2003 Buffalo Funds - NAIA Div. I Men's Basketball National Championship

Key Championship Tournament Highlights

The NAIA Division I Basketball Championship Tournament, the nation�s oldest post-season collegiate basketball tournament, has its roots in Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City.

After eight years in Tulsa, the NAIA is pleased to bring the Tournament back home to Kansas City and Municipal Auditorium, thanks to strong support from community and civic organizations.

Known for its non-stop action and eclectic mix of die-hard fans, this year�s Tournament promises the scrappy and spirited action that has spectators calling the NAIA basketball tournament "the real March Madness."

Tournament Information

Important Fan Safety Notice

For the safety of all participants and fans, Municipal Auditorium prohibits attendees from entering the facilities with backpacks, laptops, video cameras, bottles, cans, and coolers.

Admission Tickets

View, print, and return a Group Ticket Order Form (Group tickets available through 3/25 - day before games start)!
All-tournament Tickets were available through March 7 at the Olathe Chamber of Commerce at (913) 764-1050 or (800) 921-5678.
After March 7, All-tournament tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster (816-931-3330).
All-tournament tickets (good for the six days) are sold 2 ways: 1) for a single (re-usable) pass, $40 for general admission and $60 for reserved seats. 2) for 9 session passes, $50 for general admission and $70 for reserved seats.

Single-session tickets are available February 1 through Championship April 1, through the box office at Municipal Auditorium (816-513-5000) or Ticketmaster (816-931-3330).
Prices are:
March 26-28 (First & Second Round) general admission: $5 for adults, $3 for students;
March 26-28 (First & Second Round) reserved: $8 for adults, $6 for students;
March 29, 31 and Apr. 1 (Quarterfinals, Semifinals, Championship) general admission: $7 for adults, $5 for students;
March 29, 31 and Apr. 1 (Quarterfinals, Semifinals, Championship) reserved: $10 for adults, $8 for students.

Game Times

FORMAT: The championship is a 32-team, single-elimination tournament featuring 14 automatic qualifiers from 11 Division I affiliated conferences, one automatic independent qualifier, and 17 at-large berths. The tournament bracket - released on Thursday, March 20 - is included with the schedule.

In Appreciation

The Olathe Chamber of Commerce and NAIA appreciate very much the support of these sponsors, who have made this event possible.

Participant/Fan Logistics & Arrangements

Participants coming to town? Congratulations! You can learn about housing arrangements here.

Tournament Facts & Trivia

The six-day NAIA tournament follows a 32-team, 31-game single elimination, Wednesday-to-Tuesday format. Games will not be held on the Sunday of the tournament.

Municipal Auditorium hosted the first NAIA tournament, which launched the organization in 1937, and will be the Division I Basketball Championship Tournament�s home through 2007.

As part of the Champions of Character program, members of the Final Four tournament teams will host a Sunday, March 30 basketball clinic for Special Olympians at Municipal Auditorium.

Members of tournament teams will present Champions of Character values at 32 YMCA after-school programs.

Metro Sports will broadcast the semifinals and the championship game locally in addition to placing the broadcast in regional outlets

Champions of Character

The NAIA views sports as a vehicle for character development for all student-athletes, and celebrates competition with character throughout the tournament.

The NAIA has launched its Champions of Character initiative, which promotes respect, integrity, responsibility, servant leadership and sportsmanship among student-athletes and youth who are involved in sports.

The NAIA offers 23 championships in 13 sports. As part of the Champions of Character initiative, members of competing teams at each championship participate in a local community program.

Economic Impact

According to an economic impact study commissioned by the Olathe Chamber of Commerce and conducted by the County Economic Research Institute (CERI), the 2002 return of the NAIA national basketball tournament to Kansas City brought more than $2.7 million to the region. The 2003 impact is expected to be similar.

The NAIA plans to conduct at least one national championship in the Kansas City area during each of the collegiate sport seasons.