I've been around basketball my entire life as my father was a coach in the college ranks. I've officially been on the Iowa State bandwagon for the past 4 years. Although I met my Iowa State alum wife, and dance club partner to Lafester Rhodes, 10 years ago, I just couldn't jump during the Morgan and McDermott years. Things obviously changed with Fred.
I've been to many arenas during my lifetime. Final Fours, Conference championships, and rivalry games. In the past 4 years I've been able to come out to Ames for a couple of games a year. Last year's Kansas game and this year's Michigan game were incredible. And I hear they were not even on the list of the loudest games at Hilton. The point of the thread is this: I don't know of a better or louder venue. When rushing the floor comes up people often say, "act like you've been there before." I say never do that. Have you ever been to a game at Rupp Arena or the Dean Dome? They have a great and loyal fan base. But for enthusiasm, excitement, and just crazy loud they cannot compare. Most times enthusiasm is lost when you've been there before. You see, whether it is jumping up and down in you're living room (as I was Friday Night) or grabbing and hugging people in a bar after the last seconds were over, it's all the same as rushing the floor... it's pure unadulterated excitement. No coach will ever complain about such. It is what makes Hilton magic.
My dream is that on March 8th, ISU is playing for the conference championship against Okie St. I will bring my 79 year old father to an experience he will have never witnessed in all his years of basketball...Hilton!
I've been to many arenas during my lifetime. Final Fours, Conference championships, and rivalry games. In the past 4 years I've been able to come out to Ames for a couple of games a year. Last year's Kansas game and this year's Michigan game were incredible. And I hear they were not even on the list of the loudest games at Hilton. The point of the thread is this: I don't know of a better or louder venue. When rushing the floor comes up people often say, "act like you've been there before." I say never do that. Have you ever been to a game at Rupp Arena or the Dean Dome? They have a great and loyal fan base. But for enthusiasm, excitement, and just crazy loud they cannot compare. Most times enthusiasm is lost when you've been there before. You see, whether it is jumping up and down in you're living room (as I was Friday Night) or grabbing and hugging people in a bar after the last seconds were over, it's all the same as rushing the floor... it's pure unadulterated excitement. No coach will ever complain about such. It is what makes Hilton magic.
My dream is that on March 8th, ISU is playing for the conference championship against Okie St. I will bring my 79 year old father to an experience he will have never witnessed in all his years of basketball...Hilton!