“For me, who maybe had a chance to do something else,” Izzo said, referring to an opportunity early in the summer to coach the Cleveland Cavaliers, “There is nothing – nothing in the world – like a college campus. But then there is nothing in universe like Michigan State’s campus.”

There were more than 650 tents at the annual event, where students camp out in Munn Field in anticipation of the upcoming basketball season. Attendance is taken every few minutes, and those with better attendance have an opportunity for seats closer to the court.

Avid fans were treated to a rap performance from player Anthony Ianni, dancing by Sparty, games, prizes and the chance for photos and autographs during the 24-hour campout.

This is the third Izzone Campout for computer engineering junior Jon Rietveld.

“Campsites are bigger this year,” he said. “It’s actually nice.”

Rietveld had a chance, along with the other students camping out, to attend the MSU hockey game for free. He said that those who had a Izzone bracelet, which he received upon registration, were allowed in.

By 8 a.m. Saturday, many of the campers had already packed up and left.

“(Thursday), we went to the registration,” he said. “They give you your bracelet then. They have random check-ins throughout the campout just to make sure you’re here, because they record attendance throughout the year.”