Tickets to the 2009 MIAA Basketball Championships at historic Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City are now on sale through the Missouri Southern Ticket Office at 417-625-9366.

Tickets will also be on sale at all three remaining home basketball games on Feb. 14, 25 and 28.

The men will open up the tournament this year with first-round games on Thursday, March 5, while the women will begin their tournament beginning on Friday, March 6.

Men’s teams that have secured a berth thus far are Southwest Baptist University (19-3, 12-3 MIAA) and the University of Central Missouri (18-3, 11-3 MIAA).

On the women’s side, Southern is one of four teams that have punched their tickets for the tournament. In addition to the Lions, Emporia State University, Pittsburg State University and Washburn University have clinced berths.

All-tourney passes are $40 and will allow fans to see all 14 games. Institutional passes are $30 and allow fans to see all sessions involving Missouri Southern. Single session passes are $15 and will be available at Municipal Auditorium only.

A new attraction to the tournament this year will be the MIAA/Golden Ox Fan Pavilion, located just across the street from Municipal Auditorium at the Barney Allis Plaza. The pavilion will be a heated structure featuring several televisions and other activities.

The Golden Ox will offer several of their menu items, with a variety of drinks available.

This is the seventh year the MIAA has hosted the tournament at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City.

For more tournament information, including partner hotels persons may visit www.themiaa.com.