Big 12 Conference to Debut High-Tech Glass Floors for Basketball Tournaments
In an innovative move for collegiate basketball, the Big 12 Conference has announced that its upcoming men’s and women’s basketball tournaments in Kansas City, Missouri, will feature cutting-edge glass floors. These high-tech courts, equipped with LED technology, are set to revolutionize the in-game experience with interactive graphics, advertising, and fan games during timeouts. This marks the first use of such technology in official sports competitions in the United States.
The new courts, provided by ASB GlassFloor, have previously been utilized at events like the 2024 NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis and various venues in Europe. The state-of-the-art design integrates an aluminum and steel spring-action construction, replicating the flexibility of traditional hardwood floors while ensuring player safety and performance.
“I’m an old school guy,” commented Kansas men’s coach Bill Self in a statement. “But this has me thinking of new school ways, and from what I’ve seen and heard, this is the wave of the future.”
One of the standout features of these courts is the ceramic-coated LED panels, which are etched with dots to provide a consistent grip and eliminate common issues found with natural wood surfaces, such as ‘dead spots.’ The technology is lauded not only for its visual appeal but also for its playability.
Baylor women’s coach Nicki Collen shared her team’s experience with the new court: “Our team had the opportunity to practice on it back in November, and it was an incredible experience. The court is not only visually impressive, but it plays well and represents where our sport is headed.”
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