TAKE A TIME OUT DOWNTOWN
In town for the game?
Welcome to Tourney Town! If you’re looking for where to eat, where to drink, or where to explore while you’re here, we’ve got you covered.
Downtown Dayton is just minutes away from UD Arena, and it’s where you’ll find the region’s best restaurants, bars, arts, recreation, and more.
Take a time out downtown between games and see what downtown Dayton has to offer.
From casual bites to fine dining, and brewpubs to cocktail bars, downtown Dayton has dozens of great spots to eat and drink.
If you’re watching games on TV, downtown has plenty of places to post up and game watch, or grab carryout for watching the tournament at home.
Downtown Dayton is full of great things to see and do!
Arts and Cultural Offerings – Performing and visual arts, movie theater, comedy & improv, museums, library, & more
Unique, independent shops and stores
Recreational and Outdoor opportunities
Downtown Parking Options & The Flyer free circulator bus
Click here for a calendar of downtown events
The Big Hoopla Community Events
In Dayton, we make the First Four about more than just basketball; it’s four full days of fun and activities!
The start of all those festivities is the Big Hoopla 4 Miler on March 17, 2024. On Selection Sunday, we start the day with a 4 mile race that starts and finishes near UD Arena where the First Four goes down!
All participants receive a super soft tech tee, a custom finisher medal, free race photos, and tons of post race food. So grab a friend or family member and come celebrate the excitement of March Madness with us at the Big Hoopla 4 Miler!
The Big Hoopla annual STEM Challenge will be held at the Dayton Convention Center on Sunday, March 17, 2024. Attendees can participate in this FREE event with a basketball ‘hot shot’ and education contest, fun STEM demonstrations, and more!
The event, open to K–8 students, ties together the excitement and passion for college basketball to the power of STEM education. Regional and national partners will be on-site to engage students with hands-on science, technology, engineering and math demonstrations, as well as two fun 45-minute shows with award-winning science entertainer Mister C and performances by Eric Energy.
Registration is required for both Hoopla events – visit their corresponding websites for more information.