Hidden Gems: Best Pre-Game Spots in Big Ten College Towns
|
|
Time to read 9 min
Great game days aren't just about the action that happens on the field or on the court—it's about the entire day itself! No matter what team you root for, there's one thing every fan can agree on: the right pre-game spot can set the tone for an unforgettable and exciting day. ✨ From Ohio Stadium to Carver-Hawkeye Arena and the electrifying atmosphere of Kohl Center, there's nothing like the excitement of college sports. If you're headed to an away game or staying local and just want to try a new spot, we've got you covered. We're taking you on a tour of 14 Big Ten college towns, each featuring its own hidden gems—bars, restaurants, and breweries where you can soak in the local flavor and game day energy. ⚡️ So, there's no need to stress— these spots are sure to provide all the pre-game excitement you're looking for, no matter what city you're in. Whether you're in the mood for an outdoor patio, a game of corn hole, big-screen TVs, or just a great time, these spots have something for everyone. From Ann Arbor, Michigan, to New Brunswick, New Jersey, your next pre-game spot awaits! All that's left to do is grab your game day tee and get to cheering on your favorite team! 😆
Top Pre-Game Spots in Big Ten College Towns
Ann Arbor, MI
Scorekeepers Sports Grill and Pub
📍 310 Maynard St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
- Scorekeepers is a go-to spot for Michigan Wolverines fans before the big game! With a menu full of classic pub favorites and a lively crowd of fellow fans, it’s the perfect place to pre-game and soak in game day energy just minutes away from major University of Michigan stadiums.
Rick's American Cafe
📍 611 Church St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
- Rick's Cafe has been a beloved college bar since 1979. Known for its energetic atmosphere, live DJs, and signature "shark bowl" drinks, it's a popular spot for University of Michigan students and fans to gather before and after Wolverines games. With drink specials and a dance floor, Rick's offers a quintessential Ann Arbor experience for those looking to celebrate a game day victory.
Bloomington, IN
Brothers Bar & Grill
📍 215 N Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47404
- Brothers is a top choice among students and alumni to kick off Indiana Hoosiers game day. With daily drink specials, including $3 regular domestic drafts and $4 double wells on game days, it's the perfect place to enjoy a pre-game drink. The energetic atmosphere and close proximity to major stadiums, make it a fan favorite.
📍 502 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408
- Kilroy's, located just 100 yards from IU's Sample Gates, is a beloved spot for Hoosier fans to gather before Indiana University games. With its buzzing crowd, daily drink specials, and famous breadsticks, it's the perfect place to get into the game day spirit. Plus, their "Breakfast Club" events on game days add an extra layer of fun to the pre-game festivities.
Champaign, IL
The Red Lion
📍 211 E Green St, Champaign, IL 61820
- The Red Lion is the ultimate hangout for Fighting Illini fans before or after game days in Champaign. With its energetic atmosphere, welcoming staff, and variety of drinks makes it an ideal spot to fuel up and get hyped for the game. The daily drink specials like $2 wells from 4-7 pm and $3 Ultras are an added bonus!
Illini Inn
📍 901 S 4th St, Champaign, IL 61820
- Looking to stay within walking distance? The Illini Inn is the perfect place to kick off your Fighting Illini game day and is just a 15-minute walk from the Memorial Stadium! It offers a fun atmosphere with great food and plenty of fellow fans to get you in the game day spirit. Whether you’re there for a quick bite or to hang out with friends before heading to the stadium, it’s a must-visit spot for pre-game excitement!
College Park, MD
RJ Bentleys
📍 7323 Baltimore Ave, College Park, MD 20740
- RJ Bentley's is a popular spot for Maryland Terrapins fans to pre-game because of it's fun atmosphere, daily drink specials, and proximity to campus and the stadium, it's the perfect place to fuel up and get to cheering on your team.
Looney's Pub
📍 8150 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740
- Looney’s is the go-to spot for fans looking to get hyped before Maryland games. With a cozier atmosphere, plenty of TVs to catch all the action, and a menu full of bar classics like burgers and wings and large selection of drinks, it's the perfect place to hang out with friends.
Columbus, OH
Midway
📍 1728 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
- Midway features a spacious outdoor patio and a massive outdoor screen for an unforgettable Buckeye game day watch parties. With drink deals on game day and a lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect pregame spot to get into the spirit!
Cazuelas Mexican Cantina
📍 2321 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
- Looking for a pre-game spot with great food and drinks? Cazuelas is a top spot that offers both and at a great price! With jumbo margaritas and on a spacious outdoor patio with ample seating, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy delicious food and drinks before heading to a Buckeyes game.
East Lansing, MI
Crunchy's
📍 254 W Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823
- Just a 12 minute walk to Spartan Stadium and minute walk to Breslin Center, Crunchy's keeps you close to major stadiums alongside great pizza, burgers, drinks and company! With great service, a lively crowd, and a laid-back vibe Crunchy's is must for East Lansing game days.
Harrison Roadhouse
📍 720 E Michigan Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823
- Harrison Roadhouse offers the perfect blend of cozy charm and lively game-day energy, making it an ideal spot before a Spartans game. With great food, daily and weekly specials, and a spirited crowd, it’s the place to get game day started off right!
Shop the Campus Collections
Trendy and understated game day apparel for women, made by women. Serving 15 colleges across the midwest and B1G10.
Evanston, IL
Bat 17
📍 1735 Benson Ave. Evanston, IL 60201
- Bat 17 is a must-visit spot for game days in Evanston. Known for its award-winning burgers and extensive beer selection, this unique deli and pub offers a fun and casual atmosphere that's perfect for pre-game festivities.
Ridgeville Tavern
📍 1520 Sherman Ave. Evanston, IL 60201
- Looking for a cozy spot to start off game day? Ridgeville Tavern offering a more causal atmosphere with 20 beer taps, many showcasing local Evanston breweries. With its friendly vibe, great drink selection, and laid-back pre-game energy, it’s the ideal place to unwind and enjoy the excitement of game day.
Iowa City, IA
The Sports Column
📍 12 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52240
- Affectionately known as "SpoCo," is the ultimate pre-game destination among Iowa Hawkeye fans. With a sports-centric atmosphere, it's the perfect spot to soak in the game day excitement and grab a drink before heading to a game in Iowa City.
Micky's Irish Pub
📍 11 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52240
- A beloved pre-game spot by Hawkeyes fans is Micky's, combining the charm of both a vintage bar with a cozy outdoor patio and game day excitement. Known for its craft brews, cocktails, and an impressive whiskey selection, it’s the perfect place to get game day started.
Lincoln, NE
Barry's The Nebraska Bar
📍 235 N 9th St, Lincoln, NE 68508
- Barry's The Nebraska Bar is a game-day staple for Cornhuskers fans, offering and ice bar and rooftop patio with plenty of space to get excited before the game. Just a 15-minute walk to Memorial Stadium, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy cold drinks, tasty food, and unbeatable Husker spirit before heading to the game!
Kinkaider Brewing Co.
📍 201 N 7th St #108, Lincoln, NE 68508
- Keeping you close to game day excitement, Kinkaider is a favorite in Lincoln. This pre-game spot brings unique house-brewed beers, a welcoming vibe, and TVs all around making it the perfect place to sip, relax, and gear up for the game!
Madison, WI
Wando's
📍 602 University Ave, Madison, WI 53715
- Three-story bar Wando’s is a vibrant sports bar and grill offering a fantastic game day experience in an energetic environment. Known for its famous fishbowls and plenty of TVs, it’s a must-visit spot for Badger game days.
Sconnie Bar
📍 1421 Regent St, Madison, WI 53711
- Sconnie Bar is a Badger game day favorite located just one block from Camp Randall. It features 37 TVs for nonstop sports action and ample outdoor space for fans alike... and different. Its classic bar food and 20 tap beers make it the perfect pre-game no matter what team you're for.
Minneapolis, MN
Sally's Saloon
📍 700 SE Washington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414
- Known for its lively atmosphere, block parties, and fan favorite wings, Sally's is a top choice among Golden Gopher fans. Located near all the major stadiums, it's the perfect spot to fuel up and join the excitement before heading to the game.
Kollege Klub
📍 1301 4th St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
- Kollege Club is a Golden Gopher fan favorite for its balcony, patio with corn hole, multiple tv's playing the game, and game day deals on drinks! Located less than a 10-minute walk from the stadiums, it’s an ideal spot to kick off game day with convenience.
New Brunswick, NJ
Scarlet Pub
📍 131 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
- Long-running college bar, Scarlet Pub has been loved by Scarlet Knight fans since 1959. Start game day off in all the right ways with happy hour specials, daily drink specials, and live entertainment. Offering a fun, high-energy atmosphere not too far from SHI Stadium.
Olde Queens Tavern
📍 108 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
- Olde Queens is a classic pre-game stop for Rutgers fans, combining a lively vibe with plenty of TVs to catch all the game-day action. With cold drinks, great company, and the perfect dose of Scarlet Knights spirit, it’s an ideal spot to kick off a game day in New Brunswick!
State College, PA
Champs Downtown
📍 139 S Allen St, State College, PA 16801
- Keeping you close to campus and major stadiums, Champs is both a convenient and fun pre-game spot. With an energetic atmosphere, plenty of TVs, and classic bar food and drinks, it's a go-to pre-game spot for Penn State fans to fuel up before heading to the stadium!
Doggie's Pub
📍108 S Pugh St, State College, PA 16801
- Doggie's is a popular spot for Penn State fans to gather before games. With its dog-friendly outdoor beer garden, corn hole, and live music, it offers a fun atmosphere for every type of fan. Plus, their pretzel sticks with beer cheese or Herlocher mustard are a fan favorite.
West Lafayette, IN
The Tap
📍 100 S Chauncey Ave. West Lafayette, IN 47906
- The Tap is a dream pre-game destination among Purdue fans, boasting 50+ hand-picked brews on tap that rotate daily, including their own locally crafted creations. With outdoor seating, TVs to catch the action and city-loved burgers to fuel up, it’s the perfect spot to sip, snack, and soak in the Boilermaker game-day spirit.
Nine Irish Brothers
📍 119 Howard Ave, West Lafayette, IN 47906
- Nine Irish Brothers brings authentic pub charm to Purdue game days with juicy burgers, a wide beer selection, and a friendly, festive atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy great food, a cold pint, and plenty of pre-game excitement before heading to cheer on your team in West Lafayette.
No matter where your Big Ten adventures take you, these hidden gems will have you covered with the perfect pre-game and allow you start game day off right! ✨ From Indiana to Maryland there’s no shortage of energy and excitement waiting for you. Whether you’re a seasoned fan, just looking for a new spot or exploring a new college town for the first time, these top spots offer everything from craft brews and game-day specials to outdoor patios and giant TVs, making sure you're ready to cheer on your team in style. Let the Big Ten tailgate fun begin— because a great game day starts long before kickoff! 🥳
Hidden Gems: Best Pre-Game Spots in Big Ten College Towns
Styles Related to the Blog
