MICHAEL RAWSON
SPORTS EDITOR

There are those who believe the end of March deserves to be a national holiday, while others just enjoy the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. Then there are the ones who are in it for the food.

March Madness—otherwise known as the college basketball’s championship tournament—provides sports fans with everything they could possibly dream of. The first two days of the tournament, March 17-18, games are played four at a time from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. This year, San Diego State received a #2 seed, their best ever, and look for their first ever tournament win on Thursday. While some friends may be hosting parties in their homes, how many people do you know with four televisions in one room? The Pride comes through with the places you need to be this time around.

As a first bet, Oggi’s Pizza and Brewing Company used to be North County’s finest. Saturated with flat screen televisions and serving up delicious pizza and salads, Oggi’s wasn’t to be topped. Since moving out of their location in the Westfield North County Fair in Escondido, however, Oggi’s now offers only their Encinitas and Del Mar restaurants to North County viewers. Still, seven scattered locations remain in San Diego County.

Meanwhile, back at Westfield’s off of Via Rancho Pkwy, Oggi’s former location has been replaced by something even better. Bringing friends who can’t even spell basketball? Stop by North County Tavern and Bowl, where finding something for everybody to do couldn’t be easier. The four-sided bar allows even patrons passingby to stop for a beer and a game without ever entering the tavern. The Westfield parking lot remains a Mecca for suds and sports, too. Stop by BJ’s (one of five in San Diego County) for their giant screen that automatically rotates between 1-4 games at any time.

Pubs and bars can offer fine viewing options as well. Churchill’s English Pub on San Marcos Blvd. features the county’s best beer selection and fine pub grub. The Stadium in Encinitas gets pricey, but it might be worth making reservations during March Madness to sit at one of their booths equipped with its own flat-screen. For the downtown-bound, keep pubs like Hooley’s (see Happy Hour of the Week) and bars like the Tilted Kilt (by Petco Park) in mind for a more city-minded experience.

Photo courtesy of BJ’s Restaurant