As excitement for basketball continues to build in Manhattan, one local business has teamed up with the K-State athletic department to give Wildcat fans a unique opportunity to follow their team when it plays away from Bramlage Coliseum.

The Wareham Opera House, located at 410 Poyntz Ave., has announced it will host watch parties for all conference road games and broadcast the games on its 35-foot movie theater screen, starting with tomorrow's game against Colorado in Boulder, Colo.

Wareham Manager Brett Foltz said he got the idea to host the events after noticing a large number of Wildcat fans hosting their own gatherings during away football games.

"I know watch parties became more popular during football season," Foltz said. "What better way to do it in Manhattan than at a historic place like the Wareham where fans can watch it on the big screen?"

Doors will open 30 minutes prior to tipoff and there is no charge for admission. Free popcorn will be available while supplies last and Foltz added there will be a cash bar and theater-themed concessions available for purchase.

Foltz said he would like the watch parties to become a yearly tradition, but it will depend on the number of fans who attend this season.

"Our main business is private parties, but each game, we didn't have any kind of booking, so we thought it would be a good opportunity," Foltz said. "We've gotten good feedback so far, but we won't know anything about the turnout until we've had a couple games."