WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Wichita State Shockers are heading to the National Invitation Tournament, and for the first time in 15 years, they are hosting a game at Koch Arena.

Fans are already showing strong demand for tickets.

Shockers fans say the energy around Wichita State basketball feels different this year. With the team hosting its first NIT game in more than a decade, the momentum building in Koch Arena is palpable.

For fan Kent Rogers, it’s a chance to pack the Koch Arena and cheer on the Shockers.

“Years,” he said. “People have been waiting for the Wichita State basketball program to come back to life.”

Fans say the excitement inside Koch Arena is growing.

“The last two months have been electric in Koch Arena,” Rogers said. “I can’t imagine tomorrow night. I think it’s going to be phenomenal.”

That energy is not lost on the players.

“Yeah, I’m really excited for this game,” WSU Shockers Forward Karon Boyd said. “Getting another opportunity playing in Koch Arena in front of Wichita State fans, it’s a great opportunity to have another showcase of what we could do, and then playing alongside my teammates one last time.”

For the Shockers, the postseason appearance means another chance to compete.

“It’s an honor for sure, we don’t want to end the season with an ‘L,'” WSU Shockers Point Guard Kenyon Giles said. “We’ve got another opportunity to go win a championship.”

Athletic Director Kevin Saal says the excitement translated into immediate ticket demand.

“Last night, about 8:30 p.m., we received word that we would be hosting the NIT for the first time since 2011,” he said.

Within hours, the ticket office was flooded with fans eager to secure their seats. 

“Our staff, about eight to ten folks in the ticket office, all day long. It’s been 110 miles an hour,” Saal said.

He says the renewed interest reflects the team’s growth under Head Coach Paul Mills.

“And so you’re seeing a really successful start in a difficult environment with the transfer portal and intel and all those things,” Saals said.

And with crowds growing in recent games, fans say they hope the momentum continues.

“All I can say as a Shockers fan is go Shockers, go,” Rogers said.

Tipoff for the first-round NIT matchup against the Wyoming Cowboys is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday at Koch Arena. Doors open at 4:30, and university officials encourage fans to purchase tickets ahead of time.

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