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| DESCRIPTION: Further cementing the area's reputation as a hoops hotbed, Kansas City is now home to the state-of-the-art College Basketball Experience (CBE). Connected to the new Sprint Center arena via a common lobby, the 41,500-square-foot entertainment facility contains hands-on, interactive basketball exhibits and houses the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. CBE opened on Oct. 17, 2007. |
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| ADDRESS: 1401 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo. |
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| LOCATION: In downtown Kansas City, adjacent to the new Kansas City Power & Light District. CBE is connected to the Sprint Center by a common Grand Lobby. |
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| PHONE: 816-949-7500 |
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| WEB SITE: www.collegebballexperience.com |
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HIGHLIGHTS:
- Visitors to CBE will experience the coach-player relationship first-hand. Beginning with a last-minute pep talk inside the entrance elevator, a coach's voice accompanies fans throughout the facility, guiding them through several dribble, pass and shoot stations to hone their skills.
- Sweating is almost inevitable as CBE's high-energy exhibits recreate the intensity of a college basketball game-from foul-line hecklers to a last-second buzzer beater. Visitors can even experience the excitement of a slam dunk, no matter how high they can jump.
- CBE's regulation size court and street ball area are perfect venues for basketball clinics or pick-up games.
- SportsCenter fans will feel right at home behind the ESPNU anchor desk, where they can call the play-by-play of college's most memorable games.
- Inside the Mentor's Circle area, the nation's finest coaches describe who inspired them and visitors can record their own video testimonials.
- Each visitor's journey ends with a stop in the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, a quiet space devoted to the game's greats. Interactive kiosks offer a glimpse into each inductee's legacy.
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| HOURS: Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. |
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| ADMISSION: $10 for adults and $7 for children aged 6 to 17. Children 5 and under are free. |
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| ANNUAL ATTENDANCE: Almost 400,000 (projected) |
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HISTORY: The Kansas City-based National Association of Basketball Coaches founded the $24-million facility with the intent of redefining the American sports hall of fame. CBE was designed by New York City-based ESI Design, best known for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
The Kansas City area is no stranger to college basketball. Although the game was invented in Springfield, Mass., it grew from its roots in and around the KC metro. In fact, Kansas City has hosted more Final Fours than any other city in the nation (10). The game's inventor, James Naismith, was the first basketball coach at the University of Kansas in nearby Lawrence, Kan.
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| WHAT'S NEARBY: In addition to Sprint Center, the College Basketball Experience is just steps away from the Kansas City Power & Light District. Opening in spring 2008, the $850-million district will feature nine blocks of restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. |
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| GROUP TOURS: Discounted admission is available for groups of 25 or more. Call for more information. |
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| PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Take the MAX to the Arena stop. |
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DRIVING THERE: From the east: Travel west on I-70 into downtown Kansas City. Take Exit 2Q and turn right on Grand Boulevard. Sprint Center will be on your right.
From the west: Travel east on I-70 and merge onto I-670 E. Take Exit 2R on the left. Turn left on Central Street and then a right on 14th Street. Finally, take a left on Grand Boulevard. Sprint Center will be on your right.
From the north: Travel south on I-35 into downtown Kansas City. Take Exit 2F and merge onto Oak Street. Turn right on 13th Street and then left on Grand Boulevard. Sprint Center will be on your left.
From the south: Travel north on US-71. Merge onto I-670 W. Take Exit 2Q and turn right on Grand Boulevard. Sprint Center will be on your right.
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| PARKING: It is estimated that more than 20,000 parking spots are within 10 blocks of the arena complex. For a map of available downtown parking, visit www.sprintcenter.com. |
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| PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACT: Gary Heise at gheise@premiersportsonline.com or 913-681-6990. |
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