Northwestern University Athletics
Fan Information For The Big Ten Basketball Tournaments
2/25/2002 12:00:00 AM | General
Feb. 25, 2002
EVANSTON, Ill. - The following note was sent out by the Big Ten Conference office and the Indiana Sports Corporation...
It is with great excitement that we update you on the details of the Big Ten Celebration in Indianapolis February 28 - March 10. The local organizing committee has made every effort to roll out the red carpet in true Hoosier style. The 12-day celebration has been dubbed "Big Ten...Big Times" and will showcase the great tradition of Big Ten basketball.
Big Memorabilia
Be sure to check out the trophy cases in the East Lobby of the Conseco Fieldhouse Entry Pavilion. Each Big Ten institution will have a display case filled with memorabilia, showcasing the history and tradition of the conference and its member institutions and student athletes.
Big Streets
Eleven downtown streets will be renamed in honor of each Big Ten institution. Be sure to visit Badger Place, Illini Lane, Wolverine Boulevard, Hoosier Place, Wildcat Avenue, Buckeye Street, Spartan Drive, Hawkeye Way, Nittany Lion Drive, Gopher Street, and Boilermaker Lane. Not to worry -- the original street identification signs will remain in place so out of town visitors will still be able to find their way around.
Big Karaoke
Champions Sports Bar & Restaurant located in the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown will host "Big Ten Fight Song Karaoke Night" on Thursday, February 28 and Thursday, March 7. Competition will begin immediately following game #3 of the first round for both tournaments (approximately 9 p.m. - 11 p.m.). Prizes will include overnight stays at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, dinner for two, gift certificates, an autographed Dick Vitale basketball and sportswear.
Big Gatherings
Select Indianapolis nightspots and sports bars will adopt Big Ten schools on the Thursday and Friday evenings of both the men's and women's tournaments. Fans are encouraged to stop by their partner
establishments for pre- and post-game entertainment. Illinois will be paired with Ram Restaurant, Indiana University will be paired with Rock Bottom Brewery, Iowa fans should visit Champions Sports Bar, Michigan visitors should head to the Slippery Noodle, Michigan State will be paired with Claddagh Irish Pub, Minnesota will be paired with Alcatraz Brewing Company, Northwestern fans should visit Ruth's Chris Steak House, Ohio State fans should visit The Cozy, Penn State University will be paired with St. Elmo Steak House, Purdue University will be paired with Jillian's, and fans from Wisconsin should head to The Pub.
Big Celebrations
Prior to the start of each tournament session, pre-game activities will take place in Pep Rally Alley adjacent to Conseco Fieldhouse. A large heated tent will be the site of pre-game previews and championship game pep rallies. On March 3 of the women's tournament and March 7-9 of the
men's tournament, local celebrities and basketball experts will host pre-game previews prior to the tournament games.
On Championship game day for both tournaments, pep rallies will take place prior to the final game for the two remaining teams. If your school makes it to the championship game of either tournament, join us prior to the final session for a pep rally and battle of the bands featuring your school's bands and cheerleaders. Pep rallies will be take place 90 minutes (5:30 p.m.) before the final game of the women's tournament (March 4), and 2 1/2 hours prior (1:00 p.m.) to the men's final game (March 10). More details regarding the pep rallies will be forwarded to you soon.
We wish you the best of luck in the tournaments and hope that you'll take the time to enjoy Indianapolis! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call Indiana Sports Corporation at (317) 237-5000.
