Over 2,000 athletes, parents and fans are expected on March 15 in the KC Power & Light District
Website Story | HERE
KANSAS CITY, MO., Feb. 2, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- History will be made March 15, as the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) will host both Division I men's and women's basketball players together at the 2016 Tip-Off Event. Over 2,000 participants are expected at the March 15th event in one of the marquee entertainment venues in downtown Kansas City – the KC Live! Block in the Kansas City Power & Light District.
Sixty-four combined teams from the Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship and the Division I Women's Basketball National Championship will be in attendance on March 15, starting at 5 p.m. CST. All parents, fans, alumni and basketball enthusiasts are encouraged to attend with free admission into the Power & Light District.
This first-ever event will showcase the NAIA's best athletes from two major collegiate national championships for seven-straight days (March 16-22). The men's championship tournament is held for the 71st time in Kansas City and played at Municipal Auditorium (79th overall event). The women's championship takes place at the Silverstein Eye Centers Arena in Independence, Mo., for the second-straight year and 36th overall time.
"We're extremely excited about partnering with the Power & Light District on this event," said Mac Stephenson, NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Championship Tournament Director. "The KC Live! Block provides a premium atmosphere to enhance the student-athlete's experience and maximizes their opportunity for exposure in our Kansas City fan base. I fully expect the Kansas City basketball community to rally behind our efforts, engage with these athletes and follow their success as they compete for an NAIA National Championship."
The electric atmosphere will feature a team video montage on the high-definition video board, photo opportunities, music and entertainment for players, coaches and fans alike. Admission is free into the Power & Light District, but tickets are on sale for the dinner. For dinner tickets to the Tip-Off Event, call the NAIA at 816-595-8142.
"Every March, thousands of basketball fans, coaches and players enjoy the restaurants and entertainment venues in the Power & Light District throughout their tournaments, and we are thrilled for the opportunity to host the NAIA's 2016 Tip-Off event to welcome their teams and fans with an official kick-off to their storied championship," said Nick Benjamin, Executive Director of the Kansas City Power & Light District. "Over the years, the KC Live! Block has truly become the destination for sports fans to gather and rally behind their team, whether during a fan fest, pep rally or watch party. It's a fan experience unique to Kansas City, and we are excited the NAIA will offer an opportunity for players and fans to experience it."
All-Tournament tickets and General Admission single-session tickets are available for purchase. The 32-team, single-elimination bracket for both genders will be announced Wednesday, March 9. The national champion faces a test of endurance as the winner must win five games in a seven-day span.
Men's Championship Ticket prices | CLICK HERE or call the NAIA National Office at 816-595-8142
General Admission single session*:
- $15 adults
- Use code "NAIA Downtown" and receive $5 (33%) off an adult ticket when purchasing at NAIAHoops.com/downtowntix or at the Municipal box office
- $5 students (ages 6 – 21)
- Use code "NAIA Downtown" and receive $3 (60%) off a student ticket when purchasing at NAIAHoops.com/downtowntix or at the Municipal box office
- Free (kids ages 5 and under)
General Admission all-tournament (31 games): $75
Reserved Seating all-tournament (31 games): $100
Women's Championship Ticket prices | CLICK HERE or call the Silverstein Eye Centers Arena
at 800-745-3000
General Admission single session*:
- $12 adults
- $9 students (ages 11 – 21)
- $6 children (ages 5 – 10)
- Free (kids ages 4 and under)
General Admission all-tournament (31 games):
- $78.50
* 1 single-session ticket equals 4 games admission for sessions (session is broken up into a day session and a night session) that occur March 16-19; 1 single-session ticket equals semifinals on March 21; 1 single-session ticket equals championship game on March 22.
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), Kansas City, Mo., is a governing body of college athletics programs that are dedicated to student-centric, character-driven intercollegiate athletics. NAIA members provide more than 65,000 student-athletes with opportunities to play college sports, earn $500 million in scholarships and compete in 23 national championships.
The Power & Light District, located one block away from the NAIA headquarters, hosts nine million visitors each year. The KC Live! Block, located inside the Power & Light District, is one city block made up of two levels of 14 entertainment venues and 25,000 square feet of covered outdoor space. The space is heated from the ceiling and has multiple portable heaters stationed throughout. There are three video boards behind a five-foot raised stage. The District hosts hundreds of watch parties, concerts and events inside the KC Live! Block each year. Team watch parties and fan fests have garnered national acclaim and media coverage from ESPN, MLB Network, CNN, MSN and more network shows. Artists such as Foster the People, Billy Currington, Blake Shelton, War, Little Big Town, Survivor, Grouplove, Tech N9ne and more, have performed on the KC Live! Block Stage over the years. For more information on the Power & Light District, click HERE.