March in Vegas these days is a mecca for NCAA hoops fans. Sure, the excitement (and wagering) during March Madness is what people might think about, but the four conference tournaments that take place during about a week-and-a-half in mid-March are certainly worth the trip for those that enjoy seeing games in person.
The WCC tournament (Orleans Arena), Pac-12 (MGM Grand) and Mountain West (Thomas & Mack), and then the WAC tournament (also at the Orleans Arena) all run with very slight overlap, so you have the chance to see all four if you so desire.
Here's a couple of tidbits of information, based upon my attendance, in relation to the Pac-12 tournament for those that are interested:
1. There really isn't a bad seat in the whole arena. Seriously. It's seats nearly 17 000, but seems/feels way more intimate than that. For the first-round, I found a couple tickets on Stubhub for the evening session at $10 each (for 2 games!). At that price, a total bargain for NCAA power-conference basketball. They were literally 2 rows from the top of Section 215, but here was the view below --- solid:
2. If you're going to the early rounds, just buy them on Stubhub. "Face value" on TicketMaster for the opening rounds (200 level) is $30+, but on Stubhub the overwhelming majority of 200-level tickets are about $12-$17.
If you're going to all of the games (or many of the "later round" games including the championship), try to get your hands on one of the "all-session" tickets, either on Stubhub or (if you're lucky) when they're offered for individual sale. You'll likely do better that way compared to trying to purchase individually.
3. I had read on Stadium Journey prior to attending the 2014 tournament that they allowed outside beverages, but "you have to pour them into a plastic cup". This is partially true --- actually, they seem to have an even more relaxed policy than this. They'll allow CANS in without you having to pour them into a cup first; obviously, bottles will have to be poured into cups prior to entry.
As the security guy at the door said, they "don't like to inconvenience anyone" by making them have to pour out their cans. The key with that is that you could bring in a couple and not have to worry about spilling them all over while walking to your seat.
This is a huge bonus for those that like to relax with a cold one while watching the game, as you're bringing in beer at a fraction of what it would cost you inside (typical "stadium pricing", approximately $10/beer).
4. Another neat thing is the ability to "come and go" as you please during games/sessions. You can head out and hit the casino, sportsbook (halftime bets?), or grab some (better priced) food at the foodcourt.
5. Heading to those early sessions that start at noon? La Salsa Cantina (Trip Advisor link) is a great spot on the strip about 1/2 mile from the MGM. The neat thing? You won't pay "Strip Prices". They have a $3.99 (full) breakfast special (8am-Noon), while coffee and (small) Bloody Mary's are 99 cents. My wife and I went there several times during our week-long stay, as you certainly can't beat the pricing.
The famous "MGM Lion" even gets suited up for the Tournament, and there are several events (pep rallies, etc.) in the lobby:
Vegas in March is a must for any college basketball fan, but it doesn't just have to be for the Madness --- checking out some of these tournaments, including the Pac-12 at MGM, is certainly more than worthwhile.
