College Basketball Experience
An interactive playground for basketball fans, offering skill stations, courts, and broadcasting experiences.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more court time
College Basketball Experience
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more court time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An interactive playground for basketball fans, offering skill stations, courts, and broadcasting experiences.
"It's less a museum, more an 'Experience,' featuring tons of interactive fun."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be active! Sneakers are a must for shooting hoops and exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing tickets in advance. :admission_tickets:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Skill Stations
Throughout the Experience
Test your shooting, passing, and dunking skills on various engaging stations.
Full-Sized Basketball Courts
Main Court Area
Step onto regulation courts and play a game or practice your moves.
ESPN Highlight Reel Booth
Broadcasting Area
Anchor a simulated ESPN highlight reel and feel like a sports broadcaster.
College Basketball History Exhibits
Museum Sections
Explore fascinating exhibits on the history of college basketball and its stars.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to the College Basketball Experience
Maximize Your College Basketball Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be active! Sneakers are a must for shooting hoops and exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing tickets in advance. :admission_tickets:
Allow Plenty of Time
Don't rush! You'll want to experience all the interactive games and exhibits. :clock1:
Great for All Ages
Teenage boys love it, but adults and families have a blast too! :family_mm:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be active! Sneakers are a must for shooting hoops and exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing tickets in advance. :admission_tickets:
Allow Plenty of Time
Don't rush! You'll want to experience all the interactive games and exhibits. :clock1:
Great for All Ages
Teenage boys love it, but adults and families have a blast too! :family_mm:
Check for Discounts
Senior and military discounts are often available. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the College Basketball Experience for its highly interactive nature and fun, engaging activities that appeal to all ages, especially teens. While it excels as an 'experience' rather than a traditional museum, some may find the historical exhibits less in-depth than expected. Overall, it's a highly recommended attraction for basketball fans visiting Kansas City.
"The College Basketball Experience is a cool tourist attraction, especially if you’re traveling with teenage boys. We visited the Kansas City area recently and decided to check it out. It’s an interactive museum where the young and mature can play and explore college basketball. The facility was clean and not crowded on a Friday (4th of July) afternoon. We did not pre-purchase tickets but had no issues at the door. They offer a senior and military discount and the venue can be rented for events, birthday parties and there is a gift shop onsite."
A Marshall
"My wife and daughter were going to sit this one out and let my son and I go in. I convinced them to join us, and they were so glad they did! We ALL had a great time! They have so many interactive activities, from shooting 3's to dunking to passing drills. We ran a whole game on the courts they have inside, and the actual museum part is super cool too! My kids got to anchor an ESPN highlight reel too! This was one of the best things we did in KC, I highly recommend it!"
Chaco Ruiz
"This was such a fun spot for anyone who loves basketball. There are courts where you can actually play, games to practice your shot, and some interesting info about the sport and its players. It was a cool mix of hands-on stuff and things to learn. Definitely worth checking out if you're into basketball."
Amy West
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The College Basketball Experience is located in downtown Kansas City, MO. It's easily accessible by car, with several parking garages nearby. Public transportation options are also available. Many visitors find it convenient to combine a visit with other downtown attractions.
Yes, there are multiple parking garages and lots in the vicinity of the College Basketball Experience. Rates can vary, so it's a good idea to check parking apps or signs for the most current pricing.
Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a popular and convenient way to reach the College Basketball Experience, especially if you're staying in the downtown area.
The College Basketball Experience is designed to be accessible. Most areas are navigable with wheelchairs, and staff are available to assist visitors. It's always a good idea to contact them directly for specific accessibility needs.
From Kansas City International Airport (MCI), the drive to downtown typically takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. Plan accordingly if you're flying in for your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but generally, admission is charged per person. It's recommended to check their official website for the most up-to-date pricing and any potential discounts.
Yes, you can typically purchase tickets at the door. However, buying tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak times or weekends, to ensure entry and potentially save time.
The College Basketball Experience often offers discounts for seniors and military personnel. Check their website or inquire at the ticket counter for eligibility and details.
Operating hours can vary seasonally and on game days. It's best to consult the official College Basketball Experience website for the most accurate and current hours of operation before your visit.
While there isn't a strict time limit, visitors typically spend 2-3 hours to fully enjoy all the interactive exhibits and activities. Plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your experience.
🎫 🏀 Onsite Experience
The experience features a variety of interactive stations, including shooting drills, dunk contests, passing challenges, and even a chance to anchor an ESPN highlight reel. It's designed for hands-on fun for all ages. +1
Yes! The College Basketball Experience boasts full-sized basketball courts where you can play pickup games or practice your skills. It's a major draw for basketball enthusiasts.
The history exhibits offer a deep dive into the legacy of college basketball, showcasing memorabilia, stories of legendary players, and significant moments in the sport's evolution. +1
While it's a huge hit with teens and adults, younger children can also enjoy many of the interactive elements, especially the shooting and passing games. Adult supervision is recommended.
Absolutely! You'll find plenty of great photo opportunities, from posing on the courts to capturing your best dunks. The ESPN highlight reel booth is also a fun video opportunity.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are typically food and beverage options available for purchase within the College Basketball Experience, allowing you to refuel during your visit.
Expect typical arena-style concessions, likely including snacks, drinks, and perhaps some quick meal options. For a wider variety, many restaurants are located nearby in downtown Kansas City.
Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the College Basketball Experience. It's best to check their specific policy on their website or by contacting them directly.
Downtown Kansas City offers a vibrant culinary scene with numerous restaurants ranging from casual eateries to fine dining. You'll find plenty of options within walking distance or a short drive.
While specific recommendations can change, the area around the College Basketball Experience is known for its diverse dining. Exploring local guides or asking staff for current popular spots is a good strategy.
📸 📸 Photography
The main basketball courts, the ESPN highlight reel booth, and the historical exhibits offer fantastic photo opportunities. Don't forget to capture action shots of yourself or friends playing!
Personal cameras and smartphones are generally allowed for non-commercial use. Tripods or professional equipment might require special permission, so it's best to inquire if you plan on extensive photography.
While personal photography is usually fine, be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways. Some specific exhibits might have temporary restrictions, so always observe posted signs.
Capture the energy of the interactive games, the impressive history displays, and candid moments of fun. Action shots of dunks or shots are always a hit!
The main court area provides an excellent backdrop for group photos, especially with the hoops and court lines visible. The entrance area can also be a good spot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents often highlight how much their children enjoyed the hands-on nature of the experience, noting that it's much more engaging than a typical museum. It's a great way to combine fun physical activity with an appreciation for the sport's history. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds and ensure more access to the popular attractions.
🏀 Basketball Enthusiasts
Whether you're a former player or a dedicated fan, the opportunity to step onto the court and engage with the sport at this level is unparalleled. It's a chance to relive cherished memories and discover new insights into the world of college hoops. Don't miss the chance to try out the various shooting and dribbling challenges designed to test your abilities.
📅 Day-Trippers
Allocate at least 2-3 hours to fully enjoy the interactive elements. It's a great way to break up a day of sightseeing and offers a unique experience that appeals to a wide range of ages. Purchasing tickets online beforehand can streamline your visit, allowing you to maximize your time exploring the city.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Interactive Heart of the Experience
Beyond the physical challenges, the experience offers unique opportunities like the ESPN highlight reel booth. Here, you can step in front of a green screen and deliver your own sports commentary, creating a personalized souvenir of your visit. This blend of active play and simulated media engagement makes it a memorable outing for fans of all ages. The interactive nature is consistently praised in reviews, setting it apart from more passive attractions.
For those interested in the sport's heritage, the history exhibits are thoughtfully curated. They provide context and celebrate the legends and pivotal moments of college basketball. This combination of active participation and historical appreciation ensures that both casual fans and die-hard enthusiasts find something to enjoy. The well-done history exhibits are noted as a strong complement to the interactive elements.
Navigating the College Basketball Experience
The venue is designed for engagement, so allocate at least 2-3 hours to fully explore all the interactive stations, courts, and historical displays. Weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded, offering more space and court time.
While there are food options available on-site, they are typically concession-style. For a broader culinary experience, the surrounding downtown Kansas City area offers a wide array of restaurants. Remember to check the official website for the most current operating hours and any special events or promotions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit