Every year Butler, Indiana, Purdue, and Notre Dame play in a four-team event held at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indiana. In even years Butler plays Indiana and in odd years they play Purdue, so come out to the Crossroad Classic to see the Bulldogs play in-state Big Ten opposition.
Butler vs Xavier
Rival Team: Xavier Musketeers
The Butler Bulldogs and Xavier Musketeers have an intense rivalry that dates back to the 1936-37 season. The rivalry was kicked up a notch in 2013 when both teams joined the Big East. The Musketeers lead the all-time series 37-18, but you’ll always be in for a good matchup when attending a Butler-Xavier game.
Butler vs Indiana State
Rival Team: Indiana State Sycamores
The Indiana State Sycamores are Butler’s oldest rivals and have met every year since 1904. The two schools have a long running rivalry and while the Bulldogs lead the all-time series 72-57, things are always intense when these two Hoosier State rivals meet.
The Hoosier Helmet is awarded to the annual winner of the Butler-Valparaiso football game and the two teams have a fierce rivalry on the court as well. Both schools were members of the Horizon League up until 2013, when the Bulldogs joined the Big East, and even now that they’re no longer in the same conference there are still plenty of bragging rights on the line when these two meet. Don’t miss it when the Crusaders come to town as you’ll be in for a treat when attending a Butler-Valparaiso game.
Butler Bulldogs Stadium Guide
In Game
Hinkle Fieldhouse is one of the most historic venues in college basketball and should be on the bucket list of every college basketball fan. The arena was the site of Milan High School’s famous upset over Muncie Central in 1954, which inspired the film Hoosiers, and has hosted countless other notable games over the years. Hinkle Fieldhouse oozes history, which alone makes see a Butler game a must for any basketball fan.
If the old school feel of the arena and the history that has taken place there isn’t enough for you, then there are also several history exhibits located around the Hinkle Fieldhouse concourse. The displays show off a variety of different trophies and memorabilia that would interest any basketball fan. There’s a lot to see here, so make sure to arrive early and take it all in before taking your seat and witnessing an incredible game of basketball.
Hinkle Fieldhouse isn’t just home to some great history; it’s also is home to an exceptional atmosphere. The Butler student section, known as the Dawg Pound, is one of the best in the country and no matter what the score they’ll be on their feet and cheering on the Bulldogs. Butler is also home to some great spirit squads and an excellent pep band, who also add to the atmosphere inside the arena.
Once the game is over, there are lots of nearby entertainment options that will keep you entertained throughout the night. Hinkle Fieldhouse is located near Broad Ripple Village, which is home to several great bars and restaurants. Fat Dan’s is the best place near Hinkle Fieldhouse to grab some barbecue, Twenty Tap is home to some excellent craft beers, and Moe & Johnny’s is a favorite among Butler fans. There are plenty of other options ranging from Italian to vegetarian to Cajun in the area as well, so no matter what you’re looking for you’ll find something to quell your appetite.
A trip to Hinkle Fieldhouse is a must for any college basketball fan thanks to the incredible history the arena has to offer. The fact Butler has a fantastic fan base and is near tons of great bars and restaurants makes the trip all that much better for anyone making the pilgrimage.
The concourse of historic Hinkle Fieldhouse is filled with a wide variety of history displays. The exhibits include tons of memorabilia and trophies and are a can’t miss for anyone visiting Hinkle Fieldhouse for the first time. Arrive early and take a walk of the concourse before the game as there is plenty to see inside Hinkle Fieldhouse.
If you want to grab a souvenir from your trip to Hinkle Fieldhouse make sure to stop by the Butler Team Store. The team store sells all kinds of Butler gear including shirts, hats, and much more, so no matter what you’re looking for you’ll find it here.
The rafters of Hinkle Fieldhouse contain lots of banners honoring the best teams and the biggest achievements in Butler basketball history. The school’s two NCAA Tournament finalist banners take center stage and are an excellent way to remember the greatest moments in Butler basket history.
The Bulldog’s live mascot Butler Blue is a must-see when attending a Butler basketball game. Butler Blue performs a variety of tricks at games including grabbing an oversized bone in the student section before the game and skateboarding. It’s also believed rubbing his head will give the team good luck, so before each game, every Butler player rubs his head. Keep an eye out for Butler Blue as he’s one of the most entertaining live mascots in college hoops.
The Dawg Pound is one of the liveliest and most passionate student sections in the nation. Butler students love their team and will get behind them no matter what the score, which helps create an incredible atmosphere inside Hinkle Fieldhouse. Enjoy the atmosphere generated by the Dawg Pound when attending a Butler basketball game as it's one of the best in the country.
The Butler Way is a long-standing philosophy that helped make Butler one of the most successful mid-major programs in the country. The philosophy is all about putting the team above yourself and contains five pillars; humility, passion, unity, servanthood, and thankfulness. The Butler Way has taken the Bulldogs to dizzying new heights and has been a key component of the program's success, so witness it first hand when attending a Butler basketball game.
We’ll sing the Butler war song,
We’ll give a fighting cry;
We’ll fight the Butler battle–
Bulldogs ever do or die.
And in the glow of the victory firelight,
Hist’ry cannot deny
To add a page or two
For Butler’s fighting crew
Beneath the Hoosier sky.
Big City Grille and Lemonade opened in July 2009 with the sole purpose of catering to the long-awaited deserving taste buds of all Indianapolis residents.
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