KC Live! Cautiously Welcomes Big 12 Basketball Fans

KC Live! is welcoming fans to the Big 12 Basketball Tournament starting today, but like the event itself, it’s following pandemic health guidelines and won’t host the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of previous years.

The open-air, canopied courtyard that normally can accommodate 5,000 people will require everyone entering to be seated at tables socially-distanced on the main level. The balcony  at the venue will be closed except for PBR Big Sky.

“The Big 12 Tournament has been such a tradition in Kansas City and its something we look forward at the Power & Light District,” said Rachel Waller, marketing director. “But all businesses, including KC Live, will following the health department guidelines.”

Seating will be on a first come, first serve basis, although groups of four or more can reserve a table on the P&L District website here.

While fans can watch the games on the KC Live! big screen, the action on stage will be a bit muted from previous years.

There won’t be the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd of fans at KC Live! this year.

There will be no live music, including the Big 12 college pep bands that help rev up the crowd. Instead, there will be DJs and sports radio personalities to entertain people with contests.

All the bars and restaurants ringing the KC Live main level will be open: Johnny’s, McFadden’s, the Dubliner, County Road Ice House, Guy’s Dive & Tacos and the Living Room.

Outside the KC Live! courtyard, other businesses in the District that will be welcoming guests include the Bristol, BRGR, 801 Chophouse, Drunken Fish, Chipotle, Yard House and Blade & Timber.

Waller said McFadden’s also will be offering brunch on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Grand Boulevard also will be closed between Truman Road and 13th Street, but won’t be the location of the usual games, beer garden and other attractions.

Attendance at T-Mobile Arena will be limited to 20 percent of capacity, about 3,800 seats.

“Even if it’s different this year, you’ll still be able to sit at a picnic table, and chill and drink beer,” Waller said. “It will just be a different atmosphere.”