It’s that time of the year…the air is cold, the days are short, and college basketball is underway. Butler grads, Indy lovers, and anyone with a heart for an underdog story loves the Butler Bulldogs. If you haven’t been to this historical venue to witness your local Division 1 school, what are you waiting for? Here’s the scoop you need before taking your kids to a Butler basketball game.
Butler Basketball Games with Kids
Pre-game
If there is a specific match-up you want to see, grab tickets when single-game tickets go on sale in the fall before the season starts. Depending on the team’s opponent, the game may sell out quickly. Tickets range from about $20 to $75 but can sell for much more on resale sites. Season passes and mini-packs are available. Check directly with the Butler site before buying elsewhere to avoid additional charges.
Kids ages 2 and under are free but must sit on a lap. The upper levels have bench seating while lower level tickets get you a stadium chair. Little ones tend to have room to sit on the ground in front of their folded-up chair and play on the floor or color if they need a break from the action.
If possible, aim to arrive early for the game. Butler’s mascot, an English Bulldog named Blue IV, frequents the stadium for games and is a fan favorite. Take a selfie with Blue, grab some popcorn, check out the fan store, and take a self-guided tour of the historic fieldhouse. Promotions vary from game to game and can include anything from t-shirt giveaways to posters and food.
Pre-Game FAQs
Where do you park for a Butler basketball game?
The surface lot next to the fieldhouse is $20. There is also a parking garage that has hourly rates available. This option is typically cheaper, but if event pricing is in effect there may be no difference in cost. Enter the parking garage from Sunset Ave between 46th and 49th Streets. There is a shuttle bus that transports fans from the garage to the fieldhouse. Visitors can find decent on-street parking for free as well. Just make sure you’re not in an area that is “permit parking only”. When in doubt, the attendants and security officers are very helpful in guiding you to appropriate entrances.
What is the bag policy at Hinkle Fieldhouse?
Each patron is allowed one small clutch bag and one clear plastic bag. Be aware that guests will walk through metal detectors before entry. One policy we love is that reusable bottles are permitted inside the gates of Hinkle Fieldhouse, provided they are empty. Empty water bottles may be filled at the water fountains inside the building. What a great way to save the Earth and have more money for snacks. Baby bottles and toddler snacks are okay to bring in, so long as they fit inside the clear plastic bag.
Where can I find Guest Services?
Guest Services are located next to the Gate 4 ticket office. Upon entry, guest services can help you with game programs, free posters, and fieldhouse maps. Complimentary buttons are available for those fans enjoying their first game at Hinkle or celebrating a birthday.
Where can I stock up on Bulldog gear?
Butler merchandise is available at the Follett’s Spirit Shop location inside Gate 4 on the lower level and at a second location in the southeast corner on the upper level. Grab a giant foam finger or a souvenir basketball for your newest Bulldogs fan. The Spirit Shop will remain open for 30 minutes after the final buzzer.
Game Time Fun
The halftime entertainment at Butler Basketball games ranges from local dance troupes to Butler student groups to even the Indiana Pacers Power Pack with their high-energy, acrobatic dunks. Throughout the game, you can find plenty of t-shirt tosses, cheers and chants to yell along with, and silly dancing and antics your kids will participate in with the hopes of seeing themselves on the big screen.
Concessions
Hinkle operates eight concession stands filled with your fan favorites, coupled with fresh alternatives and add-ons that are sure to please! The main-level concession stands feature Chick-fil-A, burgers, ice cream, and stadium standards. Head to the four corners of the upper concourse for quick pick-ups like popcorn, hot dogs, and drinks. You can even find a fully-stocked concession stand grilling fresh, made-to-order burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, and walking tacos.
It’s nice to have these options when you don’t want to lug all the kids down the stairs to grab a cotton candy or ice cream. Prices for game-day food and drinks are on par with other area athletic venues. We suggest eating your main meal off-campus and splurging on Dippin Dots or a bucket of popcorn.
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible seating is available throughout Hinkle Fieldhouse. Amenities like elevators, wide hallways, and inclusive restrooms make the fieldhouse easy to navigate for visitors using wheelchairs or other equipment. The family restrooms are also ADA-accessible.
Gender-inclusive and family restrooms are located in the east and west hallways on the upper and lower levels. Nursing mother accommodations are available in the Hinkle Fieldhouse family restrooms. A private and secure room is also available for nursing mothers to use. Visit the Gate 4 ticket office or Guest Services kiosk to ask for staff assistance to gain access to this space.
Post-Game
Stick around after the final buzzer. The court opens up for fans to run around and play. Many fans, young and old, BYOB (Bring Your Own Ball) to the Butler games. Practice that half-court shot or shoot free throws with your friends. The cheerleaders usually stick around for photos and if you’re there long enough, the coaches and players come back out to chat with fans.
Finally, if your kids are old enough to appreciate it, show them the movie Hoosiers before you take your first trip to Hinkle. The final scene of the climactic championship game in Hoosiers was filmed at Hinkle Fieldhouse, the site of the 1954 championship game between Milan High School and Muncie Central.
Soak in all the tradition and history that Hinkle Fieldhouse has to offer while you cheer on the fantastic Butler athletes. Go DAWGS!
Sign your little sports fans up for an Indy sports team’s kids’ fan club!
Kids love the Riley Sports Legends Experience at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
Address
510 West 49th Street
Indianapolis
IN
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