Lucas Oil Elite 8 Roll Call
Big game, biggest of the season (just like the last one, and the one before that). I'm going, who else is coming with me?!?! Lot of posters from the Indy area, hoping that there will be a hearty representation of Michigan fans.
For people who have been this year, any suggestions for navigating the venue? How early did you arrive? Was the pre-packaged concessions food a viable option? Will it be 100% UofM fans in attendance or just 99%?
March 30th, 2021 at 10:04 AM ^
This has to be a home game, right? I mean, aside from family members, how many UCLA basketball fans could possibly be expected to be there tonight? Make it LOUD.
March 30th, 2021 at 10:06 AM ^
Checking in from Plymouth MI with a loud GO BLUE!!!!!!!
March 30th, 2021 at 10:17 AM ^
Hey there neighbor lol. I'm checking in from Canton, MI with a loud GO BLUE!!!!!
March 30th, 2021 at 10:09 AM ^
We're in a curious position. Michigan fans recognize the long, hard road to this point.
We know that Howard was undervalued or dismissed. We know that he and the combination of old hands, transfers, and rookies had to do the hard work of figuring out how to work as a team. We know that we lost Livers, and had to figure things out all over again.
We see ourselves as underdogs.
But we've got to be careful. UCLA is not only the points underdog, they're also strivers in the narrative, vying against "mighty Michigan."
March 30th, 2021 at 10:27 AM ^
That’s a gig for fans. Every Team that has reached the point of one game for a berth in the FF is striving harder than any of us can imagine. Composure may be a factor tonight, but not effort. Look at how hard the four teams competed last night.
March 30th, 2021 at 10:28 AM ^
You know what else? They're from Los Angeles. Who won the World Series? The Dodgers. Who won the NBA title? The Lakers. Whose in the Elite Eight? USC AND UCLA. Someone sold their soul out West...
March 30th, 2021 at 10:58 AM ^
Lebron. It was Lebron. Or Magic, he's made a deal with the devil for sure.
March 30th, 2021 at 10:09 AM ^
Checking in from Traverse City! Been staying with my girlfriend’s family in Indy. There was a drunk, obnoxious FSU lady right above us at the sweet sixteen, so hoping for some more class from the UCLA fan base!
March 30th, 2021 at 11:47 AM ^
You choose your girlfriends well.
March 30th, 2021 at 10:19 AM ^
I'll be in attendance! Doors open 60 minutes prior to tip-off. Since we're on the Unity (South) Court, you have to enter the stadium through the south gates.
I would recommend eating dinner before the game instead of doing pre-packaged concessions. Plenty of good options in Indy to get WAY better food. Plus it's a late tip. You have plenty of time to grab some food before getting to the stadium.
March 30th, 2021 at 10:39 AM ^
Thanks for the food tip. I'll probably plan to smuggle some snacks and just skip the concessions altogether. Will also be getting some dinner locally before the game, I've heard St Elmo's is a cheap place to grab a quick bite :) Did you hit up any earlier games? How was parking for you? Debating grabbing an uber from my downtown Indy place of work vs driving myself. Did they have have programs or souvenirs? Game is far too late for my kids, but I'm hoping to bring them back a little something.
Go Blue.
March 30th, 2021 at 11:12 AM ^
This is the first one I'm able to attend, so I don't know about parking cost or convenience. I can't bring myself to attend early tourney games because I love my 3 TV setup and watching all the early round games.
Ubering would probably be the easiest and might even be cheaper if you're staying downtown after work. I can't imagine they won't be selling programs and souvenirs. NCAA needs that money!
Ellison Brewing is right by Lucas Oil, so I plan on having a couple of pints there before I hit the stadium gates. GO BLUE!
So when Stretch walks in before the game, he can yell "next round is on DMill2782" and immediately know one of the locals!
You don't use your real name as your screen name? DMill2782 is definitely on my birth certificate. Figured everyone else was the same.
Ellison Brewing is closed today. Don't go there. Didn't expect a brewery within a half mile of the stadium to be closed today.
March 30th, 2021 at 10:24 AM ^
Lucas Oil divided into 2 courts but the game still won’t tip until after 10pm.
March 30th, 2021 at 10:27 AM ^
if indypete and indymatt don't check in we may have to revoke their mythical mgocard.
for those that are going, please do post pics like indypete did. those are great.
kudos to all that are going. let's get 'er done!
IndyMatt recently got his iPhone broken by an ice skate, so his absenteeism can be explained! He had created a hype video for the sweet 16, but alas, the phone was damaged beyond repair.
I will be at the game with Indy Matt. Parking was really easy - they had $20 parking spots right outside of the stadium. Since these games are so sparsely attended due to Covid protocols, it is easy to find a good parking spot right by the stadium.
For those of you in Indy looking for an option outside of attending, O’Reilly‘s Irish Bar on Pennsylvania Avenue is the local Michigan bar for alumni. There was a rowdy Michigan crowd there on Sunday night before, during, and after the big Florida State win. https://www.oreillysirishbar.com/
Matt and I will be in section 626. Would love to say hello to any of you who are planning to come!
outstanding. have a great time.
March 30th, 2021 at 10:28 AM ^
StubHub get-in (upper deck endcourt) is currently only $50 (with fees). Very tempting, if I hadn't already dropped $500+ (tickets, food, gas) to go last Monday.
EDITS:
1. I paid $108 per ticket (with fees) for section 231 against LSU, which was the upper half of the lower bowl, in the corner. It was a decent seat, I could see everything well. My neighbor went to the B1G tourney and said to buy upper deck and move down, which may have been possible (because ushers weren't really checking seats). But the seating was blocked to be socially distant, so I wasn't comfortable being a potential nomad with three teens in tow.
2. We arrived about 2 hours early and ate at Shapiro's Deli, which came recommended. They said it was ok to leave our car parked there, so we did. It's only a block further than the farthest pay lot ($10) and only a 10-minute walk to the stadium. Worked out great.
March 30th, 2021 at 11:15 AM ^
You need a telescope to watch basketball from the 600 section of Lucas Oil. You can watch it on the giant stadium screen from those seats, but the sight line is awful for trying to watch the court.
March 30th, 2021 at 11:30 AM ^
I agree. I was there in 2014 for the Michigan vs Kentucky game, bought at the 600-level thru StubHub. Couldn't see s*** from up there.
By the 2nd half ended up moving down to 400-level, much better. But with covid restrictions I would bet it will be more difficult than ever to try pulling off such a move at tonight's game.
March 30th, 2021 at 10:33 AM ^
I see tickets are going super cheap for this game $30+? How much do you think Final Four tickets will go for? I see them on a site going for $1300+, but I don't think they're even out yet.
March 30th, 2021 at 11:33 AM ^
Trying to convince the wife to go. It’s not too far from Louisville. Kids will be fine staying up until midnight.
Ultimately decided to stay home. The comment about needing a telescope from the 600 section did it for me. I don't want to pay $100+ for young children. If only I had family to watch the kids down here.
I was there for the Michigan/Tenn and Michigan/UK games that weekend a few years ago. Man that place was packed with Louisville and UK fans. So close and their fanbases are rabid. Great time that weekend despite the loss.
March 30th, 2021 at 11:37 AM ^
Checking in from Lansing! Can't wait. Check out the TickPick app there's no ticket fee and scored tickets in section 418 for $90.
Had never heard of tickpick so checked it out. Good prices but no option for just 2 tickets?!
NVM I’m dumb
Did you download their app? Lots of pairs of tickets, just click on the filters at the bottom of your phone screen.
I downloaded it this morning besides already having the StubHub app, and it appears their prices are generally $5-15 cheaper/seat compared to StubHub.
I live 4 1/2 hours away and if I find something reasonable and someone else to go, I still might join the Maize and Blue crowd there tonight.
March 30th, 2021 at 11:51 AM ^
I'm an Indy (Fishers) resident who will be there! Hoping that the 400 level isn't too far away to have a good view of what's going on
Heading down from Fishers as well. No tickets in hand yet, still looking online but lots of decent options. I feel strangely confident and optimistic about this one which scares the hell out of me!
The 400 level will be excellent. I have sat in 600 and can see everything just fine!
I've got two extra tix.
March 30th, 2021 at 12:07 PM ^
I'll be headed down from the Indiana-Michigan border! Been to every game since BTT. Parking is kind of iffy at Lucas Oil--if you are already parked somewhere in Indy, I'd uber or walk.
March 30th, 2021 at 12:14 PM ^
are they playing all 3 final four games on the same court? Elite 8 it looks like they play one game on each court tonight. They have such a long break Saturday I am thinking they do so they can sanitize the court.
March 30th, 2021 at 12:22 PM ^
found the answer in this article, one court: https://www.forbes.com/sites/timnewcomb/2021/03/11/the-behind-the-scene…
Interesting story to read - thanks for posting the link! I've always thought the logistics of such events are fascinating behind the scenes, but this tournament is doubly so. And, from what I can tell, it's been run pretty smoothly. There are a host of reasons to dislike the NCAA, but organizing this tournament is not one of them!
March 30th, 2021 at 12:47 PM ^
UCLA’s first time in the dome
I texted a friend who lives in the Indy area jokingly about why I didn't see him on TV during the FSU game. That text led to a joking offer of sleeping on his couch to watch the next game live. Turns out we were both being serious and I drove down from Lansing last night (thanks school from home) and hope to watch the team cut down the nets tonight! Go Blue!
Be loud. Have fun!
We just got back from Indy yesterday. We stayed at the brand new Bottleworks hotel and it was awesome. It's a short Uber ride from the game venue, but it was worth it. I've stayed at a lot of five-star hotels in my lifetime, but this place has the best rooms and amenities I have ever seen, and it is probably half the cost of most of the other name-brand, high-end hotels in Indy.
Go Blue!
Good tip, will keep this in mind if things keep trending in the right direction.
I hope whoever is going, cheers for the entirety of the game. Since there are so many less people in attendance, a single person cheering will be more prevalent.
Make it a home game, and give the team and Howard all the advantages we can. In all the upcoming games we should easily be able to control the crowd/energy.
As always, Go Blue!
I've got two extra tickets for tonight . . . Section 227 Row 13 . . . $487 per ticket, but make me an offer.
I will be there!! Lets go blue. Cut down some nets tonight!!!