The 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball first and second rounds will be played at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville on March 19 and March 21.
Fan bases from eight schools will travel to Greenville in support of their teams as the NCAA Tournament gets underway.
Downtown Greenville will host a Fan Fest from 4-10 p.m. on March 20 in NOMA Square, Main Street between North and Washington Streets, and Coffee Street between Main and Brown Street.
Activities at Fan Fest will include:
23’x13′ LED Screen displaying tournament action
Half-Court Basketball Court
Inflatable basketball game
360 Photo Op
Event Activations from VisitGreenvilleSC, Furman, and SoCon
NCAA Official Merchandise Trailer
Those near the NCAA Tournament action are in for a treat, as downtown offers some of the best dining options in the region.
Here are our recommendations for interesting restaurant spaces to try near the Bon Secours Wellness Arena:
Nationally Recognized: Greer Cajun restaurant named one of best in U.S.
Best restaurants, places to eat near Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Barbecue and Southern food with a twist
Crave, 600 S. Main St. — If barbecue and brunch had a baby, Crave would be its birthplace, as this space, guided by Chef Jason Ellis, is for both sweet and savory food lovers. Located in downtown, this restaurant is a great place to get Southern food with a creative twist.
Creative twist on 10 burgers
Windy City Burgers, 12 E. Coffee St. — The menu features a creative twist on 10 burgers and four signature French fry options; many locals consider it the best handheld experience in the area.
Authentic Mexican food
Automatic Taco, 1501 E. North St. — Its second location is now open, bringing a fusion of flavors like Korean pork belly and Nashville hot chicken tacos to the neighborhood. Quality eats and a family-friendly environment.
Taqueria 4 Tacos Locos, 3400 Augusta Road — One of Greenville’s best-kept secrets when it comes to authentic Mexican food. From tacos and quesadillas to burritos and birria, this Mexican restaurant is true to its culture and flavors.
Hoagies and cheesesteaks
Harry’s Hoagie Shop, 1700 E. North St. — Widely regarded as one of the best large handheld sandwich shops in Greenville. Harry’s Hoagie Shop does so many things well that it’s hard to point out just one: their hoagies, cheesesteaks, and salads are all worth a try.
Coffee and pastry shop
Scout’s Doughnuts, 1700 E. North St. — This local coffee and pastry shop offers flaky, creative, and excellent-tasting treats, making it the perfect choice for a sweet treat or breakfast on the go.
Grab-and-go items that are freshly made
Spinx Market, 659 S. Main St. — This
A foodie’s guide for the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament
