March Madness in Vegas (21st - 24th)

[Joe Sharp]

Just booked my flights! In the past I've been for the sweet 16 but never the first/second rounds. I need tips on how to reserve spots at certain sportsbooks. I've heard that it can be a real bitch to get seats at decent books. Any advice?

Anyone else heading to Vegas for the Madness?

[BIGDAY]

Advise, get there early.

Ill be there the weekend after.

I get up, grab a good breakfast and coffee and saddle up at the Bellagio sportbook about half hour before the windows open. Get the best seat in the house.

[Joe Sharp]

Thanks Big.

Probably staying at Monte Carlo... Where do you guys stay?

[BIGDAY]

We like to stay at different casinos each time. Last time we were there we stayed at NewYork NY but I always find my way to the sportbook at Bellagio. MMAChicka likes the shops in Ceasars as well. Always my goal to win big enough to pay for her shopping tab. Needless to say, it sometimes is a tall order. Lol

[darkhat]

good luck sharper

please keep us updated on gambling, sex, alcohol, drug adventuers

[darkhat]

We like to stay at different casinos each time. Last time we were there we stayed at NewYork NY but I always find my way to the sportbook at Bellagio. MMAChicka likes the shops in Ceasars as well. Always my goal to win big enough to pay for her shopping tab. Needless to say, it sometimes is a tall order. Lol

bellagio book has nice leather chairs

like them so much for no reason

[Vegas39]

We like to stay at different casinos each time. Last time we were there we stayed at NewYork NY but I always find my way to the sportbook at Bellagio. MMAChicka likes the shops in Ceasars as well. Always my goal to win big enough to pay for her shopping tab. Needless to say, it sometimes is a tall order. Lol

speaking of Caesars have you heard of or tried Sam Adams utopia

[Joe Sharp]

good luck sharper

please keep us updated on gambling, sex, alcohol, drug adventuers

Will do! I might just post my first ever sbr video... Thanks darkhat.

[marcoloco]

Just booked my flights! In the past I've been for the sweet 16 but never the first/second rounds. I need tips on how to reserve spots at certain sportsbooks. I've heard that it can be a real bitch to get seats at decent books. Any advice?

Anyone else heading to Vegas for the Madness?

I will be there too buddy. It does get crowded. Getting there early is a must

[El Nino]

Sharper, only reserved seats are usually on the race book side. Bunch of old timers there reading their papers and smoking pipes. Have seen some reserved spots at Cantor books, prob have to have some juice though. Also, Cantor's books burn out my retinas. Monte Carlo's book is very small. I watched a UFC card there once and was not that impressed.

Like BIGDAY said, Bellagio is huge and nice, get there early or you will be sitting in the library like seats with the dividers. Nice thing about Bellagio is free drink service, as long as you have a betting slip, although it takes forever when it's packed. Atmosphere gets pretty nuts during big games. I did Green Valley Ranch last year for March Madness. Was great, dollar beers and hot dogs and plenty of great seating. Really nice, clean book and it's mainly locals who are pretty laid back.

If I had to recommend books on the strip: (Drink service is important on my list)

LVH
Mirage (Drink Tickets)
Bellagio
Aria (Drink Tickets)
Wynn (Drink Tickets)
Any Cantor Book

Off Strip: Green Valley Ranch

Some people have said Lagasse's Stadium is the shiz...every time I've walked by there has been a line out the door. Seems like more hassle than it's worth to drink and watch a game.

Also, if you're looking for good bar food in the Monte Carlo, check out "The Pub." Big ass burgers, tons of beer. Not a bad spot to watch a game either in a pinch.

I will be there for the Madness...not sure which weekend yet though.

[InTheDrink]

ill be there two weeks later...pools all open by then

[ChalkyDog]

Do it every year. Good luck getting a seat at a book unless you are there early. I drink too much for that shit, so I generally just find a shitty seat in a viewing room, which are everywhere the first two rds.

Best week in Vegas, IMO. And now that the PAC tourney is in Vegas, (that makes 4 conference tournaments in the same town same week), the week before - I think I am going to change the plans a bit.

Good luck!

[Joe Sharp]

If I had to recommend books on the strip: (Drink service is important on my list)

LVH
Mirage (Drink Tickets)
Bellagio
Aria (Drink Tickets)
Wynn (Drink Tickets)
Any Cantor Book

Off Strip: Green Valley Ranch

Some people have said Lagasse's Stadium is the shiz...every time I've walked by there has been a line out the door. Seems like more hassle than it's worth to drink and watch a game.

Also, if you're looking for good bar food in the Monte Carlo, check out "The Pub." Big ass burgers, tons of beer. Not a bad spot to watch a game either in a pinch.

I will be there for the Madness...not sure which weekend yet though.

I love "the pub" at ** and that is one of the reasons we may stay there. Thanks for your list of books.

My girl and I actually did Lagasse's Stadium 3 years ago. They charged something like $200 each (you can drink/eat up to that value) and it was worth every penny. Nice relaxed environment - sitting on couches, etc. Also, she is a huge college bball fan (went to Indiana) and Bob Knight was there as a "Host", took pictures and commented on the games, she was in heaven.

However, the TVs could be a lot better. When there are 6+ games going on other books MUST be better.

[BIGDAY]

Sharper, only reserved seats are usually on the race book side. Bunch of old timers there reading their papers and smoking pipes. Have seen some reserved spots at Cantor books, prob have to have some juice though. Also, Cantor's books burn out my retinas. Monte Carlo's book is very small. I watched a UFC card there once and was not that impressed.

Like BIGDAY said, Bellagio is huge and nice, get there early or you will be sitting in the library like seats with the dividers. Nice thing about Bellagio is free drink service, as long as you have a betting slip, although it takes forever when it's packed. Atmosphere gets pretty nuts during big games. I did Green Valley Ranch last year for March Madness. Was great, dollar beers and hot dogs and plenty of great seating. Really nice, clean book and it's mainly locals who are pretty laid back.

If I had to recommend books on the strip: (Drink service is important on my list)

LVH
Mirage (Drink Tickets)
Bellagio
Aria (Drink Tickets)
Wynn (Drink Tickets)
Any Cantor Book

Off Strip: Green Valley Ranch

Some people have said Lagasse's Stadium is the shiz...every time I've walked by there has been a line out the door. Seems like more hassle than it's worth to drink and watch a game.

Also, if you're looking for good bar food in the Monte Carlo, check out "The Pub." Big ass burgers, tons of beer. Not a bad spot to watch a game either in a pinch.

I will be there for the Madness...not sure which weekend yet though.

When busy the cocktail ladies do get backed up. But, It's amazing what they will do with a decent tip. Let's be honest, drinks are very expensive. So you'll be paying $10 for a beer.
If I know i'll be there a while and want to get smashed.. I pre tip. Give a $20 right away. Then tell her that I will double that, so $60 total, if my beer/drink doesn't hit the bottom before my next one. She started bringing me two at a time just to make sure. Regardless after about a 12 pack and a few shots of whisky I'm hammered. So it's like I'm paying for the drinks but I aint waitn for drinks either. +ev

[tony_come]

Check out Mandalay

[milwaukee mike]

a lot of sportsbooks have conference rooms set up for march madness with betting windows and a bunch of tvs. avoid the normal sportsbook/racebook and head to those.

for example, the golden nugget has "the grand" ballroom where the bash was held all set up for march madness, free admission and you don't need advance reservations or anything. get there at 8am and pick whatever seat you want.

[Coolcanuck79]

I go every year for the first round but this year I will be going the week before for the conf. tourneys and St Paddy's Day. (Mar 13 to 17) The first two rounds are nuts and every book is jammed.

[Joe Sharp]

Check out Mandalay

We have 4 full days of games... so I plan on hitting a few different books. Mandalay will be one of them! Very close to the Burger Bar. I'll grab a kobe beef burger with the works for lunch

[milwaukee mike]

here are some of the special viewing areas from last year

http://www.vegaschatter.com/story/2012/3/3/163143/5101/vegas-travel/Seven+More+Ways+To+Bring+The+Madness+This+March

paying an extra $7 for a kobe burger that tastes exactly the same as black angus is -ev

[Joe Sharp]

Nice! Thanks for the heads up, mike. I'll be on the lookout for that list this year. I'm sure it'll be similar.

You are probably right about the burger

[milwaukee mike]

Nice! Thanks for the heads up, mike. I'll be on the lookout for that list this year. I'm sure it'll be similar.

You are probably right about the burger

still better than that $50 burger with foie gras and truffles on it


i had some truffled mac and cheese once, and made the mistake of trying truffled french fries again recently. horrible! just a real weird smell/taste, it made me sick

[Joe Sharp]

Booked adjoining rooms at Monte Carlo. Looked into a suite at a few spots but the rates are RIDICULOUS in March (definitely -ev as well hahaha). Looking into the conference room and theater set ups on a daily basis!

Christmas in March, boys!!!

[Louisvillekid1]

When busy the cocktail ladies do get backed up. But, It's amazing what they will do with a decent tip. Let's be honest, drinks are very expensive. So you'll be paying $10 for a beer.
If I know i'll be there a while and want to get smashed.. I pre tip. Give a $20 right away. Then tell her that I will double that, so $60 total, if my beer/drink doesn't hit the bottom before my next one. She started bringing me two at a time just to make sure. Regardless after about a 12 pack and a few shots of whisky I'm hammered. So it's like I'm paying for the drinks but I aint waitn for drinks either. +ev

Lesson out of the kid's book...

[Louisvillekid1]

Landers told me to give her a 0.50 cent piece and time her by counting out loud,

He said that's so money, and I don't even know it...

Whatever that means,

[BIGDAY]

Lesson out of the kid's book...

Right?? I mean it will cost you a few extra $$ But I don't like not having a drink in my hand.

[El Nino]

Right?? I mean it will cost you a few extra $$ But I don't like not having a drink in my hand.

I enjoy looping a 6-pack through my belt like a fukkin' holster. Always one at the ready.

[shaunovery]

Where's the best book to go to for atmosphere for the games I usually go to the lv superbook

[Joe Sharp]

I love Mandalay Bay... a few guys here say that Bellagio is fantastic. I willl personally be on the lookout for the spots that set up conference rooms, etc with large projection screens and easily accessible betting stations! I will update this thread with all of my research through February and into the Madness!!

[cankid]

one of the most fun weekends in Vegas, its electric in the books

[shaunovery]

Less than 8 weeks can't wait

[Joe Sharp]

[hugh_morris]

I can only wrap it up in two words...Good times!.......peace

[SkivChef]

March Madness in Vegas

Where can i go and get a reserved table for 5 for the first round? Did venetian last year, opened an account w Cantor but had to get up early to get my spot. Lagassies is too expensive, i dont mind opening an account with 5-10k but i want cheap or free drinks and a reserved spot. Does this exist???????

[shaunovery]

march madness in Vegas

Hi all

Trip booked and paid for staying at the bellagio 20-25th of march got 10k for punting

Anyone meeting up sharing plays beers etc

[Joe Sharp]

http://forum.sbrforum.com/players-talk/2102542-march-madness-vegas-21st-24th.html