A heated debate has been lighting up social media about whether Kansas City should remain the host of the Big 12 Tournament. Fans from Utah and Arizona reminisce about the days when the Pac 12 held its tournament in Las Vegas, despite the fact that many schools left the conference in 2024 for other opportunities.
The Big 12 stretches across 10 states, and some argue that the tournament location should rotate to accommodate the geographical spread. This sparked a lively discussion, with Kansas City enthusiasts passionately defending their city’s atmosphere.
Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd expressed a preference for Las Vegas, which delighted some Utah fans. “Would I want this in Vegas?
Yeah, 100 percent I would,” Lloyd said. “But you know what?
I didn’t ask to be in the Big 12. We got put in the Big 12.
I didn’t have any input on it. But I love being in the Big 12, so if they tell me we’re playing in Kansas City, we’re loading up the plane and going to Kansas City.
We’re not going to overthink it. I just want to get on the floor and try to kick ass and play 40 minutes.
That’s it.”
The conversation on social media was buzzing:
“If you can barely fill up your arena, you shouldn’t have an opinion on conference tournament location,” one fan tweeted.
Another chimed in, “KC and Vegas are about equal distance from Denver, but I’d prefer Vegas because of the weather and because it’s Vegas. KC gives Mizzou and KU an unfair advantage.”
Meanwhile, Houston coach Kelvin Sampson is a staunch supporter of keeping the tournament in Kansas City. After a record crowd of 19,450 packed the T-Mobile Center, Sampson stated, “Kansas City owns this tournament.
I hope they never move it. It should stay in Kansas City.”
Sampson, who has a rich history with the Big 12 Tournament, praised the unique atmosphere Kansas City offers. “This is my 15th year coaching in the Big 12 Tournament.
One of the things that makes this tournament so special is this part of the country. Iowa State fans are special.
Kansas fans are legendary. Kansas has always been the bell cow of the Big 12.”
He reminisced about the passionate fan bases and iconic figures like Norm Stewart, emphasizing the deep-rooted basketball culture in the area. “When Kansas State’s good, they have great fans.
Kansas City should always host this tournament. Sometimes it’s bigger than the school itself.”
The debate continues, but one thing is clear: Kansas City’s connection to the Big 12 Tournament is strong, and its fans are fiercely protective of their role as hosts.