By the time you read this, you might've already consumed some green beer. But if you haven't and are looking for something to do, then look no further. Here is your one-stop shop for a road trip to Dayton or Chicago to support the Spartans basketball teams.
From directions to eating and entertainment, The State News has you covered.
Men's basketball team
Directions: I-96 East to US-23 South to I-75 South toward Dayton. After about 140 miles, take the Albany Street exit, 52A, toward Stewart Street. Stay straight to go onto Campbell Street. Turn left on West Stewart St. Take a slight right on College Park Avenue and enjoy yourself.
More Attractions: If you're interested in visiting the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world, then head to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.
At the Dayton Art Institute, you can see pieces from Monet to Warhol. They also have a special event celebrating the life of Princess Diana with nearly 150 of her personal belongings.
More food and drink: If all that sightseeing has worn you out, head to a local bar or restaurant to re-energize.
Hasty Tasty Pancake House: Less than 10 minutes from the arena and a cool restaurant name? You can't go wrong. It's located at 3509 Linden Ave.
Lodging: The Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dayton Marriott and DoubleTree Hotel are all within five miles of Dayton's campus. It's a busy weekend, so you might have to search for a room, but it's worth it. If you stay two nights, you can see even more sights and watch the Spartans play Sunday … hopefully.
Women's basketball team
Directions: Take I-496 West to I-96 East/I-69 South. Merge onto I-69 South via exit 97 toward Ft. Wayne. Merge onto I-94 West via exit 38 toward Chicago. Take the IN-51 North exit. Merge onto I-90 West toward Chicago. Merge onto Dan Ryan Expressway W/I-90. This turns into I-90 West. Merge onto I-190 West via exit 78 toward O'Hare. Merge onto US-45 North/Mannheim Road/US-12 W via exit 2A. Phew!
If following those directions seems too taxing, then take advantage of O'Hare International Airport being right next to the arena and hop on a quick flight from Lansing Capital City Airport. With the time difference, you'll be there in no time. Literally.
More attractions: About 10 miles south of Allstate Arena is Proviso East High School, former stomping grounds of current MSU guard Shannon Brown. See where the Spartans star earned McDonald's All-American honors before coming to East Lansing.
There's always the Chicago staples of Navy Pier, Millennium Park and Michigan Avenue shopping. These places are all about a 30-minute drive away. You can hop on the El, Chicago's public transportation system, that goes from O'Hare and takes you anywhere in the city.
More food and drink: Other MSU-friendly bars in Chicago are the Gin Mill, 2462 N. Lincoln Ave., which features a Spartans "S" on the exterior and a "Welcome to East Lansing" sign inside. O'Malley's West is a bar down the street from the Gin Mill and is owned by the same people that own P.T. O'Malley's here in East Lansing.
Lodging: Allstate Arena is an Idong Ibok-wingspan away from the airport, so there's plenty of hotel options.
