Fans flock to KC for Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament tipped off on Wednesday, with fans from across the country coming in to cheer on their teams.

“I’m cheering on the Baylor Bears,” said Milton Higgins, who came from California. “We just got here today. We’ve been coming for 12 years to the Big 12 Tournament. Glad to be here.”

10-year-old Jordyn Evens and her family didn’t have to travel far, driving up from Lee’s Summit to enjoy the games on Wednesday.

“I want a scholarship to college to play basketball, so I like watching basketball games,” said Evans.

Lifelong Cyclones fans Brent Kraft and his wife came into town to support Iowa State.

“Oh, we love it,” said Kraft. “It’s our first time here, so it’s been a good experience. We’ve never been to the tournament; it’s been a bucket list thing to do.”

Other Iowa State fans say this isn’t their first time in KC, but wish the weather was a little better.

“Cold! It’s supposed to be t-shirt weather compared to Iowa when we come down here.”

Fans from Tuscan, Arizona, agreed, leaving 70-degree weather to support their Arizona Wildcats.

READ MORE: KC Sports Commission working to keep Big 12 basketball tournaments in KC beyond 2031

“It’s pretty cold, but we’re hanging in there!” said Brooke Mohler, an Arizona cheerleader. “It’s been so fun. We’re in the Big 12 Conference this year so we are excited. We’re loving the snow here, Kansas City, and we’re ready for tomorrow’s game!”

Several Arizona cheerleaders were heading into the T-Mobile Center Wednesday afternoon.

“It’s really exciting to be here,” said Alexa Redondo, an Arizona cheerleader. “I’ve never been to Kansas City, I love it. It’s beautiful. A little chilly, but it’s been so much fun.”

Nebraska-native Ayda Matya has been taking advice from her fellow cheerleaders on how to stay warm.

“Lots of jackets and layers,” said Matya. “We have leggings on under our sweatpants. I really have enjoyed being here. We saw our fans today; we went to a pep rally and saw a lot of fans that will be at the game tomorrow. I know we are super excited to get started and cheer on our Wildcats.”

A group of fans came from Wildcat country to Kansas City on a girls trip to support their team.

“Bear Down!” said Lee Westfall. “Go Arizona! It’s a great venue, the people are great, friendly. The people in the Midwest have been so sweet. It’s an experience.”

“We all met through basketball, and we’ve been together for what, 10 years now?” said Regina Wills. “10, 12 years now and it’s been great. This is my first time here and I was so happy I was able to come. The people here have been so nice, and the atmosphere is so electric.”

While the tournament started on Wednesday, the weather delayed planned outdoor activities, like the Miller Light Fan Fest. It will now start on Thursday.

Copyright 2025 KCTV. All rights reserved.