Phillips 66 Big 12 Basketball Championships in Kansas City: Your Complete Guide
Throngs of fans flood the Power & Light District, decked out in a rainbow of colors, from burnt orange to Cyclone red and Jayhawk blue. Meanwhile, 10 teams face off inside Sprint Center—and another 10 squads take the court at Municipal Auditorium—in showcases of athletic talent and competition that serve as preludes to the NCAA Men’s and Women's Division I Basketball Tournaments.
It’s 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
Find the men competing at Sprint Center. It's the fourth busiest arena in the United States, has hosted the tournament more often than any other arena in the country and is slated to continue this tradition through 2024. The women play just a few blocks away at the historic Municipal Auditorium, still in the heart of all the action.
But if you can’t get tickets or are only in town for the fun, tons of places all over the metro are perfect watch-party locales. To soak up the festive atmosphere, post up somewhere in the Power & Light District. More specifically, hit up KC Live! Block, a covered, open-air space complete with a giant TV screen and a concert-quality sound system so you won’t miss a single inbound pass or rim-rattling dunk.
That’s not to forget all of the restaurants and bars surrounding the KC Live! Block stage (Leinenkugel’s, Johnny’s Tavern 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 (for example, Iowa State fans know a thing or two about Kelly’s Westport Inn).
Join the Festivities
Believe it or not, there’s more to the Championships than just spectating. Huge rallies, family-oriented experiences and two races highlight five days of unforgettable spectacle. Show your true colors at your favorite team’s pep rally or party with hundreds of fans at the Miller Lite Basketball Fan Fest.
Put your cardio to the test in one of the Big 12 Run races or bring the kids out to suit up for interactive games, giveaways, music and more at the free Big 12 GameDay Fan Experience on Grand Boulevard. No matter what you decide to do you’ll find it to be an unforgettable weekend.
In between tip offs, 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: ticket holders receive discounted entry. And fans will love the Big 12 Big Q competition, a barbecue cook-off that celebrates one of the city’s tastiest pastimes. There's also the Jayhawk Experience, which will offer special Big 12 tours of the legendary Allen Fieldhouse in nearby Lawrence, KS.
Don’t forget about the KC Streetcar, either. Travel for free from one end of Downtown KC to another and experience some of the most vibrant and diverse neighborhoods in the city.
Where to Eat
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite in between halves or settling down for an extended dining experience after a long day of basketball, Kansas City’s diverse cuisine satisfies appetites and taste buds with a bounty of options to choose from near Sprint Center and Municipal Auditorium.
In the Power & Light District, County Road Ice House dishes out delicious options fueled by KC-classic Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que. Discerning diners enjoy Bristol—a KC institution where the seafood is flown in daily—while Banksia, a cafe halfway between River Market and P&L, attracts guests looking for Australian-inspired pastries, toasts and sandwiches.
Diners can also get acquainted with some of KC’s most iconic meals and dishes, treat themselves to comfort food favorites or keep things light with vegan- and vegetarian-friendly cuisine.
