We had a great night in Indianapolis for the NIT’s Final Four. The night matched Tulsa vs New Mexico, and Auburn vs Illinois State.
The games were in historic Hinkle Fieldhouse on the Butler University campus.
For those of you unfamiliar, Hinkle was the site of the famous game when Milan won the Indiana State title. And it then was used for the filming of the movie, “Hoosiers.” If you have not seen Hoosiers, you are not a basketball fan.
For many years, Hinkle hosted the Indiana State Basketball Tourney.
We got to the Fieldhouse early, I had hoped to get a ladder out and reenact the seen where they put a tape measure up to the basketball, and the coach said, “I think you will find these basketball are the same as back in Hickory.” I was unable to because Tulsa was already out warming up.
Fran Fraschilla, who does the color for ESPN, was there early getting ready for the broadcast.
Hinkle Fieldhouse reminds of a basketball version of Fenway Park. During the Auburn vs Illinois State game, I went up in the balcony to get a view. And then I went into the special box in the end zone. What a great seat, you are literally almost over the basketball looking down.
Our seats were in the Tulsa section. Through the season it has been fun to connect with some of the families and some of the fans.
Half-time of the second game featured the Red Panda on her unicycle. She is very impressive. It has given me some ideas of some things to work on in the driveway this Spring.
Charles Barkley was there to watch Auburn in the second game.
Former Tulsa coach, Tubby Smith was in the Tulsa section supporting the Golden Hurricane. TU has produced some coaching legends, Smith, Bill Self, and Nolan Richardson.
Even more celebrities in the house. Don O’Brien was there to support his son who is an ISU manager. Jason Shay was there to support his son on the Auburn team.
Tulsa prevailed over New Mexico to advance to the Championship game on Sunday night that will be in Gainbridge Fieldouse, which is where the Pacers and Fever play. So when the horn went off, it was time to celebrate!!
Sunday night it will be Tulsa vs Auburn.
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