Big East tip-off special rumors

[marquette]

Too much other stuff going on in Indianapolis to worry about a small private school. They have successful pro franchises in the NBA and NFL. They have the Indy 500. I would also venture that there is a larger University of Indiana alumni base in the city, plus the fact that most people who didn't go to college identify with state schools before private ones. If Butler were in Fort Wayne, for example, they would probably draw 10,000+ per game even in a down year.

No way Butler would draw that in FTW. Anyway, as stated, Butler plays behind the Pacers, Colts, Indy 500, Brickyard 400, events like the Final Four and Super Bowl, IU, Purdue and somewhat Notre Dame (especially in football season). Don't forget the most historical and emotionally attached high school basketball fan bases in the country. Indy isn't a sleepy town, no matter the stereotype.

Add to that the size of the school and the fact that a lot of alumni are out of state = not good attendance. Butler is one of those schools with a high number of current students with no interest in sports, that hurts too. It would be rare in any of our schools to find someone who attends just because they grew up watching basketball (unlike some state schools).

Funny, the first time I ever went to a sell-out at Hinkle was for a high school GIRLS basketball game. Not too many states can sell-out 10k for a girls basketball game.

I don't really know that much about Indiana cities, but the general rule is successful sports program+medium sized city=big time support. Fort Wayne just seemed to fit the bill. You would obviously know better than I. Just trying to make a general point. Thanks for the response.

[bmorex]

Too much other stuff going on in Indianapolis to worry about a small private school. They have successful pro franchises in the NBA and NFL. They have the Indy 500. I would also venture that there is a larger University of Indiana alumni base in the city, plus the fact that most people who didn't go to college identify with state schools before private ones. If Butler were in Fort Wayne, for example, they would probably draw 10,000+ per game even in a down year.

You could say the same thing about a lot of the schools in the Big East but it appears that their attendance figures are better.

[marquette]

Too much other stuff going on in Indianapolis to worry about a small private school. They have successful pro franchises in the NBA and NFL. They have the Indy 500. I would also venture that there is a larger University of Indiana alumni base in the city, plus the fact that most people who didn't go to college identify with state schools before private ones. If Butler were in Fort Wayne, for example, they would probably draw 10,000+ per game even in a down year.

You could say the same thing about a lot of the schools in the Big East but it appears that their attendance figures are better.

Milwaukee has plenty going on, but look at the quality. You see the Bucks or Brewers at all this year? No? There's a reason they aren't on national tv. Butler is also one of our smallest schools and, from the sounds of it, their alumni don't stay in Indianapolis. In Milwaukee we have loads of Marquette alumni. Hell, I'm not from here but I'm planning on staying.

[MUSeashells&Balloons]

While Butler and Xavier have developed a bit of a rivalry, I think that's a reason not to have them match up in their first conference game. There will be enough excitement and buzz without the rivalry aspect. Should hope for the obvious sellout to go to DePaul or Seton Hall who may not otherwise bring in a sellout crowd.

I am not worried about sellouts, as I expect all Xavier Big East games will sell out. Do you not expect the same for Butler?

Yes, they will all sell out. The only A10 games they didnt sell out, were random weekday ones.

Speaking of which....

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketb ... enovations

Love that this new video Butler put out has Horizon League logos on the court.

[Edrick]

Umm, Butler has 4000 students averaged about 8000 and sold out a good part of their schedule last year (all of the weekend dates) and had well 18,000 (SRO) for their game vs Indiana downtown that aren't in the average.

At the new capacity of 9100, they'll average a sell out.

Here ya go...

http://www.indystar.com/article/2013020 ... s-Bulldogs