Are you attending one of the 2018 NCAA games? You’ll score with these “starting 5” attractions in each host city for March Madness — from San Diego to Pittsburgh.
If you’re one of the throngs attending, here’s a “starting 5” lineup of other things you and hoops troops can enjoy in the host cities beyond the court.
As with any starting 5, you may think there’s a better lineup. And there’s no foul called if you decide to visit these destinations some other time of year:
Did you know the road to San Antonio starts in Dayton, Ohio? It does in 2018, anyway, as Ohio’s sixth-largest city hosts the First Four play-in games and enjoys its shining moment on the national stage.
Boise and seven other cities will host the first and second rounds of the tourney. The capital of Idaho is a launchpad to beautiful land out West and offers plenty of attractions itself:
Talk in the largest city in North Carolina often centers around two things: banking and basketball. With storied teams from Duke, UNC, Wake Forest and N. C. State not far away, it’s a natural host city. See what else you can do.
They love their football in Texas, but the people of Dallas know how to host a group of basketball fans, too. Your starting five for Dallas:
You know how much they love sports in Detroit. What you may not know is all the other things they love: books, music, architecture. So hoops fans will have plenty of other attractions to occupy their time.
It’s the center of the country music universe, so you’re naturally going to have a strong representation from that sector in Nashville’s starting five. But watch for a couple of unexpected members of the team, too:
Once the poster child for economic decline, Pittsburgh is now the poster child of comeback cities. Its rich history, forged in steel and the fortunes it made, along with its new economic and cultural growth make it a top destination:
With some of the best weather in the United States, it will be easy to leave Viejas Arena and enjoy outdoor activities in San Diego.
Wichita, which started out as a trading post, is the largest city in Kansas. Set along the banks of the Arkansas River, it’s home to indoor and outdoor destinations worth checking out.
The largest city in the Deep South, Atlanta puts a lot of focus on hosting visitors to its sports venues and conventions. Here are five great places to go between Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games:
Another classic sports city, Boston is also the cradle of the American Revolution. So soak in some culture and history (and brews) with these starting five:
Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the country. So the hard part is narrowing down what to do. It’s hard to go wrong with these:
Omaha is the largest city in Nebraska, and like the rest of the Midwest, you’ll find friendly people who’ll welcome you and show you a good time.
One team will emerge the champs in San Antonio, but everyone promises to be a winner visiting the second-biggest city in Texas. Your starting five for the Final Four:
