BUTLER - Road Trip

[coasterville95]

Group:

As we all know, this Saturday we have our road game at Butler. For the first time ever, I have every intention of making this game at 'Venerable, Historic, Hinkle Fieldhouse'.

I have ticket (4th row of the middle level, end zone), and I have arragements. Kind of more dificult for me as I am travelling alone, and don't drive.

Here is the Hyper detailed plan of attack as it stands right now.

0600 - Board Metro 11 from Home to Greyhond Station
0720 - Board Greyhound from Cincinnati to Indy
1000 - Arrive Indy (I booked this when the game time was 1400)
1000 - Walk approx. 3-4 blocks to Shapiros on Merridian for early lunch
1030 - Arrive Shapiros - allows time for getting lost, traffic, etc (I really pad these things)
1130 - Leave Shapiros
1140 - Catch Indy Go 16 from Shapiros to Market Square
1200 - Arrive Market Square
(Maybe take time to look at the Soldiers and Sailors momument in the square, take in view from observation deck)
1230 - Leave Market Square on Maret St. - head 5 blocks west to Sun King.
1300 - Visit Sun King and taste all the beers in their tasting room. (Try more craft beer, pregame, and does Hinkle even sell beer?)
1405 - Leave Sun King, head 5 blocks east on Ohio
1436 - Most Imortant - Board indy Go Rt 28 to Butler Unioversity, get off bus at 49th.
1511 - Arrive 49th street - head approx. 4 blocks west to Hikle Fieldhouse
1530 - Arrive Hinkle Fieldhouse
1630 - Tip Off
1830 - Celebrate Muskie Victory!
1831 - Depart Hinkle head 4 blocks east back to bus stop
1911 - Catch Indy Go Rt 28 back to Market Square (Capital And Market)
1940 - Arrive Market/Capital - head 4 blocks south to Greyhound Station
2025 - Board Greyhound bus back to Cincinnati
Once I get back to Cincy decide between a cab or a Mtro 11 home.

Okay, Indy natives - what am I missing, I mean it all sounds good on paper.

[GoMuskies]

So why don't you drive? My roundtrip from Wichita to Colombia, MO (close to 300 miles) took less time, and that included a stop at a casino in Kansas City (shocking, I know).

[Milhouse]

This sounds like a long long day. I would just drive if I were you.

Or save yourself a lot of time and use Uber instead of buses.

[paulxu]

So why don't you drive? My roundtrip from Wichita to Colombia, MO (close to 300 miles) took less time, and that included a stop at a casino in Kansas City (shocking, I know).


This sounds like a long long day. I would just drive if I were you.

Or save yourself a lot of time and use Uber instead of buses.


, and don't drive.

Somebody give this poor kid a ride to the game.

[Kahns Krazy]

Brad's Brass Flamingo used to be a must-stop for me in Indy. I wonder if it is even still there.

[Muskie]

Coaster. I cannot advise you to use Indygo. It's not a good system.

[MADXSTER]

Bring home a winner as I will be on retreat this weekend.

[coasterville95]

It's just the city bus system, right Muskie, as long as it runs to the printed timetable, it should work.

What's so bad about it.

(And believe me, if there were another way other than going through all the above, I would take it) Having certain vision difficulties can suck.

[Muskie]

It's just the city bus system, right Muskie, as long as it runs to the printed timetable, it should work.

What's so bad about it.

(And believe me, if there were another way other than going through all the above, I would take it) Having certain vision difficulties can suck.

It's not a terribly safe system. It runs somewhat at the posted time schedules, so it has that going for it.

[xu82]

Having certain vision difficulties can suck.

So, are you going as a fan or a ref?

[coasterville95]

Good one.

[LadyMuskie]

So, are you going as a fan or a ref?

Very funny! Well done!

[LadyMuskie]

Somebody give this poor kid a ride to the game.

Where's Helen?

[bleedXblue]

For those of you going, I tip my cap. You couldn't pay me to go to Butler to watch a game. I know their fans well enough and I would likely end up getting tossed before the end of the game.

[gladdenguy]

Last game I went to was the clock malfunction game and I will never go back to that dump again.

[nuts4xu]

Hinkle is a dump and has a terrible water fountain that malfunctions all the time. Especially when one of our players tears it clean off the wall.

I am not going this Saturday, but I would go back if I could. I haven't had any dayton fan like experiences in Hinkle, and never minded their fans. Granted, it has been many moons since I stepped foot in that dump, so things could have changed.

I remember it as an old airport hangar that housed basketball games.

[coasterville95]

Apparently they just renovated it this season, so that should be nice. Maybe they got a new clock and water fountains with that renovation.

I had not heard anybody bring up fan issues with going to Hinkle before. UD Arena still stands out for 'fan issues' though, in my memory. Makes Bearcats fans seem civil, and I've gotten some heckling over there too. Then again I'm not an obnoxious in your face fan, I'm just there to watch the game.

Oh, and nobody answered this question - Does Hinkle sell beer? Concession food decent?

[kyxu]

Oh, and nobody answered this question - Does Hinkle sell beer? Concession food decent?

No beer the last time I was there a year ago, but they do sell Chik-fil-A sandwiches, if you're in to that sort of thing.

I didn't really mind Hinkle. I liked it a lot, actually. It reminds me of a massive high school gym, possessing the same poorly ventilated and stale popcorn-smelling characteristics of so many gymnasiums across America. Could be an even more intimate environment if they could fill the place regularly. Never had a problem with the fans while I was there, but you can tell they absolutely hate Xavier.

[Kahns Krazy]

I love Chik-fil-a. The closing of the Tower Place location was, without exaggeration, the worst thing to have ever happened to any city ever. Yes Pompeii, I know what I said.

[Masterofreality]

Brad's Brass Flamingo used to be a must-stop for me in Indy. I wonder if it is even still there.

Oh, yeah...

And in the older days, "The Cottage". Notorious before it's untimely demolition.

[xu82]

I love Chik-fil-a. The closing of the Tower Place location was, without exaggeration, the worst thing to have ever happened to any city ever. Yes Pompeii, I know what I said.

So, you kinda like your Chik-fil-a.... Did I get that right?
Imagine if Pompeii had had a Chik-fil-a! THAT would have been TRAGIC!!!

(Please PM me so I don't miss it if you ever DO exaggerate!)

[JTG]

Apparently they just renovated it this season, so that should be nice. Maybe they got a new clock and water fountains with that renovation.

I had not heard anybody bring up fan issues with going to Hinkle before. UD Arena still stands out for 'fan issues' though, in my memory. Makes Bearcats fans seem civil, and I've gotten some heckling over there too. Then again I'm not an obnoxious in your face fan, I'm just there to watch the game.

Oh, and nobody answered this question - Does Hinkle sell beer? Concession food decent?

No beer... Beer in college arenas is mostly an Ohio deal. Most college arenas do not sell alcohol. My friends who would visit when I was in school were always amazed that beer was served at games.

[Retire33]

Ok

[xu82]

No beer... Beer in college arenas is mostly an Ohio deal. Most college arenas do not sell alcohol. My friends who would visit when I was in school were always amazed that beer was served at games.

I was pleasantly surprised (shocked even) on my first trip to Cintas. It seems like a good revenue stream and should liven up a crowd, but I get why most places don't do it. Still, it clearly makes us superior. :-)

[D-West & PO-Z]

SLU sells beer at Chaifetz Arena too. I still dont fully understand why some do and some dont and what the rules are there.

My wife got me tickets to this game for Christmas so we will be making our first trip to Hinkle. Looking forward to it and seeing us get a road win!

[xu 89]

I will be in Indy this weekend with 3 friends for the game and other festivities. Any ideas on what to do?

[WCWIII]

I drive in from Chicago for my first game at Hinkle.

By the way, if you can make it the night before, Friday night, to the Alumni event ... do try. It is rare that a team makes its players available at an event like this. What a great way to meet some of the players and coaches. The similar event last year, in Chicago, was really great. Link (http://www.xavier.edu/xontheroad)

[KFX]

Coasterville:

Congrats on your dedication in spending all that time and effort into supporting X basketball. Good luck.

kfx

[nuts4xu]

Coaster is a GREAT AMERICAN!!

[coasterville95]

Have to admit, I'm going a bit out of my comfort zone on this one.

Muskie - how good is taxi service in Indy? As in, if I called them and said "I want a cab at Hinkle Fieldhouse at 6:45" If I skipped Sun King and went up to Hinkle early, are there any good watering holes nearby? (i.e. has a good craft beer list, and won't throw me through the plate glass window when they see a Xavier shirt)

[Nildogg]

Have to admit, I'm going a bit out of my comfort zone on this one.

Muskie - how good is taxi service in Indy? As in, if I called them and said "I want a cab at Hinkle Fieldhouse at 6:45" If I skipped Sun King and went up to Hinkle early, are there any good watering holes nearby? (i.e. has a good craft beer list, and won't throw me through the plate glass window when they see a Xavier shirt)

You need to get to know Uber... although I'm sure the taxi service would work just fine. Sitting outside of Hinkle after a game is not an easy thing to do so I'm not sure how a pickup would work after the game?

There is a bar scene not far from Butler called Broad Ripple. There are many nice spots in there for drinks and food before the game; I no longer visit though thanks to my kids and growing up and all, but If I did, I'd probably hit up a new place that apparently has the best beer selection of anywhere... http://www.hopcatel.com/broad-ripple

Its about a 5 min drive to the front door of Hinkle in traffic, and cabs should be all around on your way to the game beforehand.

And for all those on this thread that claim of bad treatment in Hinkle... I haven't ever seen it. Generally opposing fans of any type in any place are going to get a little of what they decide to dish out themselves. And of course, there are idiots of all kinds... you can go anywhere and end up close to some asshole that takes things too far. That's hardly a reflection of a fan base or facility as a whole.

Hope you have a good time, but have to leave Indy in disappointment ;)

[XUFan09]

I don't think many are claiming bad treatment from Butler fans, and I've actually seen more say how it's not like a UD experience.

[coasterville95]

And I have successfully made it in the house. Shapiros and Sun King were also successes.

1594

[nuts4xu]

And I have successfully made it in the house. Shapiros and Sun King were also successes.

1594

Shapiros is the bomb!

[xu82]

Coaster is a GREAT AMERICAN!!

I second that!!!

[BMoreX]

Oh wow they got into the 20th century with a new scoreboard

[xu82]

Shapiros is the bomb!

Don't shout that in an airport!

[xu82]

Oh wow they got into the 20th century with a new scoreboard

But does it work? Can the keep time???

[coasterville95]

Viking magic is the halftime show. Really guys?

[Muskie]

But does it work? Can the keep time???

Actually it stopped working for spurts in the second half. Both the score and player stats were frozen at various points. Gotta love technology.

[coasterville95]

Update. On greyhound bus awaiting departure from cincinnati.

[xu82]

Actually it stopped working for spurts in the second half. Both the score and player stats were frozen at various points. Gotta love technology.

Don't always go with the lowest bidder....

[coasterville95]

Actually the auxiliary boards kept current. The scorecube was the only part that froze up.

[coasterville95]

Just dropping by to say I made it home.

[Xtemporaneous]

Coaster - That was an epic trip although just two hours away. I'm glad you made it and it was well researched. If I didn't have to work I would've given you a ride to the game.

As for the updates to Hinkle... The scoreboard itself is very cool. However I scratch my head to think that the board is not in widescreen format like everything else is now. It's not even in old TV format. It is like an airport display format in that it's a vertical rectangle which looks very weird. There are a lot of other backstage things that they missed on which is disappointing. Tens of millions sorta well spent.

[Muskie]

Actually the auxiliary boards kept current. The scorecube was the only part that froze up.

I thought this as well for awhile. The fouls were definitely frozen for awhile.

[coasterville95]

I forgot to get photos of brand new water fountains on the concourse , one eve with a wattle bottle filler.

The restroom situation seemed way inadequate, but the arena isn't that bad. At least the new seating includes cup holders and padded seats, even on the 200 level, My seat on the baseline (end zone) on the 200 level, I thought I was almost right on top of the court, Great view. But the shape of the building sugests the court should be turned 90 degrees from how they have it,

Neat old time feel to it.

[GoMuskies]

Nice effort on the roadie! Wish it would have worked out better for you from a game standpoint.

[coasterville95]

Coaster. I cannot advise you to use Indygo. It's not a good system.

With three IndyGO rides under my belt now - I don't see why the negative endorsement, all three ran exactly to the timetable, the busses were clean, also very empty, not much usage, eh.

One thing Cincinnati Metro could learn from them, is the way the bus announces each and every "next stop is" Makes it really nice for a tourist, though I could see how that would get real old real fast for regulars.

Oh at 730 the bus played an annoucement - half hour warning until teen curfew enforcement..

[Muskie]

With three IndyGO rides under my belt now - I don't see why the negative endorsement, all three ran exactly to the timetable, the busses were clean, also very empty, not much usage, eh.

One thing Cincinnati Metro could learn from them, is the way the bus announces each and every "next stop is" Makes it really nice for a tourist, though I could see how that would get real old real fast for regulars.

Oh at 730 the bus played an annoucement - half hour warning until teen curfew enforcement..

Great to hear. It probably helped that you road on Saturday. I have not had your experience during the week when I have used it.

[Nildogg]

I forgot to get photos of brand new water fountains on the concourse , one eve with a wattle bottle filler.

The restroom situation seemed way inadequate, but the arena isn't that bad. At least the new seating includes cup holders and padded seats, even on the 200 level, My seat on the baseline (end zone) on the 200 level, I thought I was almost right on top of the court, Great view. But the shape of the building sugests the court should be turned 90 degrees from how they have it,

Neat old time feel to it.

Man, if you think the restrooms are inadequate now, you would have really enjoyed the old set up... its 200% better than it used to be, although hard core Hinkle fans were upset that they took out the urinal troughs on the upper levels!

[coasterville95]

I admittedly didn't try to find one on the upper level, its just the one I found across from the team shop on the way in seemed small. The arena we played in many moons ago, Cincinnati Gardens have your urinal troughs beat, try urinal tubs with guys lined all the way around the thing, and as stall doors fell off, they were not fixed in the later seasons.

But I really did like the setup, with the band up on the 200 level, which I think was great for visibiity and sound. Was that big blue box to the side of the band where the old scoreboard was?

I was surrounded by Butler fans where I was, and not one ill spirited word towards me. And yes, I made it no secret I was from X.

Man, I want to go watch Hoosiers again now...

Oh, a word about the seats, at least on the 200 end zones - they look like the same model as those in Great American Ball Park, except they are, of course, blue, have a bulldog logo at the end of the row, and are padded. But also like GABP, the ones towards the ends are slanted to face the court, Really nice touch,

While I love the high tech NBA feel of our arena, there is a place in my heard for these old time classics,

[Kahns Krazy]

With three IndyGO rides under my belt now - I don't see why the negative endorsement, all three ran exactly to the timetable, the busses were clean, also very empty, not much usage, eh.

One thing Cincinnati Metro could learn from them, is the way the bus announces each and every "next stop is" Makes it really nice for a tourist, though I could see how that would get real old real fast for regulars.

Oh at 730 the bus played an annoucement - half hour warning until teen curfew enforcement..

I think Metro could do a little better about the next stop thing, but I would not want every stop announced. On Madison Road, there's a stop about every tenth of a mile. Maybe major intersections, but not every stop.