Inside Robb Report’s March Madness Watch Party “Beyond the Madness” featuring NBA Legend James Worthy

There are events I attend, and then there are events I experience. Robb Report’s March Madness watch party – “Beyond the Madness” featuring NBA Legend James Worthy – fell squarely into the latter category. Held at the Allē Lounge on 66 at Crockfords Las Vegas, it was an afternoon and evening that blended fun sports, luxury, world-class hospitality, and the kind of effortless indulgence that Robb Report does better than almost anyone.

The setting alone set the tone. Sixty-six floors up, with breathtaking panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip stretching in every direction, this wasn’t your average watch party.

Plus, it was great to see my friend Jason in his element, working the room, talking to people and talking to me about his upcoming travels to Egypt.

James Worthy

Standing with Jason, it was an absolute pleasure to shake Mr. Worthy’s hands and see someone who I grew up watching with my parents on television.

His section of the afternoon, a conversation named “Big Game Legacy: A Conversation with James Worthy”, sharing firsthand stories from his legendary career. Hearing him speak was a reminder of just how rare it is to be in the same room as someone who has competed – and won – at the absolute highest level.

However, I will say that it was – interesting – to be in conversation with Mr. Worthy and exchange pleasantries – and have a random self entitled man – literally and physically – insert themselves into our interaction. Not only that, but immediately start name dropping people “that say hi” from a country club they both belong to in Los Angeles.

The. Audacity. Was. On. Full. Show.

And as I stood there, amused, I reflected on some people’s lack of self awareness and the inner belief that they deserve someone’s time enough to cut into someone else’s conversation to say meaningless dribble. Nevertheless, Mr. Worthy came back to Jason and I later and personally greeted us again.

Food + Snacks

The food was deliciously curated with perfect game day finger foods and snacks.

Brand Activations

As much as I appreciated every conversation and every side of the panoramic view, the brand activations were another aspect that I came for.

Michter’s American Whiskey poured generously all evening. I absolutely loved my sips of the whiskeys: each expression was smooth, characterful and just damn good.

The cocktails made with Cygnet Gin were solid. Each that I had were beautifully crafted and refreshing.

There was a Prada private shopping experience in a suite, along with A. Lange & Söhne watches available for purchase.

The One and Only: Louis XIII cognac

And then there was Louis XIII cognac. I’ve had cognac before – but there was alway one – The One – that I was waiting to have.

One pour of Louis XIII shifted my viewpoint of luxury in liquid form. It was velvety, impossibly complex, and so deeply layered it felt less like a drink and more like an experience in itself. It was – of course – the finest cognac I have ever tasted. As James and I clicked our crystal glasses together, it felt like a moment of magic that had been worth waiting for.

Finishing up the night

At the end of the night, Cohiba drew me outside. There’s something ceremonial about cutting and lighting a great cigar after a day of travel, conversation and food. It’s a ritual that slows everything down in the best way. I found myself lingering on the 66th floor far longer than planned, cigar in hand, pulled into an unexpectedly intense conversation I didn’t want to leave. The photos I managed to squeeze in between exchanges were some of my favorites of the night.

What struck me most was how seamlessly everything fit together. The brand activations felt curated. Which was truly nice.

And the ending didn’t hurt either. After cigars, cocktails, and conversation, I took an elevator and walked over to the Conrad Las Vegas side of Resorts World.

It was the perfect punctuation to a genuinely wonderful evening.

- -