Somehow only just now have made it to a game at Hinkle Fieldhouse, and I have no complaints. There doesn't seem to be a bad seat in the house. Even the seats on the side are angled into the center of the court, so you're just a bit more comfortable. The glass on the front row of the upper level gives more of a viewing opportunity. The natural light is a great tough, getting to see just a little bit of the Indiana sunset as you take in the game. Even the concession stands are thought out enough to be inside the playing area, which makes for some difficult line navigation but cool nonetheless that you don't miss any action while waiting. In true Indiana style--and I mean this in a great way--this feels like an expanded Indiana high school gymnasium built for basketball rather than a big arena for multi-use at a university. This place was MADE for basketball. Highly recommend a game here. read more

What a fun experience to take our children to their first Butler game! My husband is an alumni so our house is decorated in Bulldog decor and are huge fans. We snagged excellent seats but they were occupied by a bunch of students, who begrudgingly eventually did move. We went to the VIP section where they celebrated with Fat Tuesday cakes, cookies, another beverage stand, veggies, etc, met the Merchants frog, and had a fun Night together. The bathrooms were clean, admission into the facility was quick and easy, security check points moved fast and overall, both kids had a pretty smooth introduction to sports in the safest environment possible! read more

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A friend gifted me a Butler Basketball game. I'm not the biggest sports fan and I didn't attend Butler University, but I'm usually up for a new experience. It was fine. The field house is a pretty building - seems larger on the inside than it looks from the outside. There was lots of fun to be had... music - dancing - cheering - and of course basketball. I treated the girls that were with me to popcorn (exceptionally salty), a pretzel with cheese, and some bottled waters.... I knew it would be costly and it did not disappoint $35+... oh well.... Not surprised as everyone knows college is expensive these days from tuition to popcorn! Lol! It was a fun experience, but to be honest not exactly my cup-o-tea... read more

Hinkle Fieldhouse - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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I was here for a runners club event so not really a fill experience. Its a cool place and would be a great place to watch a basketball game. They have loads of seats and some bleachers. Its old school basketball for Indiana. A definite place to attend. read more

Hinkle Fieldhouse - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

The cathedral of Indiana! If you haven't been to a basketball game in Hinkle, what are you waiting for? The atmosphere is one of a kind. There is so much history to learn/absorb and they have done a phenomenal job in preserving as much of it as possible. There truly is not bad seat in the house even the 300-level section is padded now as well so the seating is comfortable. I have season tickets to to Butler basketball games but have watched NCAA March madness games here is as well. Parking can be a challenge if you don't purchase a pass in the lot so just buffer some time for a walk from the surrounding neighborhood streets. Food selection has stepped up their game from chick fil a to pizza to steak sandwiches. The drinks are decently priced as well for a stadium. If you're looking for a fun day or evening out, a visit to Hinkle won't disappoint! read more

Hinkle Fieldhouse - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Sprawling, historic fieldhouse! Not a bad seat in the house. Parking can definitely get chaotic, but it's a non-issue if you have permit parking or can ditch the car. Lots of great food options here. Take a walk around and look at the many things they have on display, too! read more

Come here and feel the Hinkle *magic* fill your veins. Quick story: the first time I ever went into Hinkle, I was a freshman showing a potential student around. I didn't know Hinkle was closed, but was trying to get in anyways when Brad Stevens himself opened the door, winked at me and then allowed us to sit and watch the entire Dawgs private basketball practice. It doesn't get better than that. For each game, Hinkle is filled with a mad passion that makes you excited for the game even if you know nothing about it. There's a fun student section, a new fancy scoreboard and loads of energy. You have to go to a game at least once. Besides- the movie 'Hoosiers' was filmed here read more

Hinkle Fieldhouse - Bulldogs everywhere! - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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One of the best stadiums to watch basketball if you love historical stadiums. Be cognizant though that the seats behind the basket will not allow you to see parts of the court unless you're in the first row or two. read more

I have to pour some more love on one of my favorite sporting venues of all time. Nothing can top the history of Hinkle, and it still gives me goosebumps when I see the court. I go to lots of Butler basketball games, and I can't say enough good things about the experience. Quick in and out, easy access to the seats, nice staff members, spirit shop, concessions. Not to mention, there is literally not a bad seat in the house. I'm not kidding. The higher up, the better, because you get an incredible visual of Hinkle in all its glory. Bathrooms are large and clean and you barely have to wait in line. Not to mention the electric school + fan spirit for games! If you're interested in getting season tickets, the process of selecting your seats is down to a science and literally a breeze to complete. They also offer young alumni discounts or five-game packages! read more

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No where better to cheer on the dawgs. "Hinkle magic" for all ages and all occasions. Parking garage a block away, accessible ramps throughout the building, and now serving beer. Go dawgs! read more

Hinkle Fieldhouse - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Had an amazing time at the ABA 50th anniversary. The players were very friendly and really appreciated the support for those who came out. read more

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My 200th review is not likely going to be a legend like Hinkle Fieldhouse...but here goes anyway. :-) Full disclosure...this was my first visit to Hinkle (ever) and I did not get a chance to see the facility pre renovation/facelift. Post renovation, I feel it is a near perfect blend of old school nostalgia with all the modern amenities one would expect from a high end college basketball program. And can it get LOUD...good for the home team. Full disclsoure part two...I was not there to watch Butler destroy an overmatched Taylor in pre-season action but volunteering at concessions to earn money for my son's ball team (cool idea Butler). Thankfully our concession spot was located where I could catch some of the action. Either way it is a beautiful exterior building and blends in naturally with the Butler campus. The interior refresh should keep old Hinkle relevant for decades to come. Very good experience and would like to come here to watch a whole game sometime soon. read more

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Hinkle Fieldhouse is the Basketball arena on the Butler University Campus in Indianapolis,IN. It was built in 1928 and is one of the oldest basketball arenas still in use. It was named for local legend, Paul D. "Tony" Hinkle who coached Butler for 41 years. It also holds a special place in the heart of Basketball crazy Indiana. Parts of the Indiana State High School Basketball Tournament are held here every year. It was during one of those State Tournaments that Hoosiers witnessed, "The Milan Miracle." In 1954, Milan H.S., a small High School in Indiana, took on state powerhouse, Munice Central for the state championship and unbelievably won. The story inspired one of the greatest sports movies ever, "Hoosiers." Today, Hinkle Fieldhouse continues to draw in Basketball crowds for the High School games and to watch the Butler Bulldogs continue to grow as an great team nationally. Part of that Hoosier magic makes Butler "the little team that could" nearly every year in the NCAA Tournament. Hinkle Fieldhouse is held in such high esteem, that the Pacers designed their own fieldhouse, Conseco Fieldhouse, after it. On a personal note, this building holds a lot of memories for me. I grew up in a house about 2 blocks from Hinkle Fieldhouse. My parents bought that house from Mr. Hinkle himself. I heard stories from our old neighbor that Tony Hinkle never showed emotion on the court, he never got angry. But, after a lose his wife would have to sew up the lining of his pants pockets because he ripped them to shreds. As a kid ,I'd ride my bike around the Fieldhouse and sneak in to watch Butler games. I met my favorite basketball player, Reggie Miller, there when he was shooting a commercial. I also saw some of the greatest High School Basketball games ever played there. If you are a basketball fan and you are in Indianapolis, you have to go check out Hinkle Fieldhouse. They've done some renovations, but it still looks the same. ESPN did a documentary on it called, "Indiana's Basketball Cathedral." In a state as crazy about Basketball as Indiana, thats something special. To me Hinkle FieldHouse is a cathedral. read more

Hinkle Fieldhouse - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Oh my goodness, where to even begin? Hinkle is just an amazing place to watch a basketball game, or anything to be honest. Upon first walking into the lobby, you're immediately surrounded by history. Chills will run down the spine of any basketball enthusiast. You won't find any of the modern amenities that would typically expect at the newer venues, but to be honest, you don't need them. As mentioned in another review, the seating is a bit tight (I think people were smaller back in the day), but it's not terrible. The seating in each end hangs right over the sideline and is definitely one of the more unique vantage points in college basketball. If you're more than a few rows back, the overhang will obstruct your full view of the baseline, but it's not a big deal--or just get a front row seat. I would strongly recommend getting a baseline seat at least once. The other seats are pretty good too, there's really not a bad seat in the house. Do note that the first five rows of the upper level are a padded bench, but the rows above that are just wood. If this bothers you, just splurge on a lower level seat. The concessions are typical arena fare, but they also have a Chick-Fil-A table set up in the lobby that you can grab a sandwich before you head to your seat. Prices are about what you would expect anywhere. All in all, Hinkle is a must-visit venue for any basketball fan. Make sure you visit this place at least once in your life. And then go back. And then go again. And again. And...well, you get the idea. read more

Hinkle Fieldhouse - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

HICKORY!!!!! If ever you find yourself lucky enough to be alone in Hinkle Fieldhouse, don't resist the urge to yell this. I certainly have done it. It's a thrill. But, seriously, this place is simply iconic. There is nothing better than a Saturday afternoon Butler basketball game at Hinkle, with the sunlight pouring in the windows. The new renovations have only been an improvement. I love how the 200 level now has chairbacks and the restroom and concession facilities have certainly improved. Whether you're going to a game or not, if you find yourself in the Butler area, definitely stop in and pay a visit to an iconic piece of Indiana basketball history. Go Dawgs! read more

It's no secret that I love Butler Basketball. After all, it is my alma mater. Butler's focus on the fundamentals and try-hard attitude optimizes the spirit of college basketball. I mean, who doesn't like a nail biter? The historical fieldhouse just received a HUGE facelift, that both modernizes and preserves the history of the space. While the iconic domed shell stayed in tact, the court is brand new and topped off with a scoreboard and Jumbotron that takes the game-watching experience to the next level. Can you say instant replay? Though they did lose some capacity, the new seats are MUCH more comfortable than the bleachers of late. The concession stand and bathroom lines move quickly and the new garage is a quick and easy bet for parking nearby in the colder months (though it does cost $10). You won't find a better atmosphere to watch a basketball game in or a more hard-working team to root for. Admittedly, I may be biased. #HomeSweetHinkle #GoDawgs read more

Hinkle Fieldhouse - That Jumbotron though... - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Good ole, Hinkle. You'll always have a special place in my heart. A place where we forget our differences and disagreements and come together for the love of the Dawgs (and many other special events at Butler University). With the recent-ish renovations, it's done nothing but make this place even more magical. The seats are comfy for the time you're in them, the surrounding hallways are spacious, the bathrooms are relatively clean, and it's easy to navigate! Go Dawgs! read more

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Beautifully restored historic space--fun for watching a game. Love how intimate it feels versus a big time NBA or other venue. The seats and rows are pretty snug, so it can be a bit of a pain when you have others in the row who get up every five minutes, but other than that, a stellar experience. Butler should be very proud of this little gem! read more

A true pillar of the greatness and history of the Hoosier condition. The original great american basketball arena, a monument to times gone by. Built in a time before million dollar contracts, the three point line and the troubling advent of High School players going pro. Maybe it's the five years I spent at Butler as a student, but maybe it's a true love for all things Indiana, and my appreciation for the historical significance of this beautiful building. Host to presidents and ball players, diplomats and every graduate of Indiana's finest educational institution, some of my favorite moments in life have happened here. I received my college diploma in this building, a final glorious moment after five years of hard fought and intense educational labor. I witnessed some of the greatest moments in Butler basketball history in this arena, including the last second shot by Avery Sheets to win the regular season horizon league regular season title in 2003. I watched Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush speak here to a packed house of students looking for answers to some of the worlds great problems from two men who know how things run. The restrooms may be a bummer to some, but in this hallowed hall, many great hoosiers and many great americans have laughed, cheered and maybe shed a tear or two. It means a lot of things to a lot of us, and if you have the chance to come pay your respects to times gone by, then do so, come take in a Bulldog basketball game, you'll have one of the best experiences watching a mid-major basketball success story anyone could ever have. read more

Hinkle is a great place to watch basketball in Indy! It has a such a fun atmosphere and the pride fans have for Butler is amazing! If you are in Indy, make sure to go to a game. read more

You have not seen a basketball game until you have been to a packed house at Hinkle Fieldhouse. It is simply the finest arena to witness Indiana's Game in action. This is where they used to crown the state champions, this is where the last act of the movie Hoosiers was filmed to recreate what the state championship would be like. And this place is loud. I grew up about four blocks from Hinkle and used to ride my bike all through the adjacent Holcomb Gardens, but every springtime in March, I knew when basketball season was coming down to crunch time. Hinkle Fieldhouse generated sonic booms when the drama enfolded. When I watched the semi-state games on live TV, It seemed like I would hear the crowd reaction from outside the house before the television signal reached my antenna. I've been told on several occasions by people who work for Butler athletics that Butler's opposing teams hate playing here because of the noise when the crowds is going at full tilt. They try to schedule their games during academic breaks so that the crowd noise isn't so great. And now over the past ten plus years Butler Basketball has returned to its old glory and it has become the hottest (and loudest) ticket in town. When you witness a game here, you witness history. Buildings like this are rare and every attempt will be made to make sure this arena survives another 80 years, but if you want to see the action for yourself, make a trip soon. Unfortunately, you never know what could make the last event at a building this old it's final one. PS: I witnessed the greatest game of all time at Hinkle Fieldhouse: Washington vs. Ben Davis. Washington was the westside inner city public high school and was closing after the school year. Ben Davis was the westside suburban township high school to which some kids from the same neighborhood were bussed. And Ben Davis and Washington were ranked #1 and #2 in the state respectively. So the semi-state for this game was the greatest collection of talent in the city of Indianapolis on one court, from one side of town (west), from the same neighborhood (Haughville) playing in an emotional game of winner takes all. These kids grew up together, played AAU ball on the same team, and were in the same youth leagues. Both teams sported the same colors: Purple and White. It was a sea of purple and white and nobody knew which section each school was supposed to be seated. But the famed "Battle of the West Side" still is one of, if not, the best basketball game I ever witnessed. Back and forth drama, heroics on both sides, and a sprinting down the court pull up 35-footer at the buzzer. Game! Unfortunately, Washington's last season came to an end. Washington is now back open after, almost 10 years closed, as a Junior High School. read more

I think my previous review got lost! I don't know how you can not like Hinkle. It literally is a part of history. I'm impressed at the building renovations and historic integrity. Some of the seating is still old school bleacher style. They aren't the most comfortable to sit on for an entire game but part of history. It's great that they have a gift shop inside the arena area. Everything is conveniently located throughout the arena. There is limited parking outside in the lot and street parking. Make sure to arrive early to avoid traffic congestion. Go Dawgs!!!! read more

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Now, this review comes to you from someone who really couldn't care less about Hoosier basketball. Or any basketball, for that matter. I know. What a sin. So, you should be happy. This review doesn't come with any baggage. I don't like basketball. I saw Hoosiers one time and didn't care for it much. (OK, my husband did graduate from Butler's MBA program a few years ago and his graduation was held there ... that's the only time I've been there. That's how I got this information. It didn't taint my views.) Hinkle Fieldhouse is cool. I must admit, from the outside, the place looks HUGE (and old). I like the oldness of the building. It's nice to actually get a chance to go inside an old sports facility that is still old and not just build to look old (Read: Camden Yards). But some things about it are a little nasty. Take for instance the bathrooms at the top of the gymnasium. I say "top" ... I'm not sure how else to say it. There's some sort of track around the top of the seats and some bathrooms. The women's bathroom must've been converted from a men's bathroom ... I think ... cause I swear there was some sort of trough in there that I'm thinking men used to pee in. (If you've been there, you know what I mean.) So yeah, it's old. But it's cool. I'm sure that building has "seen" so much action and drama unfold since 1928! It's almost hard to believe. Check it out for yourself ... it's located on the Butler University campus. read more

This is one of the world's greatest basketball arenas. Period. I have been around Hinkle nearly half my life now. Its traditions, history and action are unmatched. Butler University basketball games remain a great family affair, even as the school joined bigger conferences. The university renovated Hinkle over the last couple of years. They did a wonderful job of preserving the arena's history while adding modern touches. That scoreboard! Seats, restrooms, concession stands and the fan shop are all easier to access and use. The renovation also improved the sightline of many seats in the upper section. Also a great photo op if you're near Butler University's campus on a sunny day. read more

Win or lose we still love Hinkle. Despite the bulldogs' subpar performance this season Hinkle remains one of my favorite places to go in Indianapolis. The games are special because of the history you're standing in. Think, the film "Hoosiers" was filmed here. More than that and maybe this is a student getting a little sentimental but you can feel the close bond of the community surrounding you. The love for the game--but mostly our mascot Trip--is alive and well in this historic building. Definitely worth a tour and a game. It's family and DAWG friendly (Figuratively speaking. You cannot bring your pets to the game). read more

I get it. I'm old school. I give reverence to the romantic notion of how things used to be. Hinkle is a historic landmark that touches all of those bases and more in an age of mega million arenas that offer as much entertainment off the court as on. But I still come to the arenas of sport to watch the game and that's what you get here. There's the energetic pep band, the cheerleaders, the folks who have been coming to games long before there was the national spotlight. That's what I want. It's honestly not much different than going to a Friday night high school game. That's why I'm here. I'll be honest, I'm a bit biased since one of my good friend's daughter plays on the women's team, but I would suggest coming to a women's game. You'll likely see Coach Stevens stop by and Colts' Tight End Dwayne Allen is often in the crowd. The parking during men's games can be insane and the restrooms are a bit dated and inconveniently located, but those are minor concerns when you're visiting the last great shrine to basketball that is still in full use. read more

I love Hinkle! It's so historic and the atmosphere is unbeatable. From campus events to the roar of Butler basketball games to graduation and every event in between, it never fails to make it special. The new renovations have improved the sound throughout the vicinity and the new railings are helpful for those who have trouble with steps. The new video board over the center of the court is very clear and allows a great view. Already looking forward to basketball season! read more

Hinkle Fieldhouse - Graduation ceremony - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I love going to games here. I'd suggest catching a game during the day. The light coming through the Fieldhouse windows is awesome! I really like to sit on the ends on the second level. There isn't a seat like it left in college basketball today. Although it's a smaller crowd than most NCAA games the crowd is always fired up! Butler has been in the NCAA final two years in a row. Great team, great coach, great venue!! read more

Earlier this evening, I experienced my second visit to Hinkle Fieldhouse. The first visit was to attend my sister's commencement back in 2004 -- it was a May afternoon, but as a former reviewer mentioned, it's awesome how the sun streams in through the large windows. Tonight, however, was my first Butler Bulldogs basketball game. A friend of mine from Chicago (whose daughter attends Butler) was in town and we had decided several weeks ago to catch the game vs. Gonzaga. Any of you Butler fans who are reading this (and I'm kind of one myself -- my sister has brought me over) know that this game vs. Gonzaga, with its utterly dramatic finish, became an instant Hinkle Fieldhouse all-time classic. The postgame conversation on the radio after the game expressed the same opinion. In a nutshell, my friend and I both agreed that Hinkle FIeldhouse is one of those venues that just feels tailor-made for college basketball. What an atmosphere, and what a team! Any college basketball fan should visit Hinkle Fieldhouse at least once.... I'm sure glad I did! read more

Hinkle Fieldhouse was a very fun place to see a great college basketball program perform. In their game against St. Johns, we had great seats right at mid court on the top of the first tier. Theres really not a bad seat in the place, as a heads up. I was happy to hear that in 2014 the stadium will be receiving a multi million dollar renovation to bring it into the 21st century. With no video monitor and old school lights, it could use some sprucing up. It seats almost 10K and is sold out often so theres always a great atmosphere. With some future upgrades and it's classic Indiana basketball feel, Butler basketball Hinkle Fieldhouse is a college basketball haven. read more

Amazing place to see a college basketball game!! Saw Marquette and Butler earlier this year and the atmosphere was incredible.

Great time to watch the Bulldogs. I like how small the arena is and when you are in the building you get the old school atmosphere of basketball in Indiana. read more

My husband's been bugging me about visiting Hinkle forEVER. So, we decided to drive in from Detroit to go to a game this Spring. It was a really cool old arena. Everyone had great spirit and we had an excellent time! It's a classic - you should go. read more

Fantastic stadium! What a wonderful historical place and building totally excited about the renovation plan!

great place for nostalgia especially this time of year, small gift shop, mostly clothing

I am acknowledging having never been to Cameron at Duke, which everyone says has the best atmosphere and which I grant translates extremely well on television. But as a person who has been to a lot of college basketball venues, let me say that I believe this is the best one in America. Intimate setting, great atmosphere, Midwestern people who are both supporting and friendly. Plus, it's always fun to see Blue the Bulldog on the court before the Butler basketball team takes the floor. read more

Love the venue and attending Butler games. However, the new parking garage is horrendous. Allow at least an extra hour to park. It usually takes an hour coming from 38th St. to cross campus and park in the garage. Allow another hour to leave the garage after a game. read more