University News
星空无限传媒app Alumni Association Announces NCAA Tournament Watch Parties Nationwide
March 19, 2026
MACOMB, Ill. 鈥� The 星空无限传媒app Illinois University Alumni Association invites alumni, friends, and fans across the country to gather and cheer on Leatherneck women's basketball during the NCAA Tournament. The Leathernecks take on the University of North Carolina on Friday, March 20 in the first round of the tournament. The game tips off at 4:30 p.m. central.
Watch parties will take place in multiple cities, offering opportunities for the Leatherneck community to connect, celebrate and support 星空无限传媒app together. All events are open free to the public and no registration is required.
Scheduled watch party locations include:
Illinois
Galesburg, IL
-4:15 p.m., Buffalo Wild Wings, 2683 N. Seminary St.
Host: Bill Spilman `91
Macomb, IL
-3:30 p.m., Sports Corner, 124 N. Randolph St.
Hosts: Jessica Butcher `96 and Joe Roselieb `07 `09
-3:30 p.m., Buffalo Wild Wings, 1724 E. Jackson St.
-4:30 p.m., City Hall, 232 E. Jackson St.
Host: Savannah Ballard `23
Mt. Prospect, IL
-4 p.m., Red Barn Restaurant and Brewery, 303 E. Kensington Rd.
Hosts: Beth Stroh Dukes `86 and Donald Harrington `04
Naperville, IL
-4 p.m., White Tavern, 423 E. Ogden Ave.
Host: Kevin Froehlich `05
Peoria Heights, IL
-4 p.m., Big Behm's Sports Bar, 4925 N. Galena Rd.
Host: Kelly (Rickey) Griffin `02
Rock Island, IL
-4 p.m., Poor Boy's Pizza & Pub, 4121 18th Ave.
Host: President Kristi Mindrup `00
Rockford, IL
-3 p.m., Urban Forest Craft Brewing, 6551 E. Riverside Blvd. #112
Host: Melissa Busker `01
Missouri
Boonville, MO
-4:15 p.m., Brew Brothers, 100 Isle of Capri Blvd.
Host: Friends of #13 Addi Brownfield
Texas
Austin, TX
-4:15 p.m., The 1972 Pub, 2530 Guadalupe St.
Host: Jeff Fryer `99
For those traveling to North Carolina for the game, a free pregame social will take place starting at 2:30 p.m. eastern time at Four Corners, 175 E. Franklin in Chapel Hill.
Alumni and fans interested in hosting watch parties in their hometowns can provide the details to the Alumni Association a-association@wiu.edu.
These gatherings provide a fun and welcoming environment for Leatherneck fans to show their pride and support the team on the national stage. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple and gold and bring friends and family to join in the excitement.
For additional details and updates, visit wiu.edu/alumni/watchparties.php.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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