1. Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame
The Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame, located on the concourse, is a must-see for any college sports fan. The Hall of Fame honors each inductee with a plaque and includes legends such as Ball State basketball great Bonzi Wells, so make sure to check it out.
2. Pride of Mid-America Band
The Pride of Mid-America Band energizes the crowd inside Worthen Arena at every Ball State home game. On game days you’ll find the band performing excellent renditions of traditional favorites like the school’s fight song and alma mater as well as many contemporary favorites. The band creates an incredible atmosphere at every Cardinals basketball game, so enjoy their musical stylings throughout the contest.
3. Charlie the Cardinal
Charlie the Cardinal is an awesome mascot and can be seen all over the stadium during the game. While most mascots stay down on the court, he uses the entire stadium as his stomping grounds. He may be with the band one minute, in The Nest the next, and then before you know it he may be sitting right next to you.
4. Ball State-Indiana State Rivalry
While Ball State and Indiana State haven’t met on the gridiron since 2014, the rivalry between the two is still alive and well on the hardwood. The rivalry between the two goes back to 1922 making it the oldest in Cardinals history, so don’t miss it when the Sycamores come to Muncie.
5. Championship and Retired Number Banners
Take a look at the rafters before the game to remember all of your favorite Cardinals teams and players of the past. The banners honor legends including Ray Mccallum and Bonzi Wells as well as Ball State’s conference championships.
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6. 1990 Sweet Sixteen Plaque
Make sure to see the 1990 Sweet Sixteen plaque during your visit to Worthen Arena. The plaque celebrates the greatest team in Ball State history and is a can’t miss for any longtime Cardinals basketball fan.
7. Ball State-Valparaiso Rivalry
Similar to Indiana State, the Cardinals have a long running rivalry with in-state Valparaiso. The Cardinals and Crusaders have been rivals since 1925 and were conference rivals from 1925 to 1969. There have been many hard fought contest between these two Hoosier state rivals over the years, so make sure to be in attendance when Ball State and Valparaiso square off.
8. Cheerleaders and Code Red Dance Team
The cheerleaders and dance team at Ball State are a big part of the in-game experience. The squads pump up the crowd throughout the game and do an admirable job trying to keep the energy high. Don’t leave your seat when either of these spirit groups performs as you’ll be in for quite a show.
9. Rock the Red
When you head to the game make sure you bring all of the red and black you’ve got to blend in with the crowd. Whether you make a stop at the bookstore and grab some official gear or if you’re coming in from Chicago and want to bring your Blackhawks jersey then go ahead since you can’t have too much red in Muncie.
10. The Nest
The Nest a is rowdy student section found at every Ball State game. Indiana is a basketball made state, so it should come as no surprise that the Ball State students go all out to support their team. If you want to sit with the loudest and wildest fans at the game, then make sure to get tickets in the student section.
