In return, the city gave the conference a full-fledged event. The Big Eight gave Oklahoma City a fledgling baseball tournament in 1976. In return, the city gave the conference a full-fledged event. The Big 12 Tournament opens today at 10 a.m. for another five-day stay at The Brick, ready for another run at padding its own national attendance records. Then it's off to The Ballpark in Arlington in 2002, to alternate annually until the current contract expires in 2005.
Explanations vary, from benefiting the student-athlete, to exploring uncharted areas.
Money talks, so the Big 12 Tournament walks, perhaps away from its perfect place. That's the reason it was moved out. I don't know how strong I want to say it, but it was bought. Cochell isn't sharing any secrets. Texas tycoon Tom Hicks owns the Dallas Mavericks and Texas Rangers, not to mention much, much more, and he made a run at the Big 12 Tournament.