It's called "Indiana's Basketball Cathedral" and buses loaded with Wright State students will journey there next Wednesday.
The seventh annual Bus to Butler trip allows students to visit the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Participants ride in style with the help of charter buses and receive free food, T-shirts and other gear.
"We want to make sure the event is affordable and accessible to all students at Wright State," Director of Student Affairs Galen Crawford said. "It costs about $50 per student to throw the event, but we're only charging $7. Through the sponsorships, we've been able to keep it low."
Those sponsors include the Student Union bookstore and Quaker Steak & Lube, who will provide free boneless wings, pretzels and burgers for students.
Tickets are available at the Student Union box office. While Crawford expects them to sell fast, there is a waiting list for students who miss out, and the possibility of expansion should demand remain high.
"This year we have 294 spots on the bus, but we're hoping to sell out so we can get another bus," Crawford said. "Also, we were able to get some spots on the bus for students with wheel chairs. The more students we get and the bigger the event is this year, the higher the expectation will be for next year."
A pre-game event begins at 2 p.m. in the Student Union atrium on the day of the trip. The buses leave at 3:30 p.m. in front of the Student Union and return around midnight after the game.
Crawford admits the trip is long but advocates how worthwhile the experience is.
"It's a just real spirited atmosphere, [and we] try to keep energy high," Crawford said. "We've been able to grow the event every year, and this year it's going to be the biggest one."
The Raiders hope to avenge their Jan. 6 home loss to Butler (63-62). As WSU students get rowdy at Hinkle Fieldhouse--where the film "Hoosiers" re-enacted Milan High School's run to the 1954 Indiana state championship--the team hopes for a similar storybook finish.
