March Madness 2025: DMV Hoops, Happenings & Happy Hour

March has arrived, and you know what that means: the DMV is back in the Madness!

Whether you're rocking Maryland red, Georgetown blue, or repping a mid-major with dreams of an upset, we've got the full scoop on who's dancing and rolling this year. JustBE ready for the madness and fun!


DMV Teams in the Big Dance

men playing basketball

Men’s Bracket

American University – The Eagles are back! Facing Mount Saint Mary’s in the First Four, they’re looking to make history again after their famous 2008 Cinderella moment.

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) – The Rams, known for their “Havoc” defense, take on BYU in hopes of another Final Four run like 2011.

Maryland Terrapins – The Terps face Grand Canyon, with their eyes set on a deep run, channeling their 2002 championship magic.

Liberty University – Squaring off against Oregon, Liberty’s defense will be key to repeating their past First Four success.


Women’s Bracket

The College of William & Mary – History in the making! The Tribe plays their first-ever NCAA Tournament game against High Point.

University of Richmond – The Spiders, returning to the tournament, take on Georgia Tech and look to surpass their previous best performances.

Maryland Terrapins – A powerhouse squad facing Norfolk State, the Terps aim to dominate and chase another championship like 2006.

George Mason University – The Patriots battle Florida State, hoping to make a deeper run than their 2016 Round of 32 appearance.

Liberty University – The ASUN Conference champs take on Kentucky, bringing their tournament experience and defensive grit.


Matchups to Watch

  • Maryland vs. Grand Canyon – Can the Terps impose their will? The Terrapins have the size and speed to dominate, but Grand Canyon is a scrappy, well-coached squad that thrives on up-tempo play. If Maryland controls the boards and limits turnovers, they should advance. But if Grand Canyon’s sharpshooters get hot, it could be a nail-biter.

  • VCU vs. BYU – Clash of styles: defense vs. offense. VCU’s “Havoc” defense thrives on forcing turnovers, while BYU relies on precision shooting and methodical ball movement. If the Rams can disrupt BYU’s rhythm and create easy transition buckets, they have a clear path to victory. But if BYU finds its offensive groove early, VCU may be in trouble.

  • Howard vs. Duke – Time for an upset? Howard enters as an underdog, but don’t count them out. They play with relentless energy and have a dynamic backcourt capable of making big plays. Duke, with its size and experience, is favored, but if Howard can push the pace and knock down shots from deep, we might see some March magic unfold.

Where to Watch & What to Eat

Penn Social (Washington, DC)

📅 March 14 - April 3, 2025
🕕 6:00 - 10 PM
📍 801 E St NW, Washington, DC
A downtown staple with plenty of space, big screens, and a lively crowd. Enjoy every game live, sip on Modelo drink specials, and snag a free group reservation if you're catching the early games.

Sports & Social (North Bethesda, MD)

📅 March 19, 2025
🕕 Opens at 4 PM
📍 11800 Grand Park Ave, North Bethesda, MD
This venue brings every game, every upset, and every play to massive screens. Whether you're cheering for your alma mater or just here for the madness, it's the perfect high-energy spot to settle in from tip-off to the final buzzer.

Tom's Watch Bar (National Harbor, MD)

📅 Open daily
🕕 11 AM - 12 AM
📍 200 American Way, Oxon Hill, MD
Looking for an immersive sports-watching experience? Tom's Watch Bar delivers with 360° oversized stadium screens, making sure you don’t miss a single play. A go-to spot for serious fans who want prime viewing and great food.

Alexandria Bier Garden (Alexandria, VA)

📅 March 20 - April 7, 2025
🕕 12 PM - 10 PM
📍 710 King Street, Alexandria, VA
A German-inspired beer garden with big screens, big beers, and big energy. Cheer on your favorite team while enjoying $6 draft beers and a lively crowd. The perfect place to mix basketball with bratwursts.

Shark Bar & Seafood House (Waldorf, MD)

📅 March 22, 2025
🕕 3 PM - 8 PM
📍 2056 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD
This is more than just a watch party—it’s a March Madness day party! DJ Biggs & DJ Chuck B are bringing the beats, so expect a high-energy, music-filled atmosphere as you root for your squad. Grab your crew and get ready to turn up!

Want to see all the teams competing in March Madness?

JustBE ready—watch and get the full breakdown below. Don’t miss a moment of the action!

 

JustBE Real–Final Thoughts

March Madness is more than a tournament—it’s a feeling. It’s the electric buzz of a packed bar when a No. 12 seed pulls off an upset. It’s the agony and ecstasy of a buzzer-beater that sends one team dancing and another home heartbroken. It’s the hope, the hype, and the heartbreak that make this time of year unforgettable.

So whether you’re a die-hard fan, a casual viewer, or just here for the food and vibes—justBE part of it. Just be loud, just be loyal, just be all-in. And if your bracket implodes by Round 2? JustBE a believer in the madness. Because that’s what March is all about.

Now grab a drink, pick a squad, and let’s get this dance started. 🏀🔥