Bradley Braves Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Brian Wardle

Team Mascot: Kaboom!

Year Opened: 1982

Capacity: 11433

City / State: Peoria / Illinois

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

I-74 Rivalry

Rival Team: Illinois State Redbirds

The I-74 Rivalry between Bradley and Illinois State dates back to 1905 and is one of the fiercest rivalries in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Illinois-based rivals have met 124 times over the years, and the Braves hold a slim lead in the all-time series 63-61. The I-74 Rivalry game between Bradley and Illinois State is the biggest game of the year, so make sure to be in attendance when the Redbirds come to Peoria.

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Bradley Braves vs Drake Bulldogs

Rival Team: Drake Bulldogs

The Bradley-Drake rivalry is one of the oldest rivalries in the Missouri Valley Conference, and as a result, there is lots of bad blood between the Braves and Bulldogs. The two schools have met on the hardwood over 145 times, and there is always a lot at stake when the two square off, so don’t miss it when Bradley battles Drake.

Bradley Braves Stadium Guide

In Game

Bradley has a rich basketball history, which includes two NCAA Finals appearances, making a Bradley basketball game a must for anyone visiting Peoria during basketball season. Bradley students, alumni, and Peoria locals love to come out and support the Braves, and you’ll find a fantastic atmosphere at every Missouri Valley Conference game at Carver Arena.

The fans aren’t the only ones who make attending a Braves game a fantastic experience. The band, cheerleaders, and mascot all do an incredible job of keeping fans entertained throughout the game. The band keeps the energy at a fever pitch throughout the game, and you won’t want to miss Kaboom’s antics during your trip to Peoria.

Depending on the weather when you visit, take some time to see downtown Peoria and the riverfront before or after the game. You’ll also find lots of places to grab a bite to eat or something to drink including the Locker Room and Richard’s Pub.

A Bradley basketball game is a great time for any college hoops fan visiting Peoria as you’ll find lots of history and pageantry on display at a Braves game.

Things to check out

Championship Banners

Bradley has an impressive basketball history, and it’s on display when attending a game at Carver Arena. Hanging from the rafters are banners celebrating the Braves rich history, which includes two NCAA Final Fours and seven conference championships.

Kaboom

Bradley mascot Kaboom is a big part of every Braves basketball game. Before and during the game, keep an eye out for Kaboom as you never know what kind of shenanigans he’ll get into next.

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Student and Alumni Band

The Bradley band does a fantastic job of keeping everyone engaged in the game. When play stops, the band will pick up the crowd with their performances, so enjoy the atmosphere created by the band during your trip to Peoria.

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Stay Standing

Everyone at Carver Arena remains on their feet until the Braves score their first basket. The tradition is an excellent way to show your support for the team, so stay on your feet until the Braves put some points on the board.

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Player Intros

Bradley is home to a couple of traditions surrounding player introductions. When the opposing team takes the court, the student section turns their back on them. Then during the home team introductions, kids in attendance have the opportunity to line up and high five the Bradley players as they take the court. Join in either of these traditions during your trip to Carver Arena.

Fight Songs

  1. “Bradley Loyalty Song (Charge on Bradley)”

    Here’s our pledge to Bradley,
    Loyal hearts and hands,
    Loudly sing your praises,
    In a mighty band,
    Ever forward Bradley,
    We’ll praise you to the sky,
    Ever keep your banners flying while you hear our cry!
    Charge on, Charge on, Bradley,
    March right down the field,
    Foes may press you,
    Foes may even stress you,
    But we’ll never yield,
    Fight for Alma Mater,
    Plunge right thru to victory,
    Fight on, Fight on, Bradley, And fight for varsity!

  2. “Bradley Alma Mater”

    Lift up your hearts and sing…
    Lift up thy light…
    Let all your voices ring…
    Hail Red and White
    Red for courage strength and might
    White for purity.
    Shining as a beacon light for the university…
    Onward, ever onward, let courage and truth prevail.
    For Bradley University…
    All Hail ! Hail! Hail!

Bradley Braves Bars & Restaurants

  1. Jimmy’s Bar

    The Bird Bar and Grill beer

    Energetic, Irish-themed neighborhood bar serving beers, spirits & pub grub in informal surrounds.

    2801 W Farmington Rd, West Peoria, IL 61604, USA

    Bar website

    european - $

  2. Ulrich’s Rebellion Room

    bar drink

    Pizza, burgers & craft beer served in a traditional Irish pub with sports on TV & a vintage vibe.

    631 Main St, Peoria, IL 61602, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$

  3. Kickback On Fulton

    Kickback On Fulton

    A cozy lounge across from the Peoria Civic Center. Ready to pump you up before a show or help you unwind after work

    456 Fulton St #105, Peoria, IL 61602, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. Hoops Pub & Pizza

    Pizza Rock Falls Tavern Humboldt Steel Corp Restaurant Bar

    Pies, slices & beer served late into the night at a relaxed pizzeria & sports bar.

    516 Main St, Peoria, IL 61602, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  5. 8 Bit Arcade Bar

    Bit Arcade

    Peoria's first and only arcade bar, specializing in craft beer. Currently have over 150 different beers

    100 State St, Peoria, IL 61602, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. The Fieldhouse Bar & Grill

    The Fieldhouse Bar and Grill

    Easygoing sports bar with made-to-order American grub & a rotating selection of craft draft beers.

    1200 W Main St, Peoria, IL 61606, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Thyme Kitchen and Craft Beer

    Thyme Kitchen and Craft Beer

    Lofty, bi-level eatery with an extensive craft beer & bourbon menu doles out creative American eats.

    736 SW Washington St, Peoria, IL 61602, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Jim’s Steak House

    Steak

    Delicious, juicy steaks made available to you by Jim's Steak House.

    110 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria, IL 61602, USA

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$

  9. The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern

    Chicago Fire The Patio

    Casual pub featuring house-smoked BBQ, craft beers, cocktails & whisky in a converted rail depot.

    212 Southwest Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602, USA

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  10. Two25

    Two25

    Clubby, upscale chophouse serving surf 'n' turf, pizza, pasta & wine in the Mark Twain Hotel.

    225 NE Adams St, Peoria, IL 61602, USA

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$

  11. Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse

    Johnnys Italian Steakhouse

    Steaks, Italian dishes & cocktails served in upscale, supper club-like environs with a sleek bar.

    101 Holiday St, East Peoria, IL 61611, USA

    Bar website

    italian - steakhouse - $$

  12. Kelleher’s Irish Pub & Eatery

    Beer tap

    Wood-trimmed Irish taproom featuring comfort-driven Emerald Isle fare, pints & live music

    619 Southwest Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$