Watch party tips for Gonzaga game

It’s March Madness and the No. 1-seed Gonzaga Bulldogs tip off Thursday at … 11 a.m.

Not an ideal time for the gainfully employed. But, you know, we live in Spokane. A city so terrible, why bother working?

So skip out on your jobs and get to one of these local viewing spots. I’ll see you there (just don’t tell my editor).

At Gonzaga

Although the students are gone for spring break, Gonzaga University will host a game-watch, open to anyone. The doors to the John J. Hemmingson Center at E. 702 DeSmet will open at 10:30 a.m.

Free parking is available above the ZagShop in the Gonzaga parking garage, which can be accessed from the 400 block of East Boone or East DeSmet.

Snacks will be available and food can be purchased on-site.

Out and about

24Taps Burgers & Brews, at 825 W. Riverside Ave., will open at 9 a.m., said owner Josh Blair. He opens the bar early every year for the first round games.

The Backyard Public House, 1811 W. Broadway Ave., will open at 10:30 a.m.

Big Barn is opening at 10:45 a.m., with $3 pints all day and pizza by the slice.

Perry Street also opens its doors at 10:45, with $4 pints until 4 p.m. and $2 off appetizers.

Post Falls Brewing opens up early for the tournament games both Thursday and Friday, with $3 pints of its Cheap Prick session ale.

Victory Sports Hall in Coeur d’Alene is offering $1 beers after every tournament upset – which hopefully won’t be happening when the Zags game finishes.

The Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave., will open at 10:30 a.m. for a watch party. Entry is free.

Catholic priorities

Gonzaga Preparatory School has its priorities straight. Church first.

Then the Zags.

Like every week, the private Catholic school will hold mass until 11 a.m. Thursday. Following that, students will gather in the common area and watch the Zags on a big screen while eating lunch.

“The kids obviously love not only the Zags but also the NCAA tournament,” said Gonzaga Prep President Al Falkner.

City Hall?

In years past, the city has streamed GU’s games in the basement chambers of the Spokane City Council.

“Sometimes, if people want to take their lunch break, we play it down in the City Council chambers,” Mayor David Condon said.

Condon said he attended the WCC tournament last week in Las Vegas, but had no specific plans to view the Zags’ match-up with South Dakota State University.

Staff writer Kip Hill contributed to this story.