KENT, Ohio — The madness of the NCAA tournament has begun and Kent State University is part of it all for the first time since 2017. One local bar in Kent has taken part in celebrating the team. 

What You Need To Know

  • Kent State's men's basketball team is in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2017

  • A local bar, Water Street Tavern, is the offical fan headquarters for Kent State athletics 

  • It hosted the Selection Sunday party with the team and 200 fans 

  • Water Street Tavern is also hosting a watch party for the game

Water Street Tavern is a local Kent spot that has become a popular gathering spot to watch basketball games. Mike Beder, the bar’s owner, spoke about the establishment hosting ‘Selection Sunday’ for the men’s basketball team and nearly 200 fans. 

“It’s just a really exciting atmosphere. We had a couple hundred fans and friends here and everyone kind of rallies around the team and watches where they’re going and what kind of experience they’re going to have,” he said.

Beder is a Kent State alum, and he was an involved student by being the student body president and was in a fraternity. He expressed his gratitude for owning the place that students, alum and fans come to cheer on their team.

“It’s a source of pride for me because our athletic programs were a bit challenged while I was at school, so to see people come out in mass just to support these teams and the coaches and players, it’s special,” he said.

Beder explained his love for Kent State and this basketball team, so he will enjoy the moment, regardless of the tournament’s outcome.

“The recognition of being in the tournament is just well deserved,” he said.

He suggested fans soak up this moment as well.

“It’s a payoff for all the hard work that not only the coaches and players are putting into preparing for these seasons, but also a payoff for the community for their support of these teams,” he said. 

The Kent State Golden Flashes take on the Indiana Hoosiers on Friday.