Big 12 hoops, Chiefs and salary cap, Sporting KC and KC Current highlight week ahead
The arrival of the annual Big 12 men’s and women’s basketball tournaments is a beloved late-winter rite in Kansas City.
The shows roll into town this week, with men’s games at the T-Mobile Center and women’s games at nearby Municipal Auditorium. Men’s action begins Wednesday, women’s Thursday, with Selection Sunday on deck for the men and Selection Monday next up for the women.
The downtown Power & Light District will be buzzing more than it could’ve the last couple of years, when COVID had all of us in a tighter grip. Restrictions are eased for this year’s edition of the tourneys, and we get the feeling this city is ready to party.
Of course, that’s not all that’s happening this week around Kansas City. Here’s a rundown of the highlights.
Wall-to-wall college hoops in KC
The beauty of March Madness officially descends Wednesday with early-round Big 12 games at the T-Mobile Center. The women’s games are one day behind, beginning Thursday at Municipal.
The men’s quarterfinals are Thursday, semifinals Friday and final Saturday; the women’s quarterfinals are Friday, semifinals Saturday and final Sunday.
All 10 Big 12 teams take part this week, and in theory, at least, any one of them could earn the league’s automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament. Of course, walking out of KC with a ticket to the big dance is easier said than done. Texas is the defending men’s champ, while Baylor won its 10th women’s Big 12 title in 2021.
Chiefs await word on NFL salary cap
The Chiefs didn’t end their season the way they’d hoped, but that AFC Championship Game loss to the Bengals is old news. The task now is girding for another Super Bowl run.
The Chiefs have a number of free agents they’d like to retain, and others they’ve got designs on adding, but knowing how much they can spend is crucial. They’ll find out later this week when the league announces its salary cap for 2022.
Then, the market opens. That happens at 3 p.m. Central Time on March 16. Before that, on Monday, March 14 at 11 a.m. Central, all teams have two days in which they can contact and negotiate with players set to become unrestricted free agents two days later — the legal tampering period.
You’ve probably heard it said before, but it’s true and bears repeating: There’s really no offseason in today’s NFL. And the Chiefs will be players in the market, one way or another.
Soccer showdowns for SKC + Current
After playing its home opener Saturday, Sporting KC returns to the road for game three of the 2022 MLS season on Saturday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado.
Yep, it’s time for another showdown with the Colorado Rapids, a matchup that’s produced some tense and thrilling moments through the years. Game time Saturday is 8 p.m.
The KC Current, meanwhile, are scheduled to play their third and final preseason game Friday at Hibner Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska, against the Cornhuskers. The Current have yet to be scored upon through two friendlies against National Women’s Soccer League competition, having beaten Washington 6-0 and tying Orlando 0-0. Game time Friday is 4 p.m.
Kansas Open Season Sportsman’s Expo
The Overland Park Convention Center transforms into an outdoors aficionado’s playground as the second annual Kansas Open Season Sportsman’s Expo sets up camp Friday through Sunday.
Organizers pledge this year’s event “will feature more exhibitors, more seminars and more family-friendly interactive elements,” according to a news release. Among the attractions alongside all the latest hunting and fishing gear will be talks by Michael Waddell from Bone Collector, Eddie “Turkey Man” Salter, trick-shot archer Byron Ferguson and Bassmaster Classic champ Dion Hibdon.
Also, Paslie Werth will be displaying her world record whitetail buck and Kansas Parks and Wildlife secretary Brad Loveless is hosting a Q&A.
Admission Friday is a deal, with adult tickets $5 (kids 12 and under get in free all weekend). For hours, more about admission and a complete schedule, visit OpenSeasonSportsmansExpo.com.