Empty Seating Presents Challenges for Redbird Hoop Fans

NORMAL, Ill. – The atmosphere will be different when the Redbirds take the court at home this season.

Due to safety protocols, there will be no fans allowed in Redbird Arena to attend games. It’s a unique challenge for fans, as their only means of catching a game will come through following it on a television or radio broadcast. And while live pick-and-rolls will be sorely missed, some remember games at Redbird Arena for the atmosphere that can’t be replicated.

“My favorite event to attend at ISU was the basketball games because they were always so fun to go with a group of friends,” ISU alumni Peyton Clark remembers. “It was fun whenever ISU played Bradley and we would throw up confetti when ISU made the first bucket.”

And for the casual fan, the social aspect of being at a game with friends drives interest in the game itself. Many are disappointed they cannot get that experience for the foreseeable future. However, one fan still plans on keeping up to speed with the team in the red in alternative ways.

“When sports start happening again it will definitely be tough to follow along; It’s hard to follow our sports without watching some of the games live,” said ISU senior Jon Mahnke. “I will be checking scores and occasionally watching on tv, but it will definitely not be the same.”

The men’s team will start their season on the road against the Evansville Purple Aces on December 30th while the women’s team will begin MVC play at home against the UNI Panthers on December 31st.