Round up the squad (to see Caitlin Clark continue to make college basketball history!) and check out these five spots to watch Hawkeyes games in Iowa.
Click here for where to watch March Madness in Des Moines.
[Originally published November 2022.]
Big Grove Brewery
Des Moines, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids
Big Grove Brewery offers Iowans the ultimate spot to kick back, relax and catch the watch the latest Hawkeyes game. The breweries offers pet-friendly patios and private event spaces for those looking for a spot to host their next watch party. When the commercials roll out, enjoy some yard games on the patio (some locales host) Giant Jenga or corn hole), and be sure to stop by the bar to try one of the many cold brews on tap. Big Grove Brewery is open Sunday to Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. To learn more about Big Grove Brewery, visit biggrove.com.
Brick Alley Pub & Sports Bar
Marion
Located in the historic Marion Square, Brick Alley Pub & Sports Bar is a staple destination for sports fans, offering over 20 rotating beers on tap, a 180-in. jumbo screen with stadium-style seating, state-of-the-art surround sound and games like darts, pool and shuffleboard to keep you busy during those pesky commercials. Though the sports bar doesn’t serve food, they encourage you to bring over some pizza from nearby local places. In addition to some insane game-enhancing fun, the Marion sports bar offers private event spaces to host a Hawkeyes watch party and an outdoor patio to catch the game on when the weather is warm. Brick Alley Pub & Sports bar is open Wednesday to Thursday, from 4 to 11 p.m.; Friday, from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday, from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.; and Sunday, from noon to 8 p.m. To learn more about Brick Alley Pub & Sports Bar, visit brickalleymarion.com.
Fieldhouse 1st Avenue
Cedar Rapids
We only recommend entering Fieldhouse 1st Avenue in Cedar Rapids if you are, in fact, a Hawkeyes fan (or good at pretending to be one). The spot lives and breathes for the team, with everything from the decor, menu and even the staff covered in head to toe in Hawkeyes gear. The menu features everything from salads, sandwiches, wings, pizzas and burgers to enjoy while catching some Hawkeyes games, in addition to sporting the occasional local college games. The Cedar Rapids locale is open Tuesday to Thursday, from 11 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. To learn more about Fieldhouse 1st Avenue, visit fieldhouse1stave.com.
Bushwood Sports Bar and Grill
Cedar Rapids
Boasting Hawkeyes and NFL games alike, Bushwood Sports Bar and Grill is a locally-owned and -operated spot in Cedar Rapids. The beloved destination boasts 25 flatscreens, making no seat in the house a bad one; a boomin’ sound system; and traditional game-day grub favorites like seemingly endless burgers, greasy pizzas and good ol’ fashioned beer. The spot is open Sunday to Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to midnight. To learn more about Bushwood Sports Bar and Grill, visit bushwoodsportsbar.com.
Iowa Taproom
Des Moines
With over 100 beers on tap, indulgent New Americana fare and many state-of-the-art flatscreens to watch the Hawkeyes game, it is no wonder Iowa Taproom in Des Moines is a favorite for local sports fanatics. Though allegedly haunted, this historic site is the largest taproom in Iowa, with only locally-crafted beer available to sip. In addition to a frosty brew, the pub offers traditional bar bites like wings, burgers, tacos and even a menu for the little fans. Iowa Taproom is open Sunday to Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Thursday to Saturday, from 11 a.m. to midnight. To learn more about Iowa Taproom, visit iowataproom.com.
BONUS: The University of Iowa Athletics Department Watch Party
Iowa City
Plus, on April 5, The University of Iowa Athletics Department hosts a free women’s basketball watch party at Carver-Hawkeye Arena as the second-ranked Hawkeyes’ take on 10th-ranked UConn during the national semifinal game. Doors at the North, South and West entrances will open at 7 p.m. (CT) — 90 minutes prior to the 8:30 p.m. scheduled tipoff from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland. Iowa’s clear-bag policy will be enforced. Fans attending the watch party will be asked to view the game on the jumbotron from the east side of the arena in Sections NN, N, M, L, MM, LL and KK. To learn more, visit hawkeyesports.com.