Thoughts from Indy | The Boneyard

Thoughts from Indy

Deepster

Deepster

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Tough split of fans. Easily 85/15 Michigan. Could barely hear UCONN or Let’s Go Huskies chants. Not that we didn’t try, just completely outnumbered.

I’ve never seen a game in a football stadium. It’s not great. I was in the mid 100s and still felt a mile away. I can’t imagine being in the uppers.

Michigan fans are not basketball fans. They’re football fans and I heard “do you even have a football team?” all night. The guy in front of me bet Michigan -7.5, first half over and full game over expecting a blowout. I said it was going to be a rock fight in the 60s and he laughed at me.

If you ever complain about Hartford, spend a couple days in Indy and you will feel much better about where you live.

Seeing your kid close up on the Jumbotron screaming during a timeout in front of 70,000 people was worth every penny of the trip.
 
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Michigan has probably the biggest fan base in the country (even though all football die hards), thats not surprising it was 85/15.
 
Got to give Michigan credit. They worked within the current system to construct a very imposing roster that didn't have any glaring weaknesses. They were the best team in college basketball.

However, it just doesn't sit well that they won it all with 5 transfer starters. A microcosm of the state of the sport. Hopefully, it doesn't become the norm and we get future champions with loyal players that stick with a program. Is what it is, money talks.
 
Deepster said:
Tough split of fans. Easily 85/15 Michigan. Could barely hear UCONN or Let’s Go Huskies chants. Not that we didn’t try, just completely outnumbered.

I’ve never seen a game in a football stadium. It’s not great. I was in the mid 100s and still felt a mile away. I can’t imagine being in the uppers.

Michigan fans are not basketball fans. They’re football fans and I heard “do you even have a football team?” all night. The guy in front of me bet Michigan -7.5, first half over and full game over expecting a blowout. I said it was going to be a rock fight in the 60s and he laughed at me.

If you ever complain about Hartford, spend a couple days in Indy and you will feel much better about where you live.

Seeing your kid close up on the Jumbotron screaming during a timeout in front of 70,000 people was worth every penny of the trip.
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Curious, what was Indy like?
 
Deepster said:
Tough split of fans. Easily 85/15 Michigan. Could barely hear UCONN or Let’s Go Huskies chants. Not that we didn’t try, just completely outnumbered.

I’ve never seen a game in a football stadium. It’s not great. I was in the mid 100s and still felt a mile away. I can’t imagine being in the uppers.

Michigan fans are not basketball fans. They’re football fans and I heard “do you even have a football team?” all night. The guy in front of me bet Michigan -7.5, first half over and full game over expecting a blowout. I said it was going to be a rock fight in the 60s and he laughed at me.

If you ever complain about Hartford, spend a couple days in Indy and you will feel much better about where you live.

Seeing your kid close up on the Jumbotron screaming during a timeout in front of 70,000 people was worth every penny of the trip.
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Awesome that you made it there. I think of you as a great (and entertaining) poster and a huge part of the BY community - glad you got to experience that. Having gone in 2014 and 2024, those memories are etched in my mind forever

Agree on the Michigan fans. You could hear on the broadcast that they were cheering for all the wrong things and booing all the right things. The calls they chose to get upset over were some of Michigan's most egregious fouls that (actually) got called for once
 
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Anyone driving back to CT, there’s a. Buc-ees having a grand opening in Huber Heights, OH today.

We got stopped by a bunch of Ohio State fans saying the refs jobbed us last night.

Found this gem too

IMG_3384.jpeg
 
Deepster said:
Tough split of fans. Easily 85/15 Michigan. Could barely hear UCONN or Let’s Go Huskies chants. Not that we didn’t try, just completely outnumbered.

I’ve never seen a game in a football stadium. It’s not great. I was in the mid 100s and still felt a mile away. I can’t imagine being in the uppers.

Michigan fans are not basketball fans. They’re football fans and I heard “do you even have a football team?” all night. The guy in front of me bet Michigan -7.5, first half over and full game over expecting a blowout. I said it was going to be a rock fight in the 60s and he laughed at me.

If you ever complain about Hartford, spend a couple days in Indy and you will feel much better about where you live.

Seeing your kid close up on the Jumbotron screaming during a timeout in front of 70,000 people was worth every penny of the trip.
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At one point as I watched the game and the TV cameras panned the crowd mostly fixed on Michigan fans (at least that's how it seemed) I said to myself "Michigan fans are no different than Duke fans" if you get what I mean...
 
I drove from Michigan, and it felt like 9 out of every 10 cars heading to Indianapolis had Michigan plates. Every stop along the way was packed with people in yellow—no question they had a huge presence, and it certainly helps when your color stands out like that.

That said, my section was mostly Michigan fans, and I actually found them pretty likable and all were great to my kid. I also didn’t feel like they had much impact on the game itself. They do seem to have more than their share of boujee fans—definitely a different vibe than Michigan State—but overall, I thought we had a strong showing as well.

I also don’t really understand the complaints about Indianapolis. It’s exactly what you want for an event like this—easy parking, walkable, and everything close together.
 
I thought Indy was run down and depressing. Definitely not a new, modern, vibrant type city. A few decent bars but that’s with one of the biggest sporting events of the year in town. I’d guess it’s a ghost town most of the time. Just an outdated, old city that certainly was nothing to look at.

Lucas Oil Stadium was okay as far as venues go. Concessions were pretty good and the concourses were big. My only gripe on that was watching a basketball game seemed tiny even from Sect 152 but that’s would go for any football’s stadium.
 
Deepster said:
If you ever complain about Hartford, spend a couple days in Indy and you will feel much better about where you live.
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Never been to Indy and was wondering what it was like. I figured. People were asking if you could walk everywhere and I was figuring it was a very small downtown and everything was there.
 
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Muddler said:
I drove from Michigan, and it felt like 9 out of every 10 cars heading to Indianapolis had Michigan plates. Every stop along the way was packed with people in yellow—no question they had a huge presence, and it certainly helps when your color stands out like that.

That said, my section was mostly Michigan fans, and I actually found them pretty likable and all were great to my kid. I also didn’t feel like they had much impact on the game itself. They do seem to have more than their share of boujee fans—definitely a different vibe than Michigan State—but overall, I thought we had a strong showing as well.

I also don’t really understand the complaints about Indianapolis. It’s exactly what you want for an event like this—easy parking, walkable, and everything close together.
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How close were they to crapping their pants after Solo hit that banked 3? Lol
 
Muddler said:
I also don’t really understand the complaints about Indianapolis. It’s exactly what you want for an event like this—easy parking, walkable, and everything close together.
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I was not there this weekend but I was in Indy about five years ago for a 50K person convention during the summer. I enjoyed it since there were plenty of bar, restaurant and lodging options and all within walking distance. But this was in late June so there were some street festivals and as a baseball lover there is a AAA ballpark near Lucas as well. The summer is good since Indy is on the western edge of the Eastern time zone, so sunsets are later than CT. But I'm comparing April to late June, so it is a bit different.

I have been to multiple football stadiums for the NCAAT, the latest was in Houston for the NC. I only go to those events if I can get decent seats in the 100s or 200s.
 
I hate Michigan intensely. I lived in Ann Arbor for 3 years and we chose to move to Buffalo instead when we had the choice of living in both. It had absolutely nothing to do with being a fan of a B1G football team which has to deal with 100 James Breeding football refs who live in the AA area and show up to B1G games with UM duffel bags (true story). It had everything to do with going out for a romantic dinner and having to wait in line behind obnoxious twits wearing backward baseball hats. I have a lot more to say about that place but I was very glad when I saw it in the rearview mirror.
 
I’ll give Indy this, great layout for an event like this. Can’t beat staying downtown and being able to walk to the stadium, fan fest, concerts, etc. Didn’t need to get in a vehicle once other than the uber to and from the airport. Houston, Dallas, Phoenix you need to decide on being downtown, closer to the stadium, or somewhere in between but regardless there’s a lot more logistics involved.

Other thing I’ll give Indy is It seemed the whole city truly embraced the event and was happy It was there. Some of those other aforementioned cities you could go to areas and It seemed people didn’t even know the final 4 was happening.

Outside of that, agreed It seemed somewhat depressing and not all that much to offer. I’d go back for future final 4s, but not for any other reason.
 
upstater said:
I hate Michigan intensely. I lived in Ann Arbor for 3 years and we chose to move to Buffalo instead when we had the choice of living in both. It had absolutely nothing to do with being a fan of a B1G football team which has to deal with 100 James Breeding football refs who live in the AA area and show up to B1G games with UM duffel bags (true story). It had everything to do with going out for a romantic dinner and having to wait in line behind obnoxious twits wearing backward baseball hats. I have a lot more to say about that place but I was very glad when I saw it in the rearview mirror.
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Yah, that line at Buffalo Wild Wings can get pretty brutal.

😉
 
I actually enjoyed Indy. I think it's the perfect city layout for the Final 4. The team hotels, fan fest, stadium, and restaurants/bars in the area were within a 15 minute walk. That part I enjoyed. The weather sucked, but that was expected. I certainly never felt unsafe and definitely prefer it to Hartford, having grown up 10 miles from Hartford.
 
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Deepster said:
Tough split of fans. Easily 85/15 Michigan. Could barely hear UCONN or Let’s Go Huskies chants. Not that we didn’t try, just completely outnumbered.

I’ve never seen a game in a football stadium. It’s not great. I was in the mid 100s and still felt a mile away. I can’t imagine being in the uppers.

Michigan fans are not basketball fans. They’re football fans and I heard “do you even have a football team?” all night. The guy in front of me bet Michigan -7.5, first half over and full game over expecting a blowout. I said it was going to be a rock fight in the 60s and he laughed at me.

If you ever complain about Hartford, spend a couple days in Indy and you will feel much better about where you live.

Seeing your kid close up on the Jumbotron screaming during a timeout in front of 70,000 people was worth every penny of the trip.
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Michigan and Illinois are enormous schools and it was a short drive for them down the road to see their team compete for a national championship. From what I experienced a lot of them only drove in for the championship game. I didn't have any problem with the Michigan fans except for the guy who started a fight with a friend I made on the trip who was sitting next to us with his 71 year old father as the final buzzer sounded. The Michigan fan had clearly never been in a fight in his entire life and he was going after them instead of celebrating a championship which was just gifted to them, weird look.

I love how UConn is always making it this far in the tournament, I hate that there's no domed NFL stadiums in the Northeast so UConn is pretty much always playing road games in the final 4.

I thought Indianapolis is a perfect city for the final 4 and I would have no problem with every one of them being held in the city. Everything is close by and easily walkable for the fan events, hotels, stadium, bars and restaurants. Prices are reasonable in the city, they have great facilities, there's no traffic and it's centrally located.
 
HooperScooper said:
Never been to Indy and was wondering what it was like. I figured. People were asking if you could walk everywhere and I was figuring it was a very small downtown and everything was there.
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Been to 7 final fours. Indy, other than San Antonio was the best location. As far as being dead other than the Final Four week, the Indy 500 draws huge fan numbers for several weeks in May. In addition their convention center is 5 to 10 sizes larger than Hartford’s. According to hotel personnel they draw many large conventions. Thought the city was terrific.
 
LIUCHusky said:
Been to 7 final fours. Indy, other than San Antonio was the best location. As far as being dead other than the Final Four week, the Indy 500 draws huge fan numbers for several weeks in May. In addition their convention center is 5 to 10 sizes larger than Hartford’s. According to hotel personnel they draw many large conventions. Thought the city was terrific.
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NFL Scouting Combine is in Indy every year in late February.
 
TroyHall98 said:
The scene in downtown Indy was awesome. The restaurants around the team hotel and Lucas Oil were good too. Also, the UConn alumni event in the convention center was a lot of fun.
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Totally agree. It's a perfect city for an event like this, I'm not sure what people who didn't like it were looking for...

Everything was an easy walk and stress free. UConn hotel was right next to the incredible soldiers and sailors monument. The state capitol building was right down the street. Convention center a short walk. Tom's Watch bar with a million TV's covering every inch of the bar a short walk. St. Elmo steak house is right there. Gainbridge Fieldhouse is right there. Slippery Noodle is a really cool place with great live music, great bar food and a cool atmosphere and it's right next to Lucas Oil. Shapiro's for great jewish deli food is also right there. Had a great lunch at Bluebeard.
 
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LIUCHusky said:
Been to 7 final fours. Indy, other than San Antonio was the best location. As far as being dead other than the Final Four week, the Indy 500 draws huge fan numbers for several weeks in May. In addition their convention center is 5 to 10 sizes larger than Hartford’s. According to hotel personnel they draw many large conventions. Thought the city was terrific.
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San Antonio was my favorite also. Everything was walkable and the River Walk was big enough to accommodate everyone but small enough so that you'd see everyone in town for the Final Four. Had dinner next to Boeheim one night. Another day had lunch next to Bilas and Vitale. Had breakfast in the same place with the Oklahoma State team on Saturday morning and talked to them while we were waiting in the buffet line. Every time you were on the River Walk you'd be right next to someone you knew who it was (coaches, media, ex-players, etc.). New Orleans was pretty cool also. Except the Super Dome is an awful place to play a basketball game. Just way too big.
 
Don't forget to visit Hinkle Field House on your next visit to Indianapolis. If you enjoy basketball history- this is the home of Indiana HS basketball, Hoosiers was filmed here commemorating Milan's improbable 1954 state championship.
 
HooperScooper said:
San Antonio was my favorite also. Everything was walkable and the River Walk was big enough to accommodate everyone but small enough so that you'd see everyone in town for the Final Four. Had dinner next to Boeheim one night. Another day had lunch next to Bilas and Vitale. Had breakfast in the same place with the Oklahoma State team on Saturday morning and talked to them while we were waiting in the buffet line. Every time you were on the River Walk you'd be right next to someone you knew who it was (coaches, media, ex-players, etc.). New Orleans was pretty cool also. Except the Super Dome is an awful place to play a basketball game. Just way too big.
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Agree, San Antone was the best.
 
Personal preference I guess. In my job, I’ve been to probably 40 states and most major cities more than once. And on the company dime, I get to eat most of where I want.

Indy? Yes. Everything was walking distance. The bars were fine. Everything else was blah for me. Architecture was big boring gray buildings. People were meh. No regional flare like New Orleans or Nashville or even Cleveland. No musical niche. The most infamous food is what, shrimp cocktail? It was “fine” for a few days. I’d never ever in a million years go back for anything other than a work meeting or another final four.
 
HooperScooper said:
San Antonio was my favorite also. Everything was walkable and the River Walk was big enough to accommodate everyone but small enough so that you'd see everyone in town for the Final Four. Had dinner next to Boeheim one night. Another day had lunch next to Bilas and Vitale. Had breakfast in the same place with the Oklahoma State team on Saturday morning and talked to them while we were waiting in the buffet line. Every time you were on the River Walk you'd be right next to someone you knew who it was (coaches, media, ex-players, etc.). New Orleans was pretty cool also. Except the Super Dome is an awful place to play a basketball game. Just way too big.
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I watched some of the IU/UNLV game from 1987 at the Super Dome. James Brown did a piece on the nosebleed seats. They were $17 and were 27 stories above the action. A quote from a fan was “from up here the game is only a rumor”
 
InKembaITrust said:
Got to give Michigan credit. They worked within the current system to construct a very imposing roster that didn't have any glaring weaknesses. They were the best team in college basketball.

However, it just doesn't sit well that they won it all with 5 transfer starters. A microcosm of the state of the sport. Hopefully, it doesn't become the norm and we get future champions with loyal players that stick with a program. Is what it is, money talks.
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It won't become the norm. The only reason Michigan even had that many transfers is because it's only Dusty's 2nd season there and obviously when he arrived most guys were already in the portal, including Tarris. He had to hit the portal HARD to be able to turn that program around after they went 8-24 in Juwan Howard's last season there. Unfortunately for us, he hit the jackpot this past spring when it came to the portal. He already has 6 high school commits in this class.
 
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