For many longtime Redbird fans, some of their fondest memories of Illinois State basketball come from games that were hosted inside historic Horton Field House. Since 1989, Redbird Arena has served as host of Redbird basketball games but for one day only, ISU men's basketball will return to Horton Field House with Redbird legend Doug Collins in attendance on December 10 when the Redbirds host SIU-Edwardsville at 3 p.m.
Horton Fieldhouse – which was the home of the Redbird basketball program from its opening on December 4, 1963, through the previously last played contest on December 2, 1988. The arena played host to numerous classic ISU victories, including: a 91-81 win over ninth-ranked Tulsa during the 1984 season; an 81-76 win over fourth-ranked Indiana State – featuring future NBA Hall of Famer Larry Bird – during the 1977-78 season; and an 88-84 win over fourth-ranked UNLV in 1977.
"What an honor it will be to have the opportunity to play in Horton Fieldhouse," said Illinois State men's basketball head coach Ryan Pedon. "Horton Fieldhouse, as we all know, is a historic venue with many magical memories. To know that we will be competing in that building for the first time in 34 years is something that will be very special for all of us. Having Doug Collins be a part of this event will undoubtedly elevate the nostalgic experience. We can't wait to welcome back all of our former players, coaches, and staff members who have all left a piece of their heart in that building."
Due to reduced capacity – just 3,800 seats available to purchase – in Horton Field House as compared to Redbird Arena, current men's basketball season ticket holders will have first crack at purchasing tickets for the game against the Cougars. The game will be sold on a single-game basis and is not included in current season ticket packages. Students will have the ability to purchase allotted student section tickets at a later date with pre-sale on those tickets available to Red Alert members. Communication on the student tickets will come from the ticket office and the Redbird men's basketball social media channels.
To enhance the experience, Redbird Athletics is also excited to host a special Lunch with a Legend event prior to the game beginning at 1 p.m. in the north end of Horton Field House. Redbird legend and College Basketball Hall of Famer Doug Collins will be the special guest at the event and will share stories of his playing days thrilling fans at Horton Field House at a special chalk talk following lunch. The event package cost is $100 during the presale and $125 after that and includes the ONLY reserved lower level section game ticket, food and drinks, and a chance to chat with Collins.
Season ticket holders can log into their accounts now for a discounted pre-sale for the contest, with lower-level tickets priced at $40 each and upper-level at $25. Following the exclusive pre-sale, prices will bump up to $45 and $30, respectively, for remaining tickets to the general public. Red Alert members will also have an exclusive pre-sale option to purchase tickets for $5, with remaining tickets available to students who are non-Red Alert members also at $5. Student seating will be at the lower baseline level of Horton Field House. In addition, former men's basketball student-athletes will have an opportunity to purchase a maximum of two tickets at the discounted price as part of the pre-sale as well. Seats for this one-day event will be general admission in their respective level, with the exception of tickets included in the Lunch with a Legend event package.
Season ticket holders are eligible to purchase the equivalent number of seats they have in Redbird Arena, up to a max of four seats, whichever is the lesser amount. Illinois State Athletics reserves the right to reduce/cancel orders or issue refunds with regards to demand and availability. Seat request locations will be done based on Weisbecker Athletic Fund Redbird Points.
"When I came to ISU and met with our donors and fans, they consistently mentioned their fond memories of the atmosphere in Horton Fieldhouse and watching the teams led by Coach Will Robinson and players like Doug Collins, Bubbles Hawkins, and Rickie Johnson," Director of Athletics Kyle Brennan said. "The more I heard, the more I became intrigued with bringing some magic back for our fanbase. With a lot of careful work and planning by a lot of good people, we are able to make this game a reality and I cannot wait to see Horton rocking with students, donors and fans."
With the move across the sidewalk, fans will still be treated to all the same atmosphere they are used to at Redbird basketball games, minus some of the technological advances of Redbird Arena. The band, cheerleaders, Redline Express and Reggie Redbird will all be on site in Horton Field House to pump up the fans and the Alamo II will also be on site to sell Redbird merchandise. A Kid Zone will also be set up for Reggie's Kids Club members to enjoy prior to the game and concession stands will be selling all the favorite food and drink options.
The only way to guarantee a chance to buy early is by purchasing a season ticket package, which is on sale now. Single-game tickets for home contests will go on sale to the general public on Oct. 18. For more information regarding ticket plans and securing a spot for the December 10 game at Horton Field House, contact the Redbird Ticket Office at (309) 438-8000 or log onto GoRedbirds.com/Tickets.
GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App: Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Athletic Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
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