Men's Basketball

BIG 12 ANNOUNCES FAN EXPERIENCES, ENTERTAINMENT AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING FOR 2026 PHILLIPS 66 BIG 12 MEN’S AND WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENTS

IRVING, Texas – Today, the Big 12 Conference announced various fan experiences, entertainment and community outreach programs as part of the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments, held at Kansas City’s T-Mobile Center.
 
The Big 12 will bring back Phillips 66 Big 12 BLVD. Fan Fest, a signature destination throughout both tournaments that blends elite competition with world-class entertainment in the heart of downtown Kansas City. Phillips 66 Big 12 BLVD. Fan Fest will be open every afternoon of both tournaments, beginning Wednesday, March 4. Fans can follow @big12conference on social media for a full schedule of operating hours. New activations this year include:
  • Rally Cry Gaming Truck - a state-of-the-art mobile esports arena that unfolds into a full competition stage with LED screens, spectator viewing, and on-stage gaming for fans
  • Hat customization station from Phillips 66
  • Photo booth from Edward Jones
  • Fan trading card creation with Old Trapper
  • Old Trapper and Monster Energy giveaways
  • New Era and Rally House merchandise pop-ups, highlighted by a Big 12 capsule collection from Starter featuring their signature satin varsity jacket for all 16 member schools
 
As an official partner of the Big 12 Conference, Venmo will take over No Other Pub with Venmo Hall – an exclusive fan destination in the Power & Light District. Venmo Hall will be open Saturday, March 14 from 1-11 p.m. CT where fans can enjoy the ultimate watch party experience for the Big 12 Men’s Basketball Championship game. Venmo Debit Card users and a guest can also access exclusive perks and surprises at Venmo Hall, Kansas City Live! and the Power & Light District throughout both tournaments. Fans can sign up for the Venmo Debit Card directly in the Venmo app today.
 
Elevated hospitality experiences will return to both the Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Tournaments this year for courtside and premium ticket holders, highlighted by The Championship Club and The Busey Bank Club which features baseline tables and personalized in-seat service. The Men’s Tournament will also include The Konica Minolta Founders Club and The Backcourt Club which is open exclusively to lower-level riser ticket holders in the lettered rows of sections 111 and 112.
 
Big 12 Eats will return with school-specific menu items for all 16 Big 12 institutions, presented by Undeniably Dairy. The Conference has also partnered with KC-based apparel company Charlie Hustle on custom Big 12 Eats shirts available for purchase via Rally House. This year’s Big 12 Eats menu includes:
  • Arizona - Arizona Wildcat Mini Chicken Chimichangas
  • Arizona State - Sparky’s Smoked Boneless Wings
  • Baylor - Baylor Brisket Sliders
  • BYU - Cosmo Churros
  • UCF - UCF Citronaut Drink
  • Cincinnati - Cincy Cheese Coney
  • Colorado - Boulder Green Chile Nachos
  • Houston - Houston Shasta’s Brisket Tacos
  • Iowa State - ISU Green Chili Pork Walking Taco
  • Kansas - KU’s Big Jay Loaded Mac and Cheese
  • Kansas State - K-State Powercat Steak Tacos
  • Oklahoma State - OSU Orange Power Pizza
  • TCU - TCU Cowtown Loaded Tots
  • Texas Tech - the Matador Melt
  • Utah - Utah Majerus Special
  • West Virginia - West Virginia Mountaineer Pepperoni Roll
 
Big 12 Eats will extend outside of T-Mobile Center this year with the introduction of Big 12 Treats at The Yard Milkshake Bar, in partnership with Dairy Does More, where fans can purchase Big 12 school-inspired milkshakes.
 
The Big 12 Conference will further collaborate with Kansas City-based businesses throughout both Tournaments, including launching a Visit KC Passport program offering fan discounts at local restaurants and businesses – available for download at www.visitkc.com/big12basketball. Also new this year, each session of the Women’s Tournament features a unique theme - including a First Responders Appreciation Night, Kids in Sports Day, Military Appreciation Day, Reading and Fitness Challenge, and Empower Her in support of women and girls in sport - with programming developed with local community organizations in mind. Additionally, the Big 12 and Kansas City Sports Commission will host daily pep rallies with bands and spirit squads at the Power & Light District.
 
In addition to partnering with local Kansas City businesses, the Big 12 Conference continues to prioritize community investment and engagement. To tip off two weeks of Tournament programming, KCTV5 will welcome Kid Commissioners from the 2025 Big 12 Basketball Media Days to light its tower on Tuesday, March 3. Kids Captains from Children’s Mercy Hospital will also be recognized in-game each day of both tournaments, while Big 12 mascots will visit patients at the hospital. Additionally, the Conference will award a monetary donation to one deserving Kansas City school, along with tickets to a session during the Women’s Tournament.
 
Singer-songwriter Syamali will perform the national anthem ahead of the Women’s Championship game, while vocal group The BoykinZ, recently featured on America’s Got Talent, will sing prior to the men’s finale. As the Official Locker Room Apparel Provider of the Big 12, New Era will provide hats and T-shirts to all Tournament Winners.
 
These announcements follow a series of enhancements the Big 12 unveiled this month as part of its commitment to elevate its marquee events. The Conference will utilize ASB GlassFloor’s state-of-the-art LED video sports floor, marking the first time the playing surface is used for competition in the U.S. Additionally, Gammy Award-winning global icon DJ Khaled will headline the Big 12 Basketball Tournament Afterparty presented by Venmo at KC Live! in the Power & Light District on Saturday, March 14, following the Men’s Championship game.
 
The 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament will take place March 4-8/9, while the Men’s Basketball Tournament will be played March 10-14. The Big 12 currently boasts the most top 25 ranked men’s basketball teams of any conference in America (six), including three of the top five. The Conference also entered the week as one of two women's basketball leagues nationally to have 75% of its teams ranked inside the top 60 of the NET. Games will be broadcast across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPN+.
 
For more information and to purchase tickets for both tournaments, visit www.big12sports.com.
 
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