1. Hinkle Fieldhouse
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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Butler-Xavier Rivalry
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.
6. 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.
7. Butler-Indiana State Rivalry
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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Butler-Valparaiso Rivalry
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.
