With the move to Indianapolis, Big Ten Tournamentgoers won’t be able to rely on the familiar nightlife of Chicago for their entertainment.
The intensity of Big Ten basketball promises to be the same. And Conseco Fieldhouse will unquestionably fill the void of Chicago’s United Center.
But aside from the games, Spartan fans won’t have the friendly Gin Mill, 2462 N. Lincoln Ave. to serve as the community watering hole.
To help ease the transition, Big Ten organizers paired 11 downtown bars with a conference team. The idea is to help recreate what has been tradition in Chicago - each school enters Indianapolis with a central gathering for fans.
It’s not the Gin Mill, but Spartan fans will have the Claddagh Irish Pub, 234 S. Meridian St., to call home for the duration of the tournament.
Claddagh general manager Rick Henry said MSU faithful can celebrate at the pub, and easily make it to the game on time.
“We are literally a minute from the field house, so people who couldn’t get tickets will be close to the action,” Henry said. “If people do have tickets they will have a home base to come back to and, hopefully, celebrate a win.”
Henry said he’s excited to be representing MSU during the tournament. As one of the oldest Irish pubs in Indianapolis, he said Spartan fans will be welcomed with plenty of green.
“Being a traditional Irish pub, we have quite a bit of green,” Henry said. “We aren’t planing on bringing any State stuff in, but if people bring it, we’ll accommodate them.”
To help Big Ten fans feel at home, the city has honored each school by renaming streets around Conseco after the schools for the tournament. Last week, Market Street was christened Spartan Drive.
Champions Sports Bar and Restaurant, 350 W. Maryland St., will host Big Ten Karaoke Fight Song Night on March 7. Participants who provide the most inspiring rendition of their fight song could win dinner coupons, sportswear or a basketball signed by Dick Vitale.
Pregame activities will take place in “Rally Alley,” a tent raised outside Conseco. The tent will broadcast games, host Big Ten celebrities and keep fans informed about all the tournament action.
But, Spartan fans aren’t completely unfamiliar with the Indianapolis scene. MSU won the 2000 NCAA National Championship in Indianapolis.
Before the Spartans take the court March 7, the MSU Alumni Association, Ralph Young Fund and MSU Rebounders Club will host the annual pep rally. Fans can expect to see Sparty, Spartan brass, MSU cheerleaders and head coach Tom Izzo.
The event takes place at the Omni Severin Hotel, 40 W. Jackson Place. A starting time has yet to be announced, but fans can check www.msualum.com for updates.
Bob Bao, editor of MSU Alumni Magazine, said this year’s tournament is a little different for Spartan fans. He said not being the No. 1 seed changes a lot.
“Traditionally, we know when we are going to play,” Bao said. “This year we are still not sure, but we usually start three hours before game time.
“Despite adversity we’ve beaten all the top teams in the Big Ten. I’d get behind this team. They are playing their hearts out.”
