KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association returns to Johnny’s Tavern in Kansas City’s Power & Light District to tip off the 2026 MIAA Men's and Women's Basketball Championships.
 
The 2026 MIAA Basketball Championships begin Wednesday, March 4, in Kansas City’s historic Municipal Auditorium. Just four blocks from the front doors of Municipal Auditorium is Johnny’s Tavern – the official sports bar of the MIAA.

Johnny’s and the MIAA will once again host the MIAA Madness Pep Rally on opening day of the championships. Following the women’s afternoon session and before the men’s evening session on March 4, MIAA fans are encouraged to visit downtown Kansas City’s best sports bar. Get in the spirit of MIAA Madness alongside other MIAA fans, joined by some of the band, dance, and cheer teams of those competing in the tournament.

MIAA fans can show their ticket(s) for either session on March 4 to receive a FREE beer and can also enter to win a number of raffle prizes. The raffle will begin at approximately 5:15 p.m. MIAA fans will have the chance to win conference swag, free items from Johnny’s Tavern, and much more.

Following the raffle, fans can take the short 0.3 mile walk back to Municipal Auditorium just in time for tip-off of the men's evening session, scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. 

To view the official schedule of the 2026 MIAA Basketball Championships and find more information about the tournament, visit TheMIAA.com/Basketball.