March Madness 2025: your guide to the first round + our favorite spots to watch in Huntsville

sporting events — It’s that time of year. (“Bama Basketball” by petepajor is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0)

For some people, the onset of March means flowers. For others, it can only mean one thing—their favorite team shooting hoops.

Alabama has proven itself to be more than just a football state. Both Auburn and Alabama’s mens’ teams have consistently done well this year, with Auburn holding the top D1 spot in the country for most of the season and Alabama not trailing far behind.

Selection Sunday has finally arrived, and we now have insight into the first part of this year’s bracket play. Keep reading to see when you can catch your team and where to watch.

Round 1 schedule

No. 1 seed Auburn’s first tournament game will be against Alabama State on Thursday, March 20 at 1:50PM on CBS.

No. 2 seed Alabama will face off against Robert Morris on Friday, March 21 at 12:40PM on TruTV.

Tournament play will continue through the first week of April, with the National Championship taking place in San Antonio on April 7.

Where to watch

Drake’s

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1052823880218291&set=pb.100064720657497.-2207520000

Drake’s is a Huntsville favorite for their wide menu ranging from burgers to sushi to salads.

The environment is perfect to sit back and watch your favorite team square up against the opposition.

Where: 4800 Whitesburg SE Suite 14, Huntsville, AL 35802
When: Sunday-Thursday, 11AM-12AM; Friday + Saturday, 11AM-1AM

Baumhower’s Victory Grille

Birmingham native Baumhower’s is iconic for a reason.

As a restaurant themed around sports, it’s the perfect spot to catch the big game with your family or with friends.

Where: 2309 Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
When: Sunday-Thursday, 11AM-10PM; Friday + Saturday, 11AM-11PM

The Martin

Grab a delicious bite while you watch the big game.

The Martin will be showing all of March Madness, so you don’t have to worry about missing anything.

Where: 116 Washington St SE, Huntsville, AL 35801
When: Tuesday-Thursday, 11AM-12AM; Friday + Saturday, 11AM-2PM; Sunday, 10:30AM-10PM

Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant & Bar

Big Whiskey’s in Madison is cooking up something special just for March Madness. Enter their bracket competition to see how well you fare against other basketball fans.

Who knows, you just might win!