The next 48 hours often are called the "two greatest days of TV sports."

That's because the NCAA basketball tournament plays dozens of single-elimination basketball games, working its way from 64 to 32 teams (and then down to 16 by the end of the weekend).

Better yet, they're all televised! This means that diehard fans can watch basketball for 12 straight hours each day, on Thursday and Friday.

But where to watch? Comfort is important, so the spot needs to serve fine pub food, offer a selection of beer and boast some big-boy TV screens (and plenty of them to catch multiple games in progress).

Also choosing a spot close to home makes everything much more convenient, with no traffic or hassle.

Here are some prime choices for St. Petersburg fans:

1.) Ferg's, 1320 Central Ave.: One of the biggest and well-known sports bars in all of Pinellas County, Ferg's will have TVs inside and outside its sprawling Central Avenue space. Ferg's serves bar food and will be open until 2 a.m.

2.) El Cap, 3500 4th St N.: Known throughout St  Pete for its great
burgers, El Cap is also a great sports bar, with TVs inside and
outside on its patio.

3.) World of Beer, 100 4th St. South.: WOB is the new IT spot in Pinellas County for beer and TV fans. Plenty of choices in bottle and on tap plus food (ordered in at the downtown location). There's a laid-back vibe here, even in the heat of March Madness.

4.) Beef O'Brady's, 4775 34th St S.: One cannot survive 10-12 hours
of watching hoops on beer alone. Beef O-Brady's has a full menu to go
along with its TVs and beer,

5.) Midtown Sundries, 200 1st Ave. S.: Located in downtown St. Pete,
this is the place to go if you want to sneak away quietly from the
office to catch some of the early games.