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Celebrate SEC Women’s Basketball with fan events, parade, discounts

Fans headed to the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena have plenty of fun activities throughout the tournament week.

The tournament features all 16 league teams in a single-elimination format that determines an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, according to an SEC News Release.

This year, the tournament takes place from March 4-8 at 650 N. Academy St.

Gates open one hour before tip-off, and all tickets are digital.

A variety of fan events are scheduled by the City of Greenville, local businesses, organizations, and the SEC Network.

Below is a brief overview of the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament fan events.

Slam Dunk Deals

Slam Dunk Deals will offer exclusive tournament-themed discounts at local restaurants, breweries, and businesses from March 4–8, coinciding with the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament.

Discounts include food/beverage specials, late-night bites, and shopping discounts.

This exclusive deal is organized by VisitGreenvilleSC. 

Participants can get 10% off at the following restaurants. Click on the VisitGreenville link for more details:

Other deals include:

  • Free truffle parm fries with the purchase of any two entrees at Roost Restaurant
  • 20% off bagged gourmet popcorn at Poppington's Gourmet Popcorn
  • Complimentary drip coffee with food purchase at Meeting Grounds Market & Cafe

Young Professionals Night

The Young Professionals Night at the 2026 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament in Greenville will take place Thursday, March 5, before the 6 p.m. tipoff, according to an Instagram post.

The event is a specialized networking event designed to connect emerging leaders in the Upstate.

The theme of the event is "Next Play Mentality: Building Resilience in Your Career." It focuses on professional growth, connecting with peers, and hearing from industry leaders.

Beth Paul, right, General Manager of Bon Secours Wellness Arena accepts the Athena Leadership Award by Velda Carter Huhges, during the 137th Greenville Chamber Annual Meeting at the Greenville Convention Center in Greenville, SC Thursday, Feb 26, 2026.

The panel discussion will feature leaders from sports, wellness, and entertainment, including:

  • Beth Paul (moderator): General Manager, Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
  • Tiffany Daniels: SEC associate commissioner and senior woman administrator.
  • Danielle Fitzmorris: Adaptive Sports Coach, Rollin' Tigers.
  • JDew: Sports emcee and entrepreneur

Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with fellow young professionals over drinks before the game.

Tickets for the 2026 SEC Young Professional event are priced at $49.27 and are available via Ticketmaster and include two drink tickets, a $15 meal voucher, and reserved lower-bowl seating for session 4 games at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

College GameDay

For the 2026 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament, ESPN’s College GameDay, sponsored by State Farm, is scheduled to make its final stop of the season in Greenville at Bon Secours Wellness Arena for the championship game on Sunday, March 8, from noon to 1 p.m.

The show will feature host Christine Williamson alongside analysts Andraya Carter and Chiney Ogwumike

Fans can attend the live broadcast, which is typically free to the public, and gather behind the set to catch all the action.

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 22: Head coach Dawn Staley, right, of the South Carolina Gamecocks talks with Christine Williamson, left, Andraya Carter and Chiney Ogwumike before an NCAA women's basketball game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Colonial Life Arena on February 22, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

The 2026 SEC Women's Basketball Championship game is scheduled for March 8 at 3 p.m.

  • Reserved Seating: Starting at $30.
  • General Admission: $22.
  • Kids (12 & under) / Military ID: Starting at $20.

Attendees may need to pass through arena security. It is recommended to arrive early to secure the best spot in the crowd.

Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in the State Farm Shot Challenge for a chance to win prizes.

Fans can purchase tickets to the Championship game online via Ticketmaster or the Bon Secours Wellness Arena website.

Watch parties for fans

Local bars and eateries downtown in Greenville are also hosting watch parties for fans to enjoy the games together.

Key watch party locations and downtown eateries (2026 Tournament):

These venues offer a variety of food, drinks, and atmospheres to suit different preferences.

Fans can also enjoy each other's company, cheer on their teams, and celebrate the tournament in a social setting.

Some feature large screens for optimal viewing, while others provide outdoor seating for a relaxed experience.

Downtown Dribble

The 2026 SEC Women's Basketball Tournament in Greenville will feature a free "Downtown Dribble" parade for children ages 5-14 on Saturday, March 7, according to visitgreenvillesc.

Check-in is at 9:30 a.m., and the parade starts at 11:15 a.m.

A Downtown Dribble event took place in Greenville for children ages 5-14 years-old and their families on Saturday March 4, 2023.  Children and their families dribbled a route from NOMA Square to Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The event was part of a celebration of the 2023 SEC Women's Basketball Tournament being held in Greenville. Carson Kjergaard, 8, center, got a chance with other children to dribble down the streets of downtown Greenville.

Participants will receive a free basketball, T-shirt, and ticket to the semifinal games.

Single-session tickets start at $15 for early rounds, and kids (12 and under) and military personnel receive discounts.

The Downtown Dribble typically fills up quickly, with capacity capped at around 500 participants.

Crush Soda SEC FanFare

The Crush Soda SEC FanFare in 2026 is a free, outdoor pre-game festival held at the Furman Plaza Entrance of the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament from March 4-8, per the City of Greenville.

The event is free and runs from March 6 to March 8, featuring live music, food trucks, and games for all ages.

Fans can enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of entertainment options to enhance their tournament experience.

It's an opportunity for families and friends to gather and celebrate the excitement of the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament.

Photo op with giant inflatable SEC basketball

Fans can take photos with a giant inflatable SEC basketball in downtown Greenville during the 2026 SEC Women's Basketball Tournament from March 5–9, according to visitgreenvillesc.

This free, open-access photo opportunity is located near the Bon Secours Wellness Arena at 650 N. Academy St.

Fans arrive at the fan zone before the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament game at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C. Saturday, March 9, 2024. KEN RUINARD/GREENVILLE NEWS FILE PHOTO

Walk up to the inflatable basketball for a photo. Participants are encouraged to share their pictures using the hashtag #GreenvilleSC

Travis Jacque Rose is the trending news reporter for the Greenville News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: What to know about fan events at 2026 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament

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