Everything You Need to Know About Big 12 Basketball in KC
Throngs of fans flood the Power & Light District, decked out in a rainbow of colors, from burnt orange to Cyclone red and Jayhawk blue. A Kansas City tradition, catch some of the country's best teams competing at T-Mobile Center in the Big 12 Men's and Women's Basketball Championships. It’s time for the Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's and Women's Basketball Championships, two of the most exciting sporting events in Kansas City.
Here’s everything you need to know about Big 12 basketball in KC:
Where to Watch
For the first time, both Women's and Men's Big 12 Basketball Championships will be played at T-Mobile Center. With additional teams and new matchups, the expanded Championships will be spread across 10 days as Women's Basketball runs March 7-12 followed by Men's Basketball, March 12-16.
Each venue will welcome a Big 12 GameDay fan fest just outside its doors, ensuring the excitement continues even between showdowns on the court.
Whether you're seeking celebration after a big win or looking for the perfect place to watch the game outside of the stadium's seats, the Power & Light District's KC Live! Block puts you at the center of it all.
A covered, open-air space complete with a giant TV screen and a concert-quality sound system ensures you won't miss a single inbound pass or rim-rattling dunk, and a daily schedule of spirit rallies provides the chance to cheer on your team before each day's competition kicks off.
That’s not to forget all of the restaurants and bars surrounding the KC Live! Block stage (Johnny’s Tavern, Guy Fieri's Dive & Taco Joint and No Other Pub are all standouts). Plus, with as many sports bars as Kansas City claims, you won’t having any trouble finding one you love no matter who you root for.
Join the Festivities
There’s even more to enjoy at the Championships thanks to activities that put you at the center of the action. A lineup of hoops challenges, gameday giveaways and activities for all ages fill Grand Blvd. at the Big 12 Fan Fest. Opening on Thursday, March 7, a brand new pop-up shop from Charlie Hustle makes the latest Big 12 gear available to fans just steps from T-Mobile Center. No matter where you decide to spend your time, you’ll find it to be an unforgettable weekend.
In between matchups, head over to The College Basketball Experience, a hands-on entertainment facility that celebrates the sport’s heritage and allows visitors to literally get in the game. Even sweeter: sporting your team's colors earns you discounted entry. There's also the Jayhawk Experience, offering special Big 12 tours of the legendary Allen Fieldhouse in nearby Lawrence, KS.
It's simple to navigate the city thanks to the KC Streetcar. Travel for free from one end of Downtown KC to another and experience some of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the area.
For guidance from the experts, stop by the new Visit KC Visitor Information Center in Downtown Kansas City. Open with extended hours for the Big 12 Championships, fans can find information and recommendations via a team of local experts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., March 8-12 at 1241 Main St.
Where to Eat
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite in between games or settling down for an extended dining experience after a full day of basketball, a long list of options near T-Mobile Center are accessible by foot or the KC Streetcar, and are certain to answer every craving with some of the city's finest culinary creations.