College basketball fans are gearing up for the most thrilling period of the year as the March Madness tournament commences this week, starting with its initial round of games. The annual NCAA event selects 68 Division 1 teams for a single-elimination competition throughout March, with both men's and women's tournaments running concurrently. Millions of enthusiasts engage by creating brackets to predict game outcomes, culminating in a final champion. Beyond the on-court action, supporters can indulge in a variety of restaurant promotions tied to the sporting spectacle. Here is a comprehensive guide to the best food deals available during March Madness 2026.
Buffalo Wild Wings and KFC Lead Wing Deals
Buffalo Wild Wings is offering a special tournament package via its app or website, featuring 20 boneless wings, large fries, and four dips priced between $17.99 and $19.99. Alternatively, traditional bone-in wings are available from $21.99 to $24.99. Meanwhile, KFC is promoting its own wing deal, with 20 wings for $20, accessible online, through the chain's app, or in-store.
Sweet Treats and Burger Specials
Insomnia Cookies is enticing fans with a buy-one, get-one offer on Classic cookies from March 17 through March 20, exclusively for customers wearing college team apparel in-store. Red Robin is celebrating the tournament with five pounds of wings to-go for $49.99, alongside a weekly $12 specialty burger available throughout the event and for one additional week post-tournament.
Promotions for Bracket Busts and Weekly Rewards
TGI Fridays has a unique offer for those with unsuccessful brackets: from March 15 through April 6, customers can present their busted bracket to receive six free chicken wings. Taco Bell, in partnership with Grubhub, is providing weekly rewards: a free Chalupa Supreme on orders of $20 or more during the first and second rounds, a free chicken or cheese quesadilla on orders of $22 or more for the Sweet 16 and Elite 8, a free Beefy Five-Layer Burrito on orders of $22 or more for the semifinals, and a free order of nacho fries with any taco purchase of $20 or more for the finals.
Additional Restaurant Offers
Moe's Southwest Grill is offering $5 off orders of $20 or more from March 19 through 22 and March 26 through 29. Wendy's is running a Dunks menu in its app from March 16 through April 6, where customers are automatically entered to win $100,000 and limited edition prizes like custom sneakers. The chain also has a Dunks for America promotion, triggered by the first slam dunk in the championship games, offering free Hot & Crispy Fries and a small chocolate or vanilla Frosty Classic in-restaurant on April 7.
The March Madness tournament, featuring dozens of games until the final match on April 6, not only showcases top college basketball talent but also provides fans with numerous opportunities to enjoy discounted meals and free items. As restaurants roll out these promotional deals, enthusiasts can enhance their viewing experience with affordable treats and exclusive offers throughout the weeks-long competition.
