Beer and wine flowing for Big 12 tourney at Sprint Center for the first time

For the first time since 2005, beer and wine are being sold at Big 12 championships, including this week’s men’s basketball tournament at the Sprint Center.

A domestic pour in a 24-ounce cup is $8.75. A 20-ounce bottle poured in a cup is $8. Mini bottles of red or white wine, poured in a cup, are $8.

One reason for the alcohol sales: Helping traffic flow into Sprint.

In past years, fans would remain in the Power Light District bars and restaurants until a few minutes before the beginning of a two-game session.

The availability of beer and wine in Sprint Center figures to get fans in the building sooner, a theory that will be put to the test Thursday when the first two quarterfinal games feature Kansas State, Iowa State and Kansas.

“We wanted to provide an amenity that is typically provided in the building and is expected in public assembly facilities in general,” Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby told The Star on Wednesday. “We think it’s a predominantly adult crowd and will handle it responsibly.

“And we hope it will contribute to getting people more easily into the building and have a better flow in and out of the facility.”

This story was originally published March 12, 2014 at 7:25 PM with the headline "Beer and wine flowing for Big 12 tourney at Sprint Center for the first time."