1. Saluki Statue
Before entering Banterra Center, stop by and snap a picture with the saluki statue. The statue is a must-see for anyone attending a game in Carbondale and offers an excellent photo op as well, so make sure to check it out.
2. SIU Hall of Fame
Take some time before the game to see the SIU Hall of Fame inside Banterra Center. The Hall of Fame celebrates all of the best athletes and achievements in Salukis history making it a can’t miss.
3. Murals
Walk the concourse to see all of the murals around Banterra Center. The murals honor all of the best players and moments in Salukis hoops history and are excellent for re-living all of your favorite SIU basketball moments, so take some time to see them all.
4. Dawg Pound
Just like in Cleveland, the Dawg Pound is where you’ll find the rowdiest and wildest fans on game days. The Dawg Pound is filled with the most intimidating fans at the game, so if you want to get loud and support the Salukis, there is no better place to be than the Dawg Pound.
5. Saluki Pep Band
The Saluki Pep Band is a can’t miss part of any Southern Illinois basketball game. The pep band will keep you pumped up throughout the game with their tunes and is a big part of what makes attending a Salukis basketball game such an excellent experience.
6. Banners
Look up from your seat to see all the banners hanging from the rafters. The banners celebrate all of the best players and teams in Salukis history including the legendary Walt Frazier.
7. Southern Illinois-Saint Louis Rivalry
Southern Illinois and Saint Louis have an intense non-conference rivalry that takes place every year. The matchups between these two are a can’t miss for anyone in Southern Illinois or the St. Louis area. as there are lots bragging rights on the line between these two regional rivals. If you can only see one Billikens non-conference game, then this is the one to see.
8. Brown Dog and Gray Dog
Southern Illinois has not one but two mascots who entertain fans on game days. Keep an eye open Brown Dog and Gray Dog when attending a Salukis basketball game as you never know what kind of shenanigans this duo will get into next.
9. SIU Team Store
If you want to pick up a souvenir from your trip to SIU, then stop by the SIU Team Store. The team store offers a wide variety of Salukis merchandise including t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and much more. No matter what you’re looking for you’ll find it at the SIU Team Store.
10. Southern Illinois-Murray State Rivalry
Carbondale, Illinois and Murray, Kentucky are separated by only 115 miles and as a result there is a lot of regional pride on the line when the Salukis and Racers square off. Both schools have impressive histories on the court having made a combined 25 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournaments making this matchup all that much better. If you want to witness a fantastic non-conference matchup in Carbondale, then get tickets when the Racers come to town.
