After spending its first four years of existence in the “Windy City” of Chicago, the 2002 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament has found a new host city – Indianapolis, Ind.
The venue is Conseco Fieldhouse, and the city is considered by many as the “Amateur Sports Capital of the World.” From Thursday to Sunday it will be the mecca for Big Ten Men’s basketball fans.
The home of the NBA’s Indiana Pacers and WNBA’s Fever, Conseco Fieldhouse boasts a seating capacity of 18,500. Combining modern day amenities with old school charm, Conseco Fieldhouse was designed to pay homage to the classic fieldhouse.
The event’s move from Chicago to Indianapolis is a big bonus for Buckeye fans for a number of reasons. The city is three hours closer, making travel significantly easier. Indianapolis is also far more manageable, visitor-friendly and navigable than Chicago, which can be quite intimidating to a temporary visitor.
It is likely that a number of Buckeye basketball faithful were in Indianapolis back in 1999, and thus familiar with the three-and-a-half hour straight shot on I-70 between the two cities.
Back in 1999, the upstart Buckeyes led by transfer Scoonie Penn and sophomore sensation Michael Redd won in the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament at the RCA Dome, en route to the Final Four.
For those who did not make the voyage in 1999, they will find that Indy has plenty to keep them entertained between Buckeye victories.
Should the Buckeyes advance to the championship game on Sunday, the majority of time most fans spend will not be at Conseco, but in the city.
Having a place to rest is readily available with nine hotels within four blocks walking distance of Conseco. Among those hotels are a Hyatt Regency, Hampton Inn and Embassy Suites.
People attending a Big Ten Men’s Basketball tournament are most likely big sports fans. Indy has plenty of spots to entertain the sports fan while the games are not going on.
In Speedway, you will find the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the home of “the greatest spectacle in racing” the Indy 500 and its spectacular museum. The Motor Speedway is a sight to behold, but is a little out of town.
The NCAA Hall of Champions is just a 10-minute walk from Conseco.
An interactive museum tour that costs only $5.50 for adults and $4 for children is no better way to get fired up for March Madness than by watching each and every “One Shining Moment,” video highlighting the biggest names and plays in recent NCAA Tournament history.
Another good way to kill some time between games, is by doing some shopping at the Circle Centre Mall. A far cry from City Center in downtown Columbus, Circle Centre is one of the premiere downtown malls in America.
A full two city blocks and four levels high, this beautiful facility is home to some 100 restaurants, stores, and entertainment centers.
Circle Centre has a number of parking garages within a short walking distance of Conseco, and during the weekend the price is a measly $1, a steal of a deal.
Every Buckeye fan gets hungry, and downtown Indianapolis is definitely not lacking in the food department.
Along with your standard post or pre-athletic event food/beer establishments like Hooters, Hard Rock Café, Rock Bottom Brewery, and BW3’s, downtown Indy has some finer establishments as well.
Hungry for steaks? There is always the safe bet with Ruth Chris, or try an Indy legend at Saint Elmo’s. If Italian’s your game, there is the national chain Buca di Bepo or a local hot spot Palamino’s.
The real Indy nightlife area is in Broad Ripple. Only a quick cab ride from downtown, this area will not disappoint with a plethora of bars and clubs.
There are also great downtown area bars worth checking out, including martini bar Nickey Blaine’s or the legendary jazz joint, Slippery Noodle Inn.
While Indianapolis might not have the sheer size of Chicago, it should more than make up for it with its downtown punch. Regardless, the Buckeyes have not fared to well in the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament when it has been held in the “Windy City,” so maybe all they need is a change of scenery.
LINKS:
www.consecofieldhouse.com/ The official Web site of Conseco Fieldhouse, full of downtown info
www.ncaa.org/hall_of_champions/global/home.htm The NCAA Hall of Fame
www.ticketmaster.com/ Still need tickets, this is a good place to start
www.bigten.org/ Official Web site of the conference, for info on game
times, bracket developments, etc.
