Oklahoma City KEY - Cover Story

The Big 12 Conference hosts the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Midwest Regional first and second rounds March 20 & 22. Oklahoma City is one of eight regional sites that will be part of what many consider the greatest sporting event each year. With the tournament will come an estimated 25,000 fans following their favorite teams to Oklahoma City.

Eight Universities will journey to America’s heartland with the hopes of reaching the Final Four in New Orleans in April. The teams, to be part of selection Sunday on March 16, will compete as a part of the 65-team, three week NCAA tournament. Two teams will emerge from the Oklahoma City Regional and advance to the Sweet Sixteen. It is indeed the highlight of the true basketball enthusiast and consequently tickets to the regional sold out in a matter of weeks nearly a year in advance.

The tournament, nationally televised by CBS, showcases the new Ford Center. The state-of-the-art facility was completed in June, seating over 20,000 spectators. In the first year of operation, the Ford Center has attracted major entertainers including the Eagles, Paul McCartney, Billy Joel and Elton John, and Cher. Oklahoma City has a good chance to make the Ford Center a regular stop on the NCAA tour and continues to draw the nation’s top performers to the venue.

Since Friday is an off day for the tournament, fans have the opportunity to see the new Oklahoma City. Must do’s while in Oklahoma City include the new Oklahoma Museum of Art featuring the largest Chisholm sculpture in the world. Also downtown, the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, provides a stunning reenactment of April 19, 1995, and honors all 168 Oklahomans who lost their lives. We suggest you allow a minimum of two hours to fully experience this national shrine.

From the warm waters of the South Pacific featured in Coral Reef Adventure at Omnidome to the frigid waters of the North Atlantic in Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit at Omniplex, visitors have the opportunity to see nationally acclaimed exhibits under one roof. Plan a half-day to experience both the large format film and exhibit.

Another ‘must do’ is the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. The museum preserves the rugged individualism and romantic spirit of the frontier and features a superlative collection of classic and contemporary Western art, including works by Charles Russell, Frederic Remington, and the famous 18-foot sculpture, The End of the Trail. Visitors of all ages enjoy an adventure into the Old West and plan four hours to experience this national treasure.

As the sun starts to set, experience the historic Bricktown District, the crown jewel of the downtown entertainment district. Many of Oklahoma City’s finest restaurants make their home in the District. You’ll want to be a part of hottest nightlife in town at popular clubs including CityWalk, a multi-club complex, and Maker’s, known as the quiet place in Bricktown, featuring live music nightly.

If you don't have enough time to get it all done this trip, join us for the NCAA Women’s College World Series, May 22-25, and the Big XII baseball tournament at Bricktown's SBC Ballpark, May 21-25.

For information regarding the upcoming Men’s Basketball tournament or any of the great championship events, contact the All Sports office at (405) 236-5000 or visit them online at www.okcallsports.org.

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