Chattanooga Madness 2026: Support Your Favorite Local Business

Chattanooga Madness is Back!

It’s time to once again crown a champion — which Chattanooga Businesses will be stepping into the spotlight?

In honor of the NCAA’s March Madness, this is Hits 96‘s bracket-style showdown where YOU decide which local business takes home the title.

Just like a tournament bracket, local businesses will go head-to-head in weekly match ups. The twist? Every winner is determined 100% by Hits 96 Listener Votes.
It’s Chattanooga showing up for Chattanooga!

How It Works:

• Local businesses are nominated into our official bracket via Facebook. To make a nomination, click here and comment below on the Chattanooga Madness post the name of the local business you would like to nominate. The Top 16 businesses that have the most votes by Monday, March 16th at 10am will entered into our tournament.
• The Matchups go LIVE each afternoon at 2pm starting on Tuesday, March 17th. Listener’s will choose by texting in to 423-642-9636 and deciding between the two local businesses until 6pm. The business with the most votes at 6pm will move on to the next round.
• One ultimate champion will be crowned at the end of the tournament on April 6th.

The winning business… IF THEY SO CHOOSE… wins a special visit from Gino D (complete with a 2-3 minute video for social media), a LIVE radio interview with Gino D all about their business on The Afternoon Show, a Hits 96 Chattanooga Madness 2026 Champion Certificate, and some Hits 96 Swag! 

This is your chance to support the restaurants, shops, service providers, and local favorites that make Chattanooga special. Share the bracket, rally your community, and help your favorite business make a deep run.

Whether you’re voting for your go-to lunch spot, your favorite boutique, or the business that always gives back — this is your moment to show them some love.

Ready to tip off? Check out the bracket, cast your nomination, and let the Chattanooga Madness begin!

PLEASE NOTE: Hits 96 reserves the right to establish and define the criteria for what constitutes a “local business” and to determine the eligibility of businesses for participation in this FREE promotional event. In the event of any disputes regarding eligibility, Hits 96’s decision will be final. Additionally, in the case of any ties during the voting process, Hits 96 will serve as the deciding authority to determine which participants advance in the tournament.