College basketball championships

Boston for Basketball Lovers - 11 Ways to Get in The Game State of Mind

Last updated: March 2024

As the college basketball tournaments approach on March 17, fans flood places where they can get close to the action, and there is a lineup of activities around Boston catering to bball fanatics. For those who love the game, spend a few great weekends at the best locations, athletic shops, and historical centers dedicated to one of America’s favorite sports.

Catch the Basketball Action at TD Garden

TD Garden Arena in Boston

The East Regional round for the men’s college basketball tournament will be played at TD Garden March 28–30. Additionally, the days and weeks leading up to that excitement feature several home games for the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. As the city’s most notable arena and the largest sports facility in New England, this 755,000-square-foot venue hosts everything from comedy acts to ice shows, in between a variety of professional athletic events.

Turn up the luxury and score one of the club seats and indulge in high-end park fare at one of the three private restaurants. Large groups can rent an Event Suite to host an exclusive watch party with friends or colleagues, complete with perks like early arena access and a suite attendant.

Stop in at The Sports Museum of New England (Inside TD Garden)

Statue of Bobby Orr at TD Garden Arena

Sports buffs will rejoice over this spectacular addition to their TD Garden visit. Located on levels five and six of the arena, this walk-in experience is a half-mile of jerseys, famous gear and notable players immortalized in Boston’s sports history. As a nonprofit, the museum brings education to the forefront in a fashion that’s fun for all ages.


To create an exclusive visit, opt for a private VIP tour with one of the two museum curators. Prepare to be regaled with stories of the artifacts and their rich histories, followed by a visit to the Boston Garden Theatre for further leisure.

Branch Out to Other Sports Arenas

Fenway Park gate entrance in Boston

Basketball isn’t the only sport that has the city abuzz. A plethora of stadiums and arenas live in Boston, some with long-standing meaning to the city and its teams.

Matthews Arena - Alongside Northeastern basketball, the oldest multi sports arena in America shows men’s and women’s ice hockey games.

Fenway Park - Spring training falls during the same time as the college basketball tournaments. And while the Red Sox are playing in Florida, Opening Day at Fenway is April 9, the day after the college basketball tournament championship.


Agganis Stadium - Catch a Boston University hockey game during the winter season. Beyond sports, Agganis Stadium hosts musical guests and variety shows on a regular schedule.

Watch Sports at On Deck

Encore Boston Harbor On Deck Burger Bar

Catch any game nightly at On Deck, Encore Boston Harbor’s sports bar. Known for its wide selection of cuisine that balances upscale and casual, this is the ultimate spot to kick back and relax for an evening of cheering on your teams. The mahogany and plaid interiors mirror the hominess of the comfort food, so enjoy gourmet dishes like the signature lobster roll, sliders, sandwiches and finger foods with one of over 24 beers on tap in the luxury of a thoughtful space dotted with 33 75-inch TVs.

Try Your Luck at the Sportsbook

Exterior of WynnBET Sportsbook

Sports betting is at an all-time high during the college basketball season. When the brackets are made and the stakes are established, the only thing left to do is stop into a premier viewing space and watch those picks play out. Encore Boston Harbor’s WynnBET Sportsbook boasts over 70 TVs against a decadent interior of memorabilia, a trophy wall, and a full bar. Betting schedules are available online.

Culinary choices range from the cult favorite dishes from Shake Shack to hearty favorites from Frank & Nick’s like succulent meatball subs and a variety of paninis.

Work at a Luxury Fitness Club

New Fitness Center Hero

Many sports fans like to stay in peak shape, and one thing that Boston offers in bulk is the opportunity to stay in shape. Bespoke athletic clubs live on every block, including:

Barry’s Bootcamp - Break a sweat in an energized nightclub vibe, and don’t forget to grab a refreshing juice for a job well done.

CorePower Yoga - Join a workout that’s both relaxing and stimulating, followed by freshening up in luxury locker facilities

EveryBodyFights - A unique concept, this luxury boxing gym in downtown Boston houses weights and other equipment surrounding the ring and bags.

Relax at The Spa at Encore Boston Harbor

Encore Boston Harbor Spa

After long weekends of multi round picks and working on that jump shot, a massage at Encore Boston Harbor is the perfect antidote for sore muscles and windburn from outdoor courts.

Several treatments at the Encore spa are curated to promote both serenity and recovery. A Therapeutic Massage treats stubborn sore areas by increasing blood flow, aided by a soothing cocktail of rosemary, pine and sea buckthorn, while the Lomi Lomi will bring additional hydration and relaxation. For optimal rehabilitation, add-ons like body brushing and CBD relief cream are available for massage treatments.

Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

Naismith Basketball hall of fame

Bball aficionados will make the day trip down to Springfield, MA to visit the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Characterized by its glittering silver sphere welcoming fans from all over, the venue features an extensive museum of Hall of Famers including the likes of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal and hundreds more. Exhibits and movies dot the halls — and of course, a full-sized court is available onsite for a quick shootaround.

To enjoy the space in a more intimate fashion, special event bookings are available for private parties.

Celtics Meet and Greet Event

Boston Celtics flag

Get familiar with your favorite Celtics players for a rare meet-and-greet event. The night will kick off with music bingo, where participants will try to identify well-known stadium anthems. Small forward Jordan Walsh and guard JD Davidson will be on site to spend the evening with lucky VIP fans at Kowloon Restaurant in Saugus. A night of photo opportunities, a Q&A session and autograph sessions for the merchandise of choice awaits, so every fan will walk away with their own ideal souvenirs.


Tickets are limited. The event takes place on April 10 from 5:30–8:30 p.m. More information can be found here.

Grab a Pick-Up Game at Boston Park

Outdoor basketball court in Boston

As the weather in Boston heats up, the season calls for a perfect pick-up game outside. Visitors and locals traveling through the city can stop at any of the following for a game:

Marcella Park - Two state-of-the-art basketball courts make Marcella Park a top choice for a game in the Fort Hill neighborhood

Mission Hill Playground - The striking blue courts are bordered by a recently-renovated baseball field and pristine views of a stately basilica and branch of the Boston Public Library.

Langone Park - An unbeatable location and views of TD Garden make the basketball courts at Langone Park a hot commodity.

Shop for Sports Apparel

Wynn Sports

Rock name-brand athletic gear for sports viewing, game participating and everything in between. Wynn Sports is Encore’s onsite apparel spot for sporting Nike, North Face, and brands of the same ilk. Beyond the household names, hotel guests and visitors can shop Encore-brand goods and local Boston team wear — just in time for a game at the city’s many facilities.

For a personalized experience, stylists will help you choose the perfect outfit for any occasion that may arise. Accessories and select handbags are also available for purchase.