March Madness, the three-week NCAA Division I college basketball tournament, is a major event for sports fans and a significant promotional period for restaurants and food brands. During the tournament, which typically runs from mid-March to early April, many chains roll out special deals, discounts, and freebies to attract customers watching the games. These promotions can range from discounted combo meals and buy-one-get-one (BOGO) offers to free delivery and exclusive rewards for app users. This article outlines the types of food deals commonly associated with March Madness, based on reported offers and predictions for the 2026 tournament, with a focus on actionable information for U.S. consumers.
Current and Recent March Madness Food Offers
Several restaurants have offered specific, time-bound deals during the March 2026 tournament period. These promotions often have specific eligibility requirements, such as ordering through an app, making a purchase, or visiting on a particular day.
- Applebee’s: On March 21, 2026, Applebee’s offered boneless wings for $0.50 each for to-go or delivery orders.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Every Thursday during the promotion period, Buffalo Wild Wings provided a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deal on boneless wings.
- Wendy’s: Through April 14, 2026, customers could get a $1 Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger with any purchase.
- 7-Eleven: The convenience store chain offered $1 snacks through its app.
- Red Robin: Each week during the tournament, Red Robin featured a new MVP burger for $12.
- Burger King: From March 5 to April 20, 2026, Burger King offered BOGO Big Fish sandwiches for $12.
- Crumbl Cookies: Through March 22, 2026, customers could buy six cookies for the price of four.
- Domino’s: Through March 23, 2026, Domino’s offered 50% off all menu-priced pizzas.
- White Castle: On March 25, 2026, White Castle offered a buy-one-get-one-free deal on Waffle Breakfast Sandwiches.
Spring-Themed and Tournament-Related Freebies
Coinciding with the start of spring, some brands offer free products on the first day of the season or run promotions tied to team apparel.
- Dairy Queen: On March 20, Dairy Queen held its annual Free Cone Day, providing a complimentary small soft-serve vanilla cone all day.
- Rita’s Italian Ice: On March 20, Rita’s gave away free 6-ounce Italian ice at its locations. The chain also debuted a new Skittles Italian Ice flavor and ran a sweepstakes for a year’s supply of free Italian ice.
- Jamba: On March 20 only, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Jamba offered a small (16 oz) iced beverage (Mangomorphosis or Dragonberry Blitz flavors) for $1. Taxes applied, and add-ons cost extra.
- Insomnia Cookies: Through April 7, 2026, customers wearing college team apparel (T-shirt, hat, hoodie) could get a free Classic cookie with the purchase of one cookie.
Predicted and Anticipated Deals for Future Tournaments
Based on historical patterns, several brands are expected to offer promotions during the 2026 NCAA tournament. These predictions are based on past offers and industry reporting.
Potential BOGO and Discount Offers
- Moe’s Southwest Grill: A BOGO deal on burritos or bowls is predicted.
- Papa Johns: A BOGO deal on large pizzas is anticipated.
- Sbarro Pizza: BOGO free slices (pepperoni or cheese) when using a promo code online or in-app.
- Shake Shack: A free burger with purchase when using a promo code online or in-app.
- Subway: A deal on footlong subs when using a promo code online or in-app.
- Insomnia Cookies: A BOGO free Classic cookie when wearing college team apparel (predicted for 2026).
- Marco’s Pizza: 50% off all menu-priced pizzas during the final game.
- Hungry Howie's Pizza: A carryout-only deal on large one-topping pizzas, large oven-baked subs, and regular salads.
Potential Freebie and Discount Promotions
- Outback Steakhouse: A FREE Bloomin’ Onion during the tournament.
- MUG Root Beer: If a team with a dog mascot wins the championship, a free root beer for all fans across America.
- The Brass Tap: A free shareable with a dine-in purchase.
- Wendy’s: A free Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger or Double Stack with any in-app purchase (predicted for 2026).
- Grubhub: A freebie with purchase deal at Wendy’s when ordering through Grubhub.
- DoorDash: DashPass members may get a freebie with purchase when ordering through DoorDash.
- Dairy Queen: A Blizzard Treat for $0.85 with an in-app purchase (predicted for 2026).
- Wing Snob: A deal on their Ultimate Party Pack (10 traditional wings, 10 boneless wings, five chicken tenders, and two large fries).
Potential Delivery and Catering Deals
- Carl’s Jr.: A delivery deal when ordering in-app.
- Carvel: A March Madness deal when ordering through DoorDash or Uber Eats.
- Church's Texas Chicken: $0 delivery on in-app orders.
- Wings and Rings: A free delivery deal on menu items, including Game Day Bundles, party packs, and family meals.
- Schlotzsky’s: A discount on catering orders when ordering online or by phone.
- Gopuff: An exclusive discount on game-day essentials like chips and dip for FAM members.
Potential Rewards and Loyalty Member Deals
- McAlister's Deli Rewards: Members will likely get an exclusive March Madness discount.
- Casey’s: Rewards members can look forward to Casey's Match-Up game for a chance to win freebies, bonus points, and Casey's Cash every day during the 2026 tournament.
- Cowboy Chicken: Rewards members will likely score an exclusive deal on a 24-piece Wing Pack (boneless or bone-in) when ordering in-app.
- Dog Haus: All-day Happy Hour deals on drinks and food.
- Firehouse Subs: A meal deal during the tournament.
- Hurricane Grill & Wings: A deal on boneless wings.
- Newk's Eatery: A March Madness deal.
- Toppers Pizza: (Details not provided in source data).
Important Considerations for Consumers
When participating in March Madness promotions, consumers should be aware of several key factors. Offers, prices, and local participation may vary by location. Many deals require an in-app purchase, a specific promo code, or a loyalty program membership. Some promotions are time-sensitive, lasting only for a day or the duration of the tournament. It is advisable to check the official website or app of the restaurant for the most current and accurate terms and conditions before visiting or ordering.
Conclusion
March Madness serves as a significant promotional period for the food and beverage industry, with numerous restaurants offering deals to engage sports fans. The promotions range from deep discounts on popular menu items and BOGO offers to free products and exclusive deals for app users and loyalty members. While many of these offers are predictable based on past years, consumers should verify details directly with the brands, as specific terms, availability, and participation can vary. By staying informed through official channels, consumers can effectively take advantage of these seasonal food deals.