In Game
When it comes to basketball and the state of Kentucky, everyone thinks of the Wildcats and Cardinals, but Western Kentucky is home to an incredible game day experience as well. Western Kentucky students and alumni bleed red and white, and you’ll find lots of history and passion on display at a Hilltoppers basketball game.
E.A. Diddle Arena is a great place to take in some college hoops thanks in large part to the atmosphere created by the fans. No matter where the Hilltoppers are in the standings, you’ll find a near capacity crowd making them arguably the best fan base in Conference USA.
Another thing that makes a Western Kentucky basketball game stand out is the sheer amount of history on display. Before even stepping foot in the arena, you’ll be greeted by a statue of the arena’s namesake, E.A. Diddle. Once inside the walls of the concourse are lined with memorabilia from the team’s past, and there is a mural dedicated to WKU Athletics that is worth checking out as well.
Finally, whether you’re looking to grab something to eat there are plenty of options inside and outside of the arena. E.A. Diddle Arena has a wide variety of concessions options ranging from seafood to Mexican to your standard stadium fare. However, if that’s not enough for you, there are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby to try as well including 440 Main.
Western Kentucky is home to one of the most underrated experiences in college basketball and is one of the best places to take in some college hoops in Conference USA, so plan your trip to Bowling Green today.
Things to check out
E.A. Diddle Statue
Before entering E.A. Diddle Arena, make sure to stop by the E.A. Diddle statue and get a picture with the arena’s namesake. The legendary coach compiled a .715 winning percentage with the Hilltoppers and won over 700 games, so stop by and pay tribute to the incredible coach during your trip to Bowling Green.
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Concourse Displays
Take some time before the game to stroll the concourse and see all of the Hilltoppers basketball memorabilia covering the walls. There is a lot to see here, so arrive early and take it all in.
Mural
While walking the concourse make sure to check out the Western Kentucky Athletics mural. The mural shows off all of WKU’s varsity sports and is a must-see for college sports fans.
Banners
Hanging from the rafters of E.A. Diddle Arena are banners celebrating the best players in Hilltoppers history. The banners honor legends ranging from Clem Haskins to Courtney Lee, so take them all in during your visit.
Big Red
WKU has one of the most unique mascots in all of sports, the big man on campus, Big Red. Big Red has a unique look and has been featured in numerous national mascot based commercials and competitions. This exposure has gone a long way in making Big Red one of the most recognizable in all of college sports. While he may not be the most intimidating mascot you’ll ever lay eyes upon; he is without a shadow of a doubt one of the most entertaining.
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Red Towel
The red towel has been synonymous with Western Kentucky since it was introduced by E.A. Dibble. At any Western Kentucky game you attend you’ll see fans all around stadium swinging red towels in support of the Hilltoppers, so next time you attend a Western Kentucky game make sure to bring your red towel to cheer on the team.
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Western Kentucky Pep Band
The WKU pep band livens up the atmosphere with their tunes and are a great part of any Hilltoppers basketball game. The band will keep everyone’s spirits high throughout the game, so enjoy the ambiance provided by the pep band.
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Fight Songs
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Stand Up and Cheer
WKU Fight Song
Stand Up And Cheer,
Stand Up And Cheer For Dear Old Western
For Today We Raise
The Red And White Above The Rest
Rah! Rah! Rah!Our Boys Are Fighting,
And We Are Bound To Win This Fray
We’ve Got The Team
We’ve got the Steam
For This Is Dear Old Western’s Day! -
College Heights
WKU Alma Mater
College Heights, on hilltop fair,
With beauty all thine own,
Lovely jewel far more rare
Than graces any throne!
College Heights, we hail thee;
We shall never fail thee
Falter never, live forever,
Hail! Hail! Hail!College Heights with living soul
And purpose strong and true,
Service ever is thy goal
Thy spirit ever new.
College Heights, we hail thee;
We shall never fail thee
Falter never, live forever,
Hail! Hail! Hail!College Heights thy noble life,
Shall e’er our pattern be,
Teaching us through joy and strife
To love humanity.College Heights we hail thee,
We shall never fail thee,
Falter never, live forever,
Hail! Hail! Hail!
