More than 100,000 people are expected to pack downtown for the Big 12 tournament.
Tickets are sold out. That's a consistent goal the KC Sports Commission tries to meet since the Sprint Center started hosting the tournament nine years ago.
The Sprint Center holds 19,000 people, so that means lots of business for surrounding bars and restaurants.
Downtown hotels are full. Managers say this week is one of their busiest.
City officials estimate a $13.6 million economic boost for the city.
"The Power and Light District has added some new venues from Leinenkugel's, Protein House, Rally House. Obviously there are new businesses along Main Street, so we're really excited people will be able to see something different," Visit KC President Ronnie Burt said.
The tournament and KC hospitality also plays a part in attracting more basketball events to the city.
"We hope that basketball continues to come back. In the month of March, basketball alone, between the MIAA, men's and women's Big 12, the NAIA and the regionals will have a $25 million impact to our community. We love when they're here," KC Sports Commission President Kathy Nelson said.
Bars and restaurants in downtown KC have even opened earlier than normal for Big 12 fans.
KC Live area, @PBRBigSkyKC open at 9; @NoOtherPub @cleaverandcork @LeinenkugelsKC @SharkBarKC open at 10 ???@41actionnews
— Sarah Plake (@SarahPlakeTV) March 9, 2017
.@McFaddensKC opens at 7, @JohnnysTaverns opens at 7:30 for #Big12Tournament crowds @41actionnews
— Sarah Plake (@SarahPlakeTV) March 9, 2017
The tournament is a party for the whole family. It includes games, giveaways, and music. Fan Fest is all day for all ages, but after 9 p.m. it's ages 21 and up.
Take a look at the Fan Experience activity schedule:
Wednesday, March 8: 3 - 7 p.m.
Thursday, March 9: 2 - 7 p.m.
Friday, March 10: 2 - 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 11: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Here's the schedule for spirit rallies:
Wednesday, March 8
4:10 - 4:30 -- TCU
4:35 - 4:55 -- Oklahoma
5:00 - 5:20 -- Texas Tech
Thursday, March 9
9:40 - 10:00 -- Iowa State
10:05 - 10:25 -- Oklahoma State
10:30 - 10:50 -- TCU or Oklahoma
10:55 - 11:15 -- Kansas
4:35 - 4:55 -- Texas Tech or Texas
5:25 - 5:45 -- Kansas State
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Sarah Plake can be reached at Sarah.Plake@KSHB.com
