WICHITA (AP) — Wichita State University fans hoping to watch the Shockers' NCAA tournament game Sunday at a Wichita arena should make other plans.
Officials with Intrust Bank Arena announced Wednesday that NCAA rules prevent them from holding the planned watch party.
Many fans are hoping for a Sunday matchup between the Shockers and the University of Kansas' Jayhawks, if both teams win their first-round games today.
The arena had planned to show the game on its center-hanging video board. There would have been no admission charge, but the arena planned to sell concessions and open its bars and lounges.
The NCAA prohibits the sale of food and beverages at public events planned primarily to watch NCAA Division I men's basketball games. Arena officials say they canceled because they "would not have been able to provide the exceptional guest experience we strive for each time we welcome guests into our venue."
The Wichita Eagle reports  that an NCAA official said organizations sponsoring large watch parties must first obtain a public performance license because the NCAA's broadcast is copyrighted material.
Meghan Durham, assistant director of public and media relations for the basketball organization, said in an email that "The NCAA provides the guidelines . as a courtesy to nonprofit and commercial entities who would like to host a viewing party, as a measure to help them follow the right steps to be in compliance with federal law."
A license can be obtained from most cable and satellite providers. An organization could possibly show the game and sell concessions if they have the correct license, according to Durham.
Fans can still watch the game at local sports bars because those establishments are not open solely for hosting a watch party.