Local Businesses Gear Up for Big 12 Tournament
By: Sarah Hatten
Updated: March 15, 2013
(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) As March Madness gets into full swing, area businesses are cashing in on
the Big 12 tournament. But some say without the heated Missouri-Kansas
border war, this year might be a little lackluster.
When big games hit the big screen TV's, servers brace for big crowds.
"Shoulder to shoulder is nothing new at all," said Hi Ho server, Kristie Philips.
Philips says the Big 12 Tournament is sure to bring a boost in business, which she gladly welcomes.
"When it's busy in here, it kinda makes it more fun for us. We're running around, we're talking to a lot of different people and everyone has different personalities to bring to the bar," she said.
She says they're working with a full roster preparing for the extra orders, and they're not alone.
Buffalo Wild Wings also has high expectations for the tournament.
"Especially the nice weather out is going to bring a lot of people out to watch the games so we're expecting a big turnout for it," Scott Schultz, assistant general manager at Buffalo Wild Wings.
But not every business is seeing the Big 12 benefits. Some are still mourning the loss of MU.
"People are asking all the time are you a Missouri fan, are you a Kansas fan?" said Lee Worley, manager at MC Sports.
MC Sports says since Mizzou moved to the SEC, team apparel is taking a hit.
"Now with rivalry separated, we have seen some decreased sales, but there's still some enthusiasm out there and we still see people supporting their teams," he said.
Maybe just supporting their own teams instead of badmouthing others.
"We actually had a man sitting there with a Mizzou shirt on with a friend with a KU shirt and they weren't saying anything at all so it was pretty cool," said Philips.
The Big 12 tournament runs through Saturday. The conference says tickets for semifinal games are sold out.
When big games hit the big screen TV's, servers brace for big crowds.
"Shoulder to shoulder is nothing new at all," said Hi Ho server, Kristie Philips.
Philips says the Big 12 Tournament is sure to bring a boost in business, which she gladly welcomes.
"When it's busy in here, it kinda makes it more fun for us. We're running around, we're talking to a lot of different people and everyone has different personalities to bring to the bar," she said.
She says they're working with a full roster preparing for the extra orders, and they're not alone.
Buffalo Wild Wings also has high expectations for the tournament.
"Especially the nice weather out is going to bring a lot of people out to watch the games so we're expecting a big turnout for it," Scott Schultz, assistant general manager at Buffalo Wild Wings.
But not every business is seeing the Big 12 benefits. Some are still mourning the loss of MU.
"People are asking all the time are you a Missouri fan, are you a Kansas fan?" said Lee Worley, manager at MC Sports.
MC Sports says since Mizzou moved to the SEC, team apparel is taking a hit.
"Now with rivalry separated, we have seen some decreased sales, but there's still some enthusiasm out there and we still see people supporting their teams," he said.
Maybe just supporting their own teams instead of badmouthing others.
"We actually had a man sitting there with a Mizzou shirt on with a friend with a KU shirt and they weren't saying anything at all so it was pretty cool," said Philips.
The Big 12 tournament runs through Saturday. The conference says tickets for semifinal games are sold out.
