Power & Light District

Dress Code Questioned As Jersey-Wearing Fans Roll Into Town

Thousands of sports fans are descending on Kansas City this week for the Big 12 basketball tournament, but will those fans have to leave their caps and jerseys behind if they want to check out the new Power and Light District?

See more on Dave Froehlich's story here...

Wednesday Big 12 Practice Open to Public

The Big 12 Conference has announced open practice times for the 2008 Phillips 66 Men's Basketball Championship at Sprint Center.

Eight teams will practice on Wednesday, March 12 at Sprint Center. Practice sessions are open to the public and admission is free. Guests will be required to stop by Sprint Center Box Office to obtain a complimentary ticket for entry.

Sprint Center Box Office will open at 9 a.m. on March 12. Groups of 20 or more may reserve tickets by sending contact information including requested number of tickets to groupsales@sprintcenter.com

Grand Boulevard doors will open at 11 a.m. The first practice session begins at 12:00 noon.

"Sprint Center is honored to be the host facility for the 2008 Phillips 66 Men's Basketball Championship," said Brenda Tinnen, General Manager of AEG Kansas City, operator of Sprint Center. "Although the men's event is sold out, the general public is welcome to participate in the Big 12 Men's Basketball Experience by attending Open Practice."

Concessions will be served at various locations including the MetroSports Zone, QuikTrip and Farmland stands located on the Main Concourse. The public is welcome to have lunch or drop by to catch their favorite team in action. Practice session times are listed below.

Practice Schedules

• Noon - 12:40 p.m. CT #9 Oklahoma State 3:00 - 3:40 p.m. CT #7 Nebraska
• 12:45 - 1:25 p.m. CT #8 Texas Tech 3:45 - 4:25 p.m. CT #10 Missouri
• 1:30 - 2:10 p.m. CT #12 Colorado 4:30 - 5:10 p.m. CT #6 Texas A & M
• 2:15 - 2:55 p.m. CT #5 Baylor 5:15 - 5:55 p.m. CT #11 Iowa State

Parking-Street Closures-Women's Ticket Information

Guests participating in Big 12 festivities should note that Grand Boulevard from 13th Street to 14th Street will be closed beginning on Wednesday at 7 p.m. and will reopen on Sunday evening at 11 p.m.

In addition, 14th Street from Oak Street to Walnut Street will be closed, transforming into a Road to Glory interactive fan experience. All-session tickets for the 2008 Phillips 66 Women's Basketball Championships are still available for $81 and $56 plus applicable service fees.

The City of Kansas City will provide shuttle for Big 12 parking from Lot B at Kemper Arena to 13th and McGee on March 13-14 for the Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's & Women's Basketball Championships. Shuttles will operate from 8:30 a.m.- 2 a.m. This service will provide a parking alternative during the busy event days and help reduce traffic congestion downtown.

Parking in Lot B will cost $10 per day. Fans that park in Lot B at Kemper Arena and present a Lot B parking receipt to shuttle drivers will receive shuttle service for up to four people at no additional charge. Others may ride the shuttle for $2 per trip. The shuttle will drop-off riders at 13th and McGee streets. A map indicating the shuttle route and parking location is attached.

College Basketball Experience Extends Hours

Because of the Big 12 Tournament, special hours and activities are in place for the College Basketball Experience in Kansas City.

During the men's tournament on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the College Basketball Experience will be open from 10:00 a.m. until Midnight.

It closes at the regular 6:00 pm time on Wednesday.

Then on Sunday after the Big 12 Championship Game, the CBE will host a Selection Show Watch Party until 10:00 p.m. For the complete story, click here.