Butler Bulldogs Tailgate | Hinkle Fieldhouse Gameday Guide

Butler Bulldogs Overview

Image Source

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Thad Matta

Team Mascot: Butler Blue IV

Year Opened: 1928

Capacity: 9100

City / State: Indianapolis / Indiana

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Embed from Getty Images

Crossroad Classic Rivalry

Rival Team: Indiana Hoosiers, Purdue Boilermakers, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

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.

Image Source

Butler vs Valparaiso

Rival Team: Valparaiso Crusaders

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.

Image Source

Image Source

Things to check out

Image Source

History Displays

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.

Image Source

Butler Team Store

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.

Image Source

Banners

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.

Watch video

Butler Blue

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.

Watch video

Embed from Getty Images

Dawg Pound

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.

Watch video

The Butler Way

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.

Watch video

Fight Songs

“The Butler War Song”

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.
Go, Blue!

Go, Blue!
R U a Bulldog -- Hell Yeah!

R U a Bulldog — Hell Yeah!

Butler Bulldogs Bars & Restaurants

Old Pro’s Table

Longtime sports bar serving pub grub & pizza alongside pool tables, a jukebox & fireplace.

827 Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220, USA

Bar website

sportsbar - $
Union Jack Pub

Comfy English-themed pub specializing in beer on tap & traditional grub as well as pizza.

921 Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220, USA

Bar website

european - $$
Broad Ripple Brewpub

English-style pub with a vintage vibe & shady patio pours house microbrews alongside comfort food.

842 E 65th St, Indianapolis, IN 46220, USA

Bar website

american - $$
Fire by the Monon

Imaginative pub grub & craft brews on tap served in a warm, laid-back tavern with patio tables.

6523 Ferguson St, Indianapolis, IN 46220, USA

Bar website

american - $$
Plump’s Last Shot

Plump's last Shot is not just a restaurant, it is a tribute to Bobby and the greatest game ever invented.

6416 Cornell Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220, USA

Bar website

american - $$
HopCat

Woodwork-filled brew pub with a massive beer list offers creative pub fare & brunch items.

6280 N College Ave #700, Indianapolis, IN 46220, USA

Bar website

american - $$
Red Key Tavern

Cash-only neighborhood saloon offering drinks, American pub grub & more in an unpretentious space.

5170 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46205, USA

Bar website

american - $$
Binkley’s

Everything on the menu is made in house and from scratch, therefore, takes a few extra minutes to prepare.

5902 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220, USA

Bar website

american - $$$
Good Morning Mama’s

Ex-gas station turned hopping 1950s brunch spot complete with a jukebox, formica tables & kitsch.

1001 E 54th St, Indianapolis, IN 46220, USA

Bar website

american - $$
Hank’s Smoked Briskets

Longtime Texas-style BBQ fixture offering rustic sandwiches & dinners, plus sides & desserts, to go.

3736 Doctor M.L.K. Jr St, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA

Bar website

bbq - $$
Big City Grill & Lemonade

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.

23 E 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46205, USA

Bar website

american - $$
Aristocrat Pub & Restaurant

Casual pub eats served in a restored 1933 pub with 60 beers on tap & walls decked in vintage finds.

5212 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220, USA

Bar website

american - $$
Meridian Restaurant & Bar

Upscale New American comfort food served in a refined, rustic-chic space with a patio & fireplace.

5694 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA

Bar website

american - $$$
Byrne’s Grilled Pizza

Clean. Crispy. Flavorful. Perfect

5615 N Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46208, USA

Bar website

pizza - $$