Five Things You Need to Know Today, March 17: March Madness Edition

It's that time of the year again. The collegiate tradition is upon us. From Cinderella teams to powerhouses, a lot of basketball will be played over the next month. Get your brackets out and get ready to watch "March Madness" unfold. 

Games will be televised from early afternoon until late into the night beginning March 17 so, get out of your house and enjoy the excitement at the best restaurants and bars around town.

Here are five places in the Stoneham area to consider checking out Thursday's opening round of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball tournament:

1. , 10 Main St., Stoneham

• The Ninety-Nine offers many different options from their menu, including boneless buffalo wings, Gold Fever Wings and potato skins to big tasty burgers and French fries. There are televisions everywhere you look, including three high definition ones at the bar.

2. , 15 Middlesex Canal Park, Woburn

• Looking to get a good deal while watching the tourney? On Thursday Scoreboard's will be running its "Seven Dollar March" promotion, which includes a delicious steak tip dinner with a choice of two sides for just $7. Another option is the fish-n-chips platter served with French fries and cole slaw for $7 on Friday.

3. , 325 Broadway, Lynnfield

• Bostonville offers its patrons plenty of ways to watch the Big Dance, as it boasts hundreds of plasma TVs, nearly two dozen large projection screens and excellent sound system. This very well could be your best bet to watch all the college hoop action.

4. , 428 Main St., Woburn

• A long bar area, several TVs, dozens of martinis, beers on tap and casual fare make Tanner Tavern an ideal place to scope out the games.

5. Sea Dawg Brew Pub, 230 Mishawum Road, Woburn

• From award-winning beers to a fine wine selection, Sea Dawg has the type of drinks and pub fare you'd come to expect while enjoying the tournament.