There is no better time of year for basketball fans than March Madness. Some couples enjoy watching games together, while others need a bit more entertainment surrounding the event to spice it up. Here are nine activities for couples to make March Madness especially exciting.
Bracket Challenge
Create your own March Madness bracket challenge for just the two of you. Fill out brackets and compete to determine who can predict the most accurate outcomes. It doesn't have to be the full bracket. You can break the tournament into multiple competitions by each weekend of games. Set up friendly wagers, such as the loser having to plan the next date night.
Basketball-themed Movie Marathon
Host a movie marathon featuring classic basketball films. Here are my five favorites:
Hoosiers (1986)
A classic basketball film based on the true story of a small-town Indiana high school basketball team that defies the odds to win the state championship. With memorable performances by Gene Hackman and Dennis Hopper, "Hoosiers" is a heartwarming tale of underdogs triumphing against adversity.
Coach Carter (2005)
Inspired by the true story of Coach Ken Carter, this film follows a high school basketball coach who prioritizes academics and discipline over winning games. Starring Samuel L. Jackson, "Coach Carter" is a powerful story of mentorship, leadership, and the transformative power of sports.
White Men Can't Jump (1992)
Starring Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson, this comedy-drama follows two street basketball hustlers who team up to enter basketball tournaments. "White Men Can't Jump" is known for its witty dialogue, entertaining basketball scenes, and exploration of race and class dynamics.
Blue Chips (1994)
A sports drama starring Nick Nolte as a college basketball coach facing pressure to recruit talented players at any cost. "Blue Chips" delves into the ethical dilemmas of college athletics, including recruiting violations and the exploitation of student-athletes.
The Basketball Diaries (1995)
Based on the memoir of Jim Carroll, "The Basketball Diaries" follows the descent of a talented high school basketball player into drug addiction and crime. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio in a breakout role, the film is a raw and powerful portrayal of addiction, redemption, and the struggles of adolescence.
DIY Basketball Crafts
Do you have children? If so, Get crafty as a family and make DIY basketball-themed decorations or accessories for your home. Create a mini basketball hoop out of cardboard or design custom t-shirts with your favorite team logos.
March Madness Cooking Challenge
Challenge each other to a cooking competition inspired by March Madness. Pick a theme, such as game day snacks or basketball-themed dishes, and see who can come up with the most creative and delicious recipe. You can pull some great ideas from our previous post, 10 Recipes or Grocery Grabs for Super Bowl Homegating Success.
Virtual Game Night
Host a virtual game night with friends and family featuring basketball-themed trivia, charades, or Pictionary. Get competitive and see who knows the most about March Madness history or famous basketball players. Similar ideas are in our previous post, 5 Low-Cost Double Date Ideas.
Basketball Shootout
Head to a local park or recreation center and have your own basketball shootout. Set up a friendly competition with prizes for the winner, or simply enjoy some quality time shooting hoops together.
Sports Bar Crawl
Plan a sports bar crawl and visit different bars or restaurants to watch March Madness games. Plan a route that includes several sports bars within walking distance or a short Uber ride away from each other. Take time to research each bar's offerings, including their drink specials, food menu, and sports games they will be showing. Wear team jerseys or play games like trivia or beer pong to add excitement.
Basketball Workout
Get active together with a basketball-themed workout session. Head to a local gym or park and incorporate basketball drills and exercises into your routine. It's a fun way to stay fit and active while bonding as a couple.
Outdoor Viewing Party
Host an outdoor viewing party in your backyard. Start by checking the weather forecast. If ideal, select an outdoor space large enough for seating where the game can be projected.
Set up a large screen or projector and test audiovisual equipment beforehand. String lights and a fire pit can also be added. Encourage guests to bring their own blankets or chairs for added comfort and enjoyment if needed.
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