In Game
Central Michigan is home to a college hoops experience that any MAC basketball fan would enjoy. You’ll find lots of pageantry and tradition on display at McGuirk Arena as a Chippewas basketball game features everything you would want in a college hoops contest. The student section, known as the Rose Rowdies, create a fun atmosphere and aren’t afraid to get after both opponents and referees. The pep band, cheerleaders, and mascot all put on excellent performances that add to the entertainment as well.
McGuirk Arena also features numerous tributes to Chippewas greats of the past, including a new interactive Central Michigan Athletics Hall of Fame. Inside the arena, you’ll also be able to take in various banners honoring the best basketball players and teams in Chips history as well. One unique feature of McGuirk Arena is the fact it’s home to a bust of legendary broadcaster Dick Enberg, who is a Central Michigan alum. The bust is a must-see for any sports fan, so make sure to check it out during your visit.
Additionally, the fact you’ll be able to find plenty of places to hang out before or after the game goes a long way in making a trip to Mt. Pleasant a pleasing experience. There are several bars and restaurants nearby including O’Kelly’s and La Senorita, so you won’t have to worry about being famished when attending a Chippewas basketball game.
A Central Michigan basketball game offers you everything you’re looking for in a college hoops road trip and then some. Don’t hesitate to plan your trip to Mt. Pleasant today as you won’t want to miss your chance to see the Chips play.
Things to check out
Dick Enberg Bust
Legendary broadcaster Dick Enberg is one of the most famous Central Michigan alumni, and as a result, you can find a bust of him when you enter McGuirk Arena. The bust is a must-see for any sports fan, so make sure to check it out.
Central Michigan Athletics Hall of Fame
McGuirk Arena is home to an interactive hall of fame that pays tribute to all of the best athletes in Central Michigan history. Stop by the hall of fame and learn more about the Chippewas athletic excellence.
Banners
Take in the banners hanging above the court that honor all of the best players and teams in Chippewas basketball history. The banners honor greats such as Dan Majerle and the Chips’ 1975 Sweet Sixteen team.
Toilet Paper
Before 1988, Chippewas fans used to celebrate the first Central Michigan basket by throwing toilet paper. Unfortunately, the tradition was banned by the NCAA, but it’s still one of the more unique traditions in college hoops history.
Rowdie
Rowdie is the official mascot of McGuirk Arena and Central Michigan hoops. You can spot Rowdie all around the arena on game days, and you never know what he’ll do next, so keep an eye out for him when attending a Chippewas basketball game.
Rose Rowdies
The Rose Rowdies are the wildest and craziest fans at any Chippewas basketball game. The students go all out to support their team and provide the majority of the atmosphere inside McGuirk Arena making them one of the best parts of any Central Michigan basketball game.
Pep Band
Central Michigan is home to one of the best marching bands in the MAC, and their pep band is pretty good too. The band performs a variety of Chips favorites including “The Fighting Chippewa” fight song, so enjoy their performance throughout the game.
Cheerleaders
The Central Michigan cheerleaders are an active part of any game and keep everyone in attendance involved in the game, so join in their cheers to give the Chippewas as much of a home court advantage as possible.
Watch video
Fight Songs
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Fire Up Chips!
The hallmark “Fire Up Chips!” greeting is used as a way of cheering, identifying fellow fans, greeting people, and is the phrase the fans will be cheering in the dying seconds of the game. Fire Up Chips is simply a way to distinguish yourself as one of the fans of the Chippewas, and the experience will be more memorable if you participate in this simple gesture.
Fire Up Chips!
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Chanting the Team Name
The chanting of Chippewas to start the game is a time-honored tradition at Central Michigan games. Once the pre-game entrance begins, the whole crowd, in unison, starts to chant OO-WAH...CHIP-OO-WAH and repeat until the game has almost begun. Make yourself a part of the crowd by joining in on this fun pregame tradition.
OO-WAH…CHIP-OO-WAH
OO-WAH…CHIP-OO-WAH
OO-WAH…CHIP-OO-WAH
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The Fighting Chippewa
The official school fight song
FIGHT, Central down the field, FIGHT for victory, FIGHT, fellows never yield; We’re with you, oh varsity.
Onward with banners bold, to our colors we’ll be true, FIGHT for Maroon and Gold, Down the field for C. M. U.
Varsity! Rah! Rah! Victory! Rah! Rah!
CHIPPEWA, we’re proud of that nickname.
Hear our song loud and strong,
CENTRAL is going to win this game!
Come on and … (Repeat thru “C. M. U.”) -
Alma Mater..Hear Us Now
Alma Mater, hear us now; Ever more we praise thee.
Hear us pledge our sacred vow ever to defend thee.
Mighty Mother, Queen of Earth eternal, precious emblem of our lives Supreme; Ever symbolizing truth and knowledge in glorified esteem.
Alma Mater, hear us now; Ever more we praise thee.
Hear us pledge our sacred vow ever to defend thee.
