Big 12 Announces Entertainment and Fan Experience Enhancements for 2024 Women's Basketball Championship

POSTED: March 6, 2024 -- 8:10 a.m. CT

The Big 12 Conference announced a variety of entertainment and fan experience enhancements for the upcoming Big 12 Men's and Women's Basketball Championships at T-Mobile Center.

Music and Entertainment Enhancements

Shaquille O'Neal – AKA DJ Diesel – will return to the Big 12 Basketball Championships as he performs a 45-minute DJ set following the Men's Championship game on March 16. DJ Diesel will perform at 9:00 p.m. at the Kansas City Live! Stage of the Power & Light District. Rising DJ star LC Danger will serve as the opening act for DJ Diesel.

Both the Men's and Women's Championship games will feature notable artists performing the National Anthem. The Men's Championship final will see the national anthem performed by BRELAND, while Lanie Gardner will sing the anthem at the Women's Championship game.

2024 Partnerships & Collaborations

The Big 12 continues its WWE partnership with a WWE x Big 12 Championship Title Belt that will be presented to the Most Outstanding Player of both the Men's and Women's Championship.

The Conference will make its return to New York City, partnering with TSX to live-stream the Men's and Women's Championship games in Times Square. The live stream of the Women's Championship will be sponsored by Sprouts Farmers Market, while the Men's Championship will be sponsored by Modelo.

Additionally, the Big 12 is teaming up with Planet Comicon Kansas City, one of the nation's largest and longest-running comic book and pop culture events held annually at the Kansas City Convention Center. This partnership will see Planet Comicon KC and the Big 12 engage in cross-promotion marketing, with cosplay characters visiting the Women's Championship on March 8.

Premium Seating & Fan Experience

The 2024 Big 12 Basketball Championships will mark the return of the Championship Club, a premium food and beverage experience for courtside seat ticket holders. Additionally, 400+ premium seats have been added for the Championships.

Two new premium club spaces - the Modelo Courtside Lounge and the Concourse Club – are also being introduced. The Modelo Courtside Lounge features 16 semi-private tables that offer unparalleled views of Big 12 Basketball, as well as in-seat service. The Concourse Club is a private club that will be located by Section 113, offering fans access to upscale dining options and a VIP experience throughout the Championships.

#Big12Eats

In partnership with Levy Restaurants, #Big12Eats is back! The return of school-specific menu items has expanded to feature 15 culinary creations, including:
• BAYLOR BRISKET SLIDERS: Dr Pepper glazed brisket, sweet slaw, brioche bun.
• COSMO'S CHURROS (BYU): Caramel-filled churro, sweet cream drizzle, mini marshmallows, cinnamon sugar and toffee crumble.
• UCF CITRONAUT DRINK: Orange soda and vanilla ice cream.
• CINCY CHEESE CONEY: Jumbo hot dog, Cincinnati-style chili, onion + cheddar cheese.
• SHASTA'S BRISKET TACOS (HOUSTON): Chopped beef brisket, corn & black bean salsa, cilantro, lime, corn tortillas.
• ISU GREEN CHILI PORK WALKING TACO: Doritos, green chili pork, shredded lettuce, cheddar and Jack cheese, sour cream.
• BIG JAY'S LOADED MAC AND CHEESE: Cavatappi pasta, creamy cheese sauce, house-smoked pulled pork, BBQ sauce, crispy fried onions with a dash of Crimson Red pepper flakes.
• POWERCAT PB&J (K-STATE): Fried PB&J sandwich.
• OKLAHOMA ONION BURGER: Tobacco onions, ranch dipper.
• OSU'S ORANGE POWER PIZZA: Pepperoni, sausage, ham, sweet pepper bacon, mozzarella, cheddar, ranch drizzle.
• COWTOWN LOADED TOTS (TCU): Fried tater tots, spicy queso sauce, chopped house smoked brisket, corn and black bean salsa, topped with Horned Frog Purple sour cream.
• BIG BERTHA LOADED BAKED POTATO (TEXAS): Chopped house-smoked brisket, cheddar cheese, green onion, sour cream, butter, BBQ sauce.
• THE MASKED RIDER BURGER (TEXAS TECH): All beef patty, cheddar, fried onion ring, sweet pickled jalapenos, Red Raiders BBQ sauce.
• MOUNTAINEER PEPPERONI ROLL (WEST VIRGINIA): Sliced pepperoni and mozzarella cheese roll.
• BIG 12 DOG: Foot-long, all beef hot dog, ketchup, mustard, red cabbage slaw, black sesame seeds, diced white onion, spicy cheese sauce and sautéed orange peppers.

Local Businesses and Community

The Big 12 Conference continues to recognize and support Kansas City-based businesses in conjunction with Championship Week. The Conference will partner with KC-based apparel company Charlie Hustle for custom Big 12 merchandise available at a pop-up shop in downtown Kansas City. Additionally, the Conference will recognize McClendon Foundation fellows during the Women's Championship Game, and will host daily pep rallies with bands and spirit squads at the Power & Light District.

Lastly, The Big 12 is bringing the Hoopbus to Kansas City for Fan Fest on Monday, March 11 to Friday, March 15.

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