Feeling the post-Super Bowl blues? Depressed that the party scene has left Indianapolis? Well fear not, because this week the national spotlight returns to the Circle City in the form of another major sporting event: the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament.
2012 marks the fifth consecutive year that Indianapolis has hosted the tournament and its eighth time overall. Indianapolis’ central location makes it the ideal spot for the tournament, as it is a short commute from the majority of the Big Ten schools. Much like it did for last month’s Super Bowl, Indy has received rave reviews in its hosting duties for previous tournaments, so the decision to return to the city was surely an easy one for the Big Ten committee. If you have ever been downtown during past tournaments you know that it is an exciting atmosphere, with the occasional good-natured ribbing amongst rival fans of course. The games are held in the newly-renamed Bankers Life Fieldhouse, and are stretched out over the course of 4 days (Thursday through Sunday). Average ticket prices are typically the lowest of any conference in the nation, so the tournament definitely provides some affordable fun for the whole family.
This year’s Big Ten Tournament is one of the most anticipated in years. The addition of the University of Nebraska to the conference (making an even 12 teams) means that the tournament has a new and improved format. The fact that the Big Ten is considered by many to be the best, most competitive conference in college basketball also adds some pizzazz. But let’s face it, as residents of the Hoosier State, our primary focus is on IU and Purdue!
While the start of the “Big Dance” is still a couple weeks away, the Big Ten Tournament is sure to provide some exciting basketball in the meantime. If you love watching quality basketball and want to spend some time in a great, hospitable city, make your way to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Adam Keller
Project Engineer
