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2025 - BIG 12 TOURNAMENT
BIG 12 MEN'S & WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
March 5th - March 15th
T-Mobile Center – Kansas City
#HiltonSouth #CyclonesEverywhere
Welcome Back Cyclone Nation! We are so excited to welcome you back to Kansas City and the home of #HiltonSouth. After two incredible regular season finishes by both the Men and Women’s Team, we can not wait to see what journey awaits them here in Kansas City & in the NCAA Tournament. Now, it is time to throw on all your Cardinal & Gold and cheer on the Cyclones to victory. On behalf of the entire Iowa State Alumni of Kansas City Board and the Alumni Association, welcome back to #HiltonSouth and Go Cyclones!
Loyal. Forever. True. #HiltonSouth #CyclonesEverywhere
Bryan A. Schmidt
President, Iowa State Alumni Association of Kansas City
BIG 12 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Celebrate Iowa State
Kelly’s Westport Inn – 500 Westport Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64111
Wednesday, March 13th – 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM
It’s our annual tradition as #HiltonSouth takes over Westport, and this year is even better. The Iowa State University Pep Band, after strolling the streets of Westport, will be taking center stage at Kelly’s Westport Inn to kickoff the Big 12 Tournament festivities. Following the Pep Band, the dynamic duo of Mr. Brian Congdon & Mr. Tony Bohnenkamp will take to the stage and keep the good vibes following inside Kelly’s. This event, along with Happy Hour specials, begins formally at 5:30 PM but we would advise arriving early to grab your table and settle in for a special Cardinal & Gold Evening.
In addition to Wednesday Evening, please spend time in Westport throughout the Big 12 Tournament and enjoy some special offerings available to all alumni and fans of Iowa State:
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Taco Bell Cantina - two free tacos with purchase of an alcoholic beverage / Twisted Freeze
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The Bunker - 20% off all items for Iowa State fans during the Big 12 Basketball Tournament
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Kelly's - special Iowa State beer mug prices
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AC Hotel - $139 room rate per night + tax with complimentary parking, while supplies last. Email darla.minor@hhmhotels.com and mention the Iowa State Big 12 room special to reserve.
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Char Bar - $4 Tall Boys and $7 Easy Eddy Hazy IPA by Big Grove Brewing
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Beer Kitchen - $8 Hilton Magic cocktail
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Taco Naco - 3 tacos for $11.25 all day
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Tin Roof - $20 Buckets of Domestic 16oz. Cans
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Atomic Cowboy - 1/2 price pitchers on Wednesday the 12th, $1 slices of cheese pizza on Friday, March 14th (dine-in and window only)
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*Iowa State Pep Band Performance is subject to the team advancing
Hang Time – Cyclone Happy Hour
J. Rieger & Co. Distillery – 2700 Guinotte Ave., Kansas City, Missouri 64120
Friday, March 14th – 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
A collaboration between J. Rieger & Co Distillery and Charlie Hustle, Hang Time is designed to be the ultimate game-day destination. This includes Pop-A-Shot Tournaments, Sports Trivia Nights and Basketball-themed cocktails to toast every big win. On Friday, March 14th, Hang Time will be offering a special Iowa State Happy Hour for all Cyclones! There will be a special game day menu, including 15% off for anyone rocking the Cardinal & Gold. For a full list of Hang Time Activities, please visit this website: https://www.jriegerco.com/hangtime.
Parking on site is complimentary (west side of the building). Please note that the distillery is next to active train tracks, so if you run into a train crossing, please follow the Electric Park Detour Signs.
Pre-Game Pep Rally’s for Men’s & Women’s Tournament Games
Subject to Team Advancement and Schedule
Before every Big 12 Tournament game, stay tuned into Iowa State Athletics as they host pre-game pep rallies for both the Men’s & Women’s team in the Power & Light District. Final pep rally details and schedule are still to be finalized, so make sure to follow all Cyclone Athletic Social Media Accounts for the latest and greatest news!
Pre-Game Celebrations for Men’s & Women’s Tournament Games
Subject to team advancement and schedule
The Iowa State Athletics Department is planning a hotel send-off for the ISU women's basketball team today from 3:30-3:45 p.m. at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown (1213 Wyandotte St., East Tower Lobby). Upon advancement, they will plan a similar send off at the Marriott around two hours prior to game time.
Stay tuned to Iowa State Athletics social media accounts for news and updates on pre-game send-offs and pep rallies for the women's and men's teams!
BIG 12 TOURNAMENT CYCLONE CENTERS
We are always looking to provide new and exciting opportunities for our alumni to try while visiting Kansas City, and we are so excited to list all these amazing establishments that have been supportive of our local alumni base throughout the years. Please check them out during your stay and don’t forget to wear your Cardinal & Gold!
Howl at The Moon – Kansas City Power & Light District
Wednesday, March 12th – Saturday, March 15th
Continuing now for our fourth straight Big 12 Tournament, we are excited to call Howl at the Moon our Cyclone Home for the Big 12 Tournament. For those that have never been to Howl at The Moon, this dueling piano bar offers a variety of amazing music, high energy performances and a fantastic drink selection. Check out these special deals for all Cyclone fans during tournament weekend!
Special Deal Alert for Cyclone Nation
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Free admission with wristband all day and night. Just check in under “ISU Alumni” at the front door to get your wristband.
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Complimentary BBQ Buffet while supplies last. Menu will include BBQ Brisket, Mac N Cheese, Spinach Dip, Chips n Salsa & Veggie Trays.
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Drink Specials available during operating hours throughout both tournaments
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$5 Busch Light
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$6 Michelob Ultra
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$6 Bud Light
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$5 Well Drinks
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$15 Hilton South Bucket
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$25 Hilton South Jumbo Bucket
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Howl’s Live Music Entertainment will take the stage with shows throughout the day & night.
The Quaff Bar & Grill – 1010 Broadway Boulevard
Monday, March 10th - Saturday, March 15th
Returning as our primary downtown gamewatch location – The Quaff Bar & Grill has become an instant hit with local Kansas City Alumni. This amazing ownership team has opened its door to Cyclone Nation and fully embraced #HiltonSouth. Not only does the bar have some great deals for our alumni, but it can fit hundreds. If you are looking for a fun spot to chill in between games or celebrate with your fellow alumni, swing by The Quaff and enjoy an amazing gameday atmosphere.
Special Deal Alert for Cyclone Nation
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$5 Crown Peach
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$4 Domestic Beer
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$2 Jello Shots for Iowa State Fans
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½ Priced Burger on Tuesday / Famous Steak Special on Wednesday (5 PM Start)
Chicken N’ Pickle – North Kansas City & Overland Park
A unique, indoor / outdoor entertainment complex whose mission is to provide an atmosphere that fosters fun, friendship and community for all ages, Chicken N Pickle have opened their doors to #HiltonSouth. We encourage all Cyclones to visit both the Northland and Overland Park locations during their visit to Kansas City this Big 12 Tournament.
Up/Down Kansas City – 101 Southwest Boulevard
A 21+ Arcade Bar featuring more than 50 arcades games from the ‘80s and ‘90s, pinball machines, four classic skeeball alleys, Nintendo 64 console gaming, life-size Jenga and Connect Four…. what more could a Cyclone Fan ask for?! Make sure to stop by this Cyclone staple in the Crossroads District.
OTHER THINGS TO DO WHILE IN KANSAS CITY
BIG 12 TOURNAMENT VIRTUAL 5K (COLOR IT CARDINAL & GOLD)
Running in the Big 12 Tournament 5K, dress up in your best Cardinal and Gold and let all of Kansas City know that this is #HiltonSouth
ST. PATRICK DAY PARADE
JOIN US FOR THE 4TH ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S 5K AT PARK PLACE IN LEAWOOD! WEAR YOUR BEST ST. PATRICK’S OUTFIT TO COMPETE IN THE COSTUME CONTEST AND ENJOY A FUN RACE! THE RACE WILL BE CHIP-TIMED AND AWARDS WILL BE GIVEN TO THE TOP FINISHERS AND THE TOP THREE IN EACH AGE GROUP. PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE A CUSTOM FINISHER’S MEDAL!
2025 SNAKE SATURDAY PARADE – NORTH KANSAS CITY
Yes, the March Snake Saturday Festivities are back! The Parade and Festival will occur on March 16, 2024, starting at it’s normal time of 11:00 AM. Floats, the carnival, the festival area will culminate on Snake Saturday into a day of Lucky to Be IN North Kansas City! Don’t miss out on this great event and hopefully this leads into a Championship Night featuring the Cyclones!
BOULEVARD BREWING COMPANY TOURS & RECREATION CENTER
Whether it's your first time or lived in Kansas City for a while, nothing beats stopping by our Hometown Brewery for a little taste of Kansas City! Brewery Tours and Much More!
J. RIEGER & CO DISTILLERY TOURS
Book an experience at the J. Rieger & Company Distillery. Located just 2 miles east of the River Market, you can sign up for a tour of their recently built facility and enjoy some craft cocktails at the Monogram Lounge, The Hey! Hey! Club or Electric Park Garden Bar.
TOM’S TOWN DISTILLING COMPANY
Named after the country’s most corrupt political boss, Tom Pendergast, Tom’s Town Distilling Company has become a staple of downtown Kansas City. Swing by throughout the entire tournament to partake in their handmade premium cocktails and learn more about how Tom Pendergast helped make Kansas City know as the “Paris of the Plains.” #ThePeopleAreThristy
BREWER’S ALLEY – CROSSROADS
Several breweries & distilleries are now operating within a +/- half mile radius in Kansas City’s East Crossroads District, its easy to understand how the area gained the nickname Brewer’s Alley. Only a few blocks away from the T-Mobile Center, swing by this craft beer enthusiast paradise and sip away the time between Cyclone Tournament Games. Parking is located close by and if you get hungry, swing by a Kansas City Classic – Grinder’s – for all your late night snacking needs.
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Recommended Breweries & Distilleries: Double Shift Brewing Company, Casual Animal Brewing Company, Torn Label Brewing Co., Strange Days Brewing Co. (River Market), Red Sash Brewing, International Tap House – Crossroads, Mean Mule Distilling Company, Lifted Spirts Distillery….and so much more!
KC BIER COMPANY
It might be a little bit of a drive from the T-Mobile Center, but you should grab a flight or beer or two from another hometown brewery that has served as a gamewatch location for our local club in the past. Prost!
THE OTHER PLACE – VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT KANSAS CITY
Need we say more! An old ISU tradition continues in Kansas City, as The Other Place calls Downtown Overland Park home. Swing on by and enjoy the smells and taste of your favorite neighborhood bar!
WIDE RIGHT NATTY LITE
Here is a comprehensive overview / guide to your upcoming weekend in Kansas City!
Welcome to Hilton South, Cyclone Nation!!!