Final Four in the Sports Capital of the World

There is tremendous hype for the 2010 Final Four this weekend in Indianapolis. The top story of course has been Butler making it to the final weekend in their own backyard. Their campus, the city, and fans around the country have rallied behind this talented Bulldog team in large numbers.

When the team arrived back on campus Sunday morning at 3 AM, students and fans were out in force greeting the team, and they “felt like rock stars,” as sophomore Gordon Hayward said. On Tuesday when tickets were available, there was a line around the inside halls of Historic Hinkle Fieldhouse. Then people found out the tickets were sold-out by noon. Wednesday afternoon, over 3,000 fans, cheerleaders, band members and school officials gathered around on the circle for a pep rally. The Bulldogs are the story of the weekend, and have the hearts of everyone.

There are a lot more events taking place this weekend, see the full list below:

Friday practice schedule at Lucas Oil Stadium (doors open at 11 a.m.)
Noon – 12:50 p.m.: Butler
1 – 1:50 p.m.: West Virginia
2:10 – 3 p.m.: Michigan State
3:10 – 4 p.m.: Duke
4:35 p.m. – Reese’s College All-Star Game

Saturday at 2:30 p.m. – Darius Rucker: Lawn at White River State Park
Saturday at 3 p.m. – Fabolous: Indiana Convention Center
Saturday at 4 p.m. – Daughtry: Lawn at White River State Park
Sunday at 7:15 p.m. – LL Cool J: Lawn at White River State Park
Sunday at 8:45 p.m. –  Goo Goo Dolls: Lawn at White River State Park

School hangouts:
Butler: RAM
Duke: Buffalo Wild Wings
Michigan State: Champps
West Virginia: Scotty’s Brewhouse

The tournament has a huge impact on the city of Indianapolis. Experts predicted that visitors may have a $50 million dollar impact. However because Butler is in the tournament, that number may drop 15%, but fans cannot complain.

What a story Butler is and will add to the tournament. This will be much better than 4 #1 seeds in the Final Four. The Bulldogs are a team full of classy, smart, unselfish players. The players are so focused on class and academics because well, they are student-athletes. They care so much that they will be the first team that went to class everyday throughout Final Four week. Coach Stevens said despite between downtown and having distractions, they will have multiple shuttles available for players and staff. These guys are determined and focused with the end goal in mind. Their goal is to be playing on Monday and win their first National Championship. Can they? Absolutely…but it won’t be easy.