College Basketball Experience Opens Doors in Kansas City

College Basketball Experience Hosts "Soft" Opening In K.C.

The College Basketball Experience (CBE), an “interactive and educational” exhibit that houses the National Collegiate Basketball HOF, officially opened yesterday, although it had “none of the formalities” that accompanied the opening of the neighboring Sprint Center, according to Steve Rock of the K.C. STAR. Fewer than 100 people visited the $24M facility, though CBE CEO Kevin Henderson said that yesterday was a “‘soft’ opening, pointing out that the Experience has its grand opening and dedication Nov. 17.” Henderson: “You can find museums and [HOFs] all over the country. But none of them have this kind of energy and this kind of interactivity.” Rock notes visitors can shoot free throws while a video screen of fans distracts them, attempt to shoot as many three pointers as possible in a set amount of time, and play “Beat the Clock,” where participants have five seconds "to find the spot on the court that lights up, dribble to that spot and launch a buzzer-beater." There are “still kinks to be worked out,” as some sensors "failed to register made baskets ... while others counted baskets twice." There is also a dunking area with goals as low as five feet and courts where visitors can play pick-up games. Over 150 coaches recorded messages for kiosks that allow visitors to learn about coaching philosophies and set plays  (K.C. STAR, 10/18).