game dinners and post-game bites effortless. Inside DOCO, you can enjoy modern Mexican flavors and margaritas at Polanco Cantina, fuel up on elevated sports-bar fare at Tom’s Watch Bar, or settle in for a steakhouse experience at Echo & Rig. Just steps away from the arena, spots like The 7th Street Standard, Camden Spit & Larder, Grange Restaurant & Bar, Willow Sacramento and Prelude Kitchen & Bar offer delicious farm-to-fork fare.
Explore more of Sacramento’s restaurants: https://www.visitsacramento.com/restaurants-and-drinks/
Image Courtesy of: Francisco Chavira
Go to the Visit Sacramento Fan Zone
Get ready for game day at the Visit Sacramento Fan Zone in Ali Youssefi Square, happening Friday, March 27, from 1 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 28, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This high-energy outdoor experience brings the excitement beyond the arena with activations, live DJs, a Pop-A-Shot game to test your skills, a March Madness photo opp, bites and drinks from local vendors, and more.
Be sure to stop by the Spirit Station, presented by Golden 1 Credit Union, featuring rally towel giveaways, face painting and airbrush tattoos, and a custom sign-making station to help fans gear up before heading into Golden 1 Center for tipoff.
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Grab a Drink After the Game to Celebrate
When the final buzzer sounds, Sacramento’s nightlife is ready. Inside DOCO, you can head up to Revival at The Sawyer or Clayton Club for rooftop views and celebratory cocktails, slip into the stylish and intimate Trophy Club speakeasy inside Tipsy Putt for a craft cocktail, or enjoy vibrant, Palm Springs-inspired vibes at Cabana Club Sacramento. Just nearby, the fun continues at spots like Dive Bar, famous for its mermaids, and Coin-Op, where arcade games and DJs keep the energy going well into the night.
If you’re looking to explore even more nightlife options, visit: www.visitsacramento.com/things-to-do/nightlife/.
Explore More Things to Do in Sacramento
When you’re not cheering inside Golden 1 Center, make time to explore more of California’s capital city. Step back into time with a stroll through Old Sacramento Waterfront, where history comes with Gold Rush-era attractions. If you’re in the mood for something more interactive, play a round of mini golf at Tipsy Putt or head to Midtown for axe-throwing, pool, arcade games, and more at ForePlay. And with more than 270 days of sunshine each year, it’s easy to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, whether that’s a riverfront walk, patio dining, or exploring Sacramento’s many parks.
Find more things to do in Sacramento at: https://www.visitsacramento.com/things-to-do/
Image Courtesy of: AC Hotel Sacramento
Make it a Weekend and Book a Hotel Room
Why rush home after the final buzzer? Turn your tournament trip into a full Sacramento getaway and stay steps from the action at downtown hotels. Find the perfect place to stay at www.visitsacramento.com/hotels/.
Image Courtesy of: Francisco Chavira
No tickets? No Problem
There’s still time to experience the excitement as eight teams compete in the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight rounds. To buy tickets or for more information, visit: https://am.ticketmaster.com/ncaa/buy/quickbuy?id=MzI1.
