The only thing better than a buzzer-beater in March is enjoying the celebration with free food. While your bracket might get busted, your budget doesn’t have to. Major chains are rolling out a full-court press of free food deals, but knowing which ones are a slam dunk requires a game plan.

What are the Best Free Food Deals During March Madness 2026?

Just like there are different teams to choose from during March Madness, there are different food options as well for the foodies out there. March Madness 2026 is packed with slam-dunk food deals. Fans can score free wings, burgers, fries, and desserts from major chains like Buffalo Wild Wings, TGI Fridays, Wings and Rings, and Grubhub throughout the tournament. Many offers run from March 19 through April 6, so you can enjoy freebies even if your bracket busts.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings offers a 20 Wing Value Bundle on tournament days. This includes 20 boneless wings, large fries, four dips ranging from $17.99 to $19.99, or the same bundle with traditional wings for $21.99-24.99. These bundles are available for takeout or delivery online or via the Buffalo Wild Wings app. The discounts are tied to buzzer-beater wins and overtime games.

KFC

For chicken lovers, KFC is rolling out special plans during March Madness. During the round of 16/Round of 8, they offer $5 off on $15+ orders (March 26-31), and they can get lucrative offers from KFC and satisfy their hunger.

Grubhub

Grubhub is also not lagging when it comes to offering free food items. They are offering free delivery or free sides with select restaurant partners during game nights. You also have promo codes tied to March Madness matchups.

Taco Bell

Everyone’s favorite Taco Bell has some offers of its own to give. During the first/second Round, there is free Chalupa Supreme on $20+ orders (March 20-21). Then, for the round of 16/round of 8, they offer free Chicken or Cheese Quesadilla on $22+ orders (March 27-29), which is followed by free Beefy 5-Layer Burrito on $22+ orders (April 4) for the semifinals. For the finals, you get free regular Nacho Fries with the purchase of any taco on $20+ orders (April 6).

TGI Fridays

TGI Fridays brings in free appetizers just for you. Simply buy an entrée and get yourself a free appetizer during tournament games. You also have the “Game Day Happy Hour,” where you get extended hours with discounted drinks and snacks.

How to Get Free Food From Apps During March Madness 2026?

March Madness 2026 allows fans to unlock free food directly through restaurant apps like Buffalo Wild Wings, TGI Fridays, and Grubhub. These apps feature exclusive promotions such as free appetizers, bonus loyalty points, and delivery perks tied to game days, making them the easiest way to score freebies while watching the tournament.

Buffalo Wild Wings App

Buffalo Wild Wings has its own app where you can find amazing offers. The app offers free boneless or traditional wings during select tournament games with the ‘Free Wings’ promo. Then you have the ‘Bracket Buster’ rewards, where users can earn bonus points in the Blazin’ Rewards program when buzzer-beaters or overtime games occur. The exclusive bundles are also up for grabs with special wing-and-fries combos available only through the app.

TGI Fridays App

TGI Fridays has free appetizers in its cards, where users can claim a free appetizer with the purchase of an entrée during March Madness. But that is not all. The “Game Day Happy Hour” deals can be called upon via app notifications. When you make your orders during live games, you also get loyalty rewards, which boost your points.

Grubhub

Delivery giant Grubhub is getting in on the action. It is also giving away promo codes in the app, which you can use to unlock free delivery and also get free items from partner restaurants. Then there are the special codes tied to NCAA games, which you can use to get yourself discounts or free add-ons.

When and How to Claim these Food Deals from TGI Fridays & Buffalo Wild Wings?

Offers and more offers are there for you to take with March Madness, and that is for every level that the tournament passes through. You have the Sweet 16, the Elite Eight, and the Final Four, and each one of these stages has something special just for you. To claim them, you’ll need to use their apps or websites, follow promo code instructions, and make qualifying purchases (usually an entrée or wing order). Deals are time-sensitive, so checking during game days is essential.

TGI Fridays

Download the TGI Fridays App (iOS/Android).

Follow this by enabling notifications to receive March Madness alerts.

Check the Promotions Tab during the Sweet 16, Elite Eight, and Final Four rounds.

Select the offer (e.g., free appetizer with entrée purchase).

Add the qualifying items to your cart.

Make sure to add promo code (if required) before checkout.

Redeem in store or online, depending on the offer.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Open the Buffalo Wild Wings App or Website.

Log in to Blazin’ Rewards (their loyalty program).

Browse the tournament Specials (e.g., free wings during overtime games).

Add Wing Bundles or Combos to your order.

The promo will be automatically applied. If not, enter the code when prompted.

Complete your purchase for pickup, dine in, or delivery according to your liking.

Earn bonus points for future free food offers.

But do keep in mind to check daily to find the latest offers that you can get, and if possible, keep the push alert notification on. Sometimes the best deals often drop after buzzer beaters.

What Are the Top Restaurants Giving Free Food During March Madness?

Well, some great restaurants are making your March Madness feel special with their lucrative offers that fans can easily redeem. So let’s find out about these restaurants.

Wendy’s

Wendy’s has got you sorted with free fries and drinks bundled with combo meals. You have the first/second Round with a free Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger Biggie Bag on $20+ orders (March 17-23), and for the semi-finals, you get a free Dave’s Single on $20+ orders (April 4-6).

Huddle House

Huddle House, too, has something special lined up for you. From March 19-22, reward members who spend $20 will get a free Fried Waffle Wedge Basket. Now that is quite a lip-smacking offer to look forward to.

Round Table Pizza

Now, for the pizza lovers who love the crusts, March Madness has something for you, too. Between March 26-29, get 16% off any Large or XL Pizza using the code ‘RTP444.’ From March 28-31, use the code ‘RTP588’ for $8 off any Large or XL Pizza. From April 2-7, use the code ‘RTP699’ for $4 off a Large or XL Pizza. So take a slice at the lowest price.

Smashburger

From the pizzas to the burgers, you are covered with everything. Smashburger loyalty program members will get three weeks of deals during March Madness this year. The weeks of March 17-22 and April 4-7, you’ll get buy-one-get-one-free burgers and big dogs. From March 26-29, any single burger or big dog is $6.

So don’t wait to satisfy your craving because now is the time to feast on some of the most delicious food that you can get your hands on.