ISU blackout in full swing

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - The hoopla inside ISU’s Hulman Center this week is obvious, even to passersby.

Some of the 10,200 seats for Wednesday night's match, of the Sycamores versus the Creighton Bluejays, are still up for grabs.

“Still tickets available,” said Jennifer Cook, assistant director at Hulman Center. “So, we encourage everybody to come out and to really support the team!"

Support for the Sycamores seems to hinge upon how the team is doing. Even Sycamore Brian Hopton admits that; but the die-hard devotee, who recalls heartier Hulman Center crowds, swears his love for ISU is unconditional.

“I go way back to the (Larry) Bird days,” Hopton said. “When it was packed, you know? I’ve been through 4-win seasons and I’ve been through 20-win seasons. It doesn’t matter to me. It’s just the way I was born and bred. My family’s always been Indiana State!”

Even the athletic department admits, a rowdier crowd inspires the players on the floor.

Sold-out seating also is a win-win for the non-sporting events at Hulman Center.

Thursday night’s Rascal Flatts concert, that still has seats for sale, could lead to bigger and better acts, according to Hulman Center managers.

"Anytime we get a country show that really does well and sells well -- there's a little grapevine out there in the country music industry, and immediately they say -- 'Hey, Terre Haute's the place we want to play,” said Jennifer Cook.

A blackout is planned for Wednesday night’s Sycamores game; not a power outage, rather fans are being asked to wear all black for the boys in blue. Brian Hopton encourages everyone to attend the game.

“Just come out, folks! Support the team! It’s your team, this is the Wabash Valley’s team!”