Kansas City, Missouri, February 12, 2026
Kansas City is set to host the Big 12 basketball tournaments featuring a revolutionary LED glass court, enhancing the experience for fans and athletes. This groundbreaking technology allows for interactive displays and improves player safety with its innovative design. The court reflects Kansas City’s commitment to civic innovation and positions the city as a premier destination for major sporting events. The tournaments mark the first competitive use of such a court in the United States, strengthening community ties and boosting local economic engagement.
Kansas City, MO: Big 12 Elevates Tournament Experience with Revolutionary LED Court
Innovation Shines Bright as Cutting-Edge Technology Arrives at the Heart of College Basketball
Kansas City, a vibrant hub known for its passion for sports and community engagement, is preparing to host an event that exemplifies civic innovation and forward-thinking leadership. The Big 12 Conference is set to debut a high-tech LED glass court for its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, marking a significant milestone in sports entertainment and technology. This initiative showcases how strategic partnerships and a willingness to embrace new advancements can dramatically enhance local events, fostering community growth and offering an unparalleled experience for fans and athletes alike. The adoption of such cutting-edge technology reflects a commitment to personal initiative within the sporting world, demonstrating how a pursuit of excellence can lead to transformative outcomes for our community.
This groundbreaking court, which will make its competitive debut in the United States right here in Kansas City, is a testament to the ongoing evolution of sports. It highlights how organizations, when empowered to innovate, can create truly unique and engaging spectacles. By embracing such advancements, Kansas City continues to solidify its reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events, attracting visitors and contributing to the local economy through dynamic community gatherings and showcases of individual achievement.
A Glimpse into the Future of Basketball
The Big 12 Conference will feature its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments on a high-tech glass floor embedded with LED technology. This revolutionary court is designed to enhance the spectator experience by allowing the conference to display data-driven graphics, advertising, and interactive games for fans during timeouts. The technology, provided by ASB GlassFloor, has been utilized for events such as the 2024 NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis and in Europe. However, the Big 12 tournaments in Kansas City, Missouri, will be the first instance where official competitive games in the United States are played on such a surface.
Designed for Peak Performance and Safety
Beyond the visual spectacle, the LED glass court is engineered to meet the stringent demands of elite basketball. The courts feature an aluminum and steel spring-action design, meticulously crafted to replicate the flexibility and feel of a traditional hardwood floor. The LED panels are topped with a ceramic coating, intricately etched with dots to ensure optimal grip and a consistent playing surface. This design aims to eliminate common issues found with natural wood courts, such as “dead spots” or other inconsistencies, providing a reliable and fair playing field for athletes. The focus on both innovation and athlete well-being underscores a balanced approach to progress, ensuring that advancements do not compromise the integrity or safety of the game.
Elevating the Fan and Player Experience
The integration of LED technology into the playing surface offers unprecedented opportunities for dynamic presentation. The court can display real-time branding, shot charts, interactive timeout games, and immersive animations following key plays, all without compromising player safety. This capability transforms the game from a static visual to a constantly evolving, interactive spectacle, enriching the experience for those in attendance. The ability to instantly display statistics and visual aids during play also enhances the understanding and appreciation of individual achievements on the court. Such innovation exemplifies how modern technology, when applied thoughtfully, can elevate civic involvement and engagement with sporting events.
Kansas City: A Premier Host for Innovation
Kansas City, Missouri, has a long-standing tradition of hosting the Big 12 men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, solidifying its position as a central location for the conference and a beloved destination for fans. The men’s basketball tournament has been hosted by the T-Mobile Center (formerly Sprint Center) every year since 2008, with only two exceptions, and Kansas City has held the event in all but five years dating back to 1997. The city’s consistent ability to host these tournaments successfully, often drawing praise for its atmosphere, speaks to effective local leadership and efficient event coordination. The women’s tournament, after being held at Municipal Auditorium from 2021 to 2023, also secured a seven-year agreement with the T-Mobile Center starting in 2024. This continued partnership highlights Kansas City’s commitment to supporting major athletic events and leveraging them for community benefit. The 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments in March at the T-Mobile Center will specifically feature this new LED court technology.
The Wave of the Future in Sports
The introduction of the LED glass court is seen by many as a significant step forward for college athletics. Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has stated that this technology represents the future of the sport, aligning with the conference’s goal to continually raise the bar. Similarly, Kansas men’s coach Bill Self, while acknowledging his “old school” roots, expressed his excitement, noting that the new court has him considering “new school ways” and confirming that “this is the wave of the future.” This embrace of innovation, even from those with traditional perspectives, underscores the profound impact this technology is expected to have. It embodies the spirit of personal initiative in seeking and adopting improvements that benefit all stakeholders, from athletes to the community at large.
The debut of the high-tech LED glass court in Kansas City for the Big 12 men’s and women’s basketball tournaments signifies a bold leap forward in sports presentation and technology. It’s an example of how civic innovation, coupled with the drive for individual achievement in sports and a commitment to enhancing the community experience, can lead to remarkable outcomes. As this cutting-edge court transforms the tournaments, it also reflects Kansas City’s enduring role as a hub for major events and a community eager to embrace progress. We encourage all Kansas Citians to engage with these exciting developments and continue supporting the local leadership and community initiatives that make our city a dynamic place to live, work, and celebrate. Stay informed on Kansas City MO events and how these advancements contribute to our thriving Kansas City community and the spirit of Missouri MO gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the new technology being introduced for the Big 12 basketball tournaments?
A: The Big 12 Conference will debut a high-tech LED glass court for its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.
Q: Where will the Big 12 tournaments featuring the LED glass court take place?
A: The March tournaments will take place in Kansas City, Missouri, at the T-Mobile Center.
Q: Is this the first time an LED glass court will be used for official competitions in the United States?
A: Yes, the Big 12 tournaments in Kansas City, Missouri, will be the first time that official competitions in the United States will be played on one.
Q: What are the key features of the LED glass court?
A: The court is a high-tech glass floor embedded with LED technology that can display data-driven graphics, advertising, and games for fans during timeouts. It has an aluminum and steel spring-action design to mimic hardwood flexibility and a ceramic coating with dots for grip and consistency.
Q: How will the LED court enhance the fan experience?
A: The court can display real-time branding, shot charts, interactive timeout games, and immersive animations following key plays, making the game a more interactive spectacle.
Key Features of the Big 12 LED Glass Court
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Technology | High-tech glass floor embedded with LED panels. |
| Visual Capabilities | Displays data-driven graphics, advertising, and interactive games during timeouts. |
| Playing Surface Design | Aluminum and steel spring-action structure mimics hardwood flexibility. |
| Grip and Consistency | Ceramic coating with etched dots provides optimal grip and a consistent surface without “dead spots.” |
| Competitive Debut | First time used for official competitive games in the United States during the Big 12 tournaments in Kansas City, Missouri. |
| Fan Engagement | Enables real-time branding, shot charts, interactive games, and immersive animations. |
| Player Safety | Designed to meet performance standards while ensuring player safety. |
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Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
