Billyb60046 wrote:One of my best friends and I are both Drake grads (2007 for him, 2011 for me). We now live in Pittsburgh and decided to hit the road for a Drake game this year. Closest one to us out here that was on a weekend was in Terra Haute February 3rd. Never been so figured we'd take the 6 hour road trip. Already booked our hotel, but looking for recommendations from some of the Sycamores in the group for bars/restaurants/post game/etc. Much appreciated!
So, although I am still recovering today from the weekend in Terra Haute, I wanted to just drop a quick recap of the trip, in case anyone else would consider a Valley away day in TH.
We got into town around 11 am (spent the first night in Indianapolis and watched the Pacers get pounded by Sacramento). We were the second and third people into Show Me's on Saturday morning for lunch and beers. Bartender was super kind and got the rugby six nations game on for us. We hung out there for a few hours and chatted with people at the bar. Really good vibes and it filled up quite a bit while we were there (Hoosiers were on as well).
Checked out the record store Headstone Friends (buddy I went with is a big vinyl guy and this place was recommended). Cool shop and nice to do something that wasn't centered around sports and drinking (needed at least a 30 minute break!), but not really my thing. But if you are into that stuff, definitely worth checking out. Checked into the Garden Inn (highly recommend - clean, wonderful location). Ran into a couple Drake players and staffers when we got there.
Went over and checked out the Indiana State tailgate party. What a great idea and great vibe. Only two lines for beer slowed some things down, but it was an awesome event. Got to talk to a lot of people and everyone was very friendly. Got interviewed for the news but the music was so loud I doubt they could use anything I said in that tent. Also chatted with the mayor for a bit. Bounced over to the Copper Bar for a drink and same thing - everyone was awesome to us.
Stadium was incredible. So loud. Great atmosphere for a college basketball game. After a few initial playful exchanges with the student section before the game, we settled in for the basketball and as I have said and will continue to say, people around us were really good. There was some playful jeering, especially around some foul calls, but all in all, Drake made a great game of it and I found Indiana State to be as impressive live as they appear on TV.
After the game we stumbled across the parking lot and some fans steered us into Bally Hoo, and let me tell you, after about 15 Miller Lites and having no voice left, it's a wonder we were able to make it back to the hotel. Got to talk to some great alumni and people who couldn't believe we made the trip from Pittsburgh to see the game, but everyone was just awesome. People buying each other drinks. At one point, after a conversation with a current junior, I bought him a beer and when I handed it to him, a college student yelled "F*CK DRAKE" and then about five kids turned around and started screaming at him "NO! These guys are cool and we don't act that way!" And that's when I knew we made it. lol As I made my way back to the hotel, I walked right past the Larry Bird statue and it was like a religious experience, like he was pointing me home in that moment lol
All in all, I can't say enough awesome things about the weekend. Of course I wanted Drake to win, but the overall experience was top notch, and something we will definitely be doing again. Indiana State fans were awesome the whole weekend, and deserve a ton of credit. I only hope you get the same hospitality from other fans as well. The blue sequin blazers will be back again at some point, I promise that.
Go Drake -
bilyb60046
