Big 12 Announces Fan Entertainment for 2024 Basketball Championships
On Tuesday, the Big 12 Conference announced various entertainment and fan experience enhancements for the upcoming Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City (MO).
The music and entertainment enhancements are highlighted by the return of Shaquille O’Neal – AKA DJ Diesel – who will perform a 45-minute DJ set following the Men’s Championship game at 9:00 p.m. CT on March 16 at the Kansas City Live! Stage of the Power & Light District. LC Danger, a rising star in the DJ industry, will serve as his opening act, per a Big 12 press release.
As for the National Anthem, the men’s championship game will be preceded by a performance by BRELAND, while Lanie Gardner will sing the anthem ahead of the women’s championship game.
The Big 12 will also continue 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.
Additionally, the Conference will return to New York City as TSX will live-stream the Men’s and Women’s championship games in Times Square.
As for in-game expereinces, fans can once again enjoy premium seat in the Championship Club, as well as the addition new premium club spaces – the Modelo Courtside Lounge and the Concourse Club. 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.
Also, the league announced KC-based apparel company Charlie Hustle will have custom merchandise at a pop-up shop in downtown Kansas City.
Finally, Big 12 fans will get to enjoy the return of #Big12Eats, which was a hit with fans at last year’s Championships. Levy Restuarants will help bring back school-specific menu items that have 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.
