Just got back from the game

[Louis_Skunt]

Wow, that was fun. From reading on here I guess you could hear our GO BIG BLUE chants on TV...glad to hear it.

The place was LOUD. And I'm not talking UK fans, the USCjr fans get that place rockin. And its a fun atmosphere....great motivating music, games, just a good feel.

One of my favorite parts was the crowd chanting GAME-COCKS towards the end, then UK fans started GO BIG BLUE and Marcus Lee looked up and laughed about it in amazement. Gave me goose bumps how passionate we are.

I thought the opposing fans were pretty nice, much different than the football crowd. The USC guys sitting around me pretty much knew UK was much more dominant and they were just hoping to keep it relatively close. That whole John Wall game in that building is legendary. They talk about it like it was the best day in USC history. And that game is what motivates USC fans to come to this game every year. Hoping to catch lightning in a bottle again.

Someone said that the womens basketball team draws more fans than the mens.

At halftime, nobody leaves. In Rupp i go through a traffic jam up the stairs. I dont think a soul moved at half. Then Spurrier came out and the place went nuts. I thought it was ironic that he picks the UK game to give a football speech, considering he lost a heartbreaker to us, a team he doesnt respect.

The arena is really nice. Easy to get in and out of and parking was a piece of cake.


THE NEGATIVES----- Only thing I'll disagree with on here, I think they had a bigger crowd. If you take out the huge student section it's pretty close. But that student section is massive and CRAZY. Rupp arena or UK needs to take notes from USC. Just an awesome atmosphere...10 times louder than Rupp (except on big games). I'm sitting here at 11pm and still pumped from that crazy scene.

 

[Dutycat]

Originally posted by Louis_Skunt:
Wow, that was fun. From reading on here I guess you could hear our GO BIG BLUE chants on TV...glad to hear it.

The place was LOUD. And I'm not talking UK fans, the USCjr fans get that place rockin. And its a fun atmosphere....great motivating music, games, just a good feel.

One of my favorite parts was the crowd chanting GAME-COCKS towards the end, then UK fans started GO BIG BLUE and Marcus Lee looked up and laughed about it in amazement. Gave me goose bumps how passionate we are.

I thought the opposing fans were pretty nice, much different than the football crowd. The USC guys sitting around me pretty much knew UK was much more dominant and they were just hoping to keep it relatively close. That whole John Wall game in that building is legendary. They talk about it like it was the best day in USC history. And that game is what motivates USC fans to come to this game every year. Hoping to catch lightning in a bottle again.

Someone said that the womens basketball team draws more fans than the mens.

At halftime, nobody leaves. In Rupp i go through a traffic jam up the stairs. I dont think a soul moved at half. Then Spurrier came out and the place went nuts. I thought it was ironic that he picks the UK game to give a football speech, considering he lost a heartbreaker to us, a team he doesnt respect.

The arena is really nice. Easy to get in and out of and parking was a piece of cake.


THE NEGATIVES----- Only thing I'll disagree with on here, I think they had a bigger crowd. If you take out the huge student section it's pretty close. But that student section is massive and CRAZY. Rupp arena or UK needs to take notes from USC. Just an awesome atmosphere...10 times louder than Rupp (except on big games). I'm sitting here at 11pm and still pumped from that crazy scene.

Thanks LS. I've been to USC football games but never been to Colonial Life Arena

 

[jrm693]

Thanks for the report, I will probably go next time we play I am on my SEC arena tour. I went to Tuscaloosa last Saturday and the GO BIG BLUE chant went there also, and the folks were friendly and I got to sit across the isle and talk to Wimp Sanderson. But y'all were louder on the chant and it sounded great.

 

[jrm693]

Texas A&M also has a great basketball arena that is off to itself and plenty of close parking and their people are very friendly so if you haven't made that trip you should, the parking at Alabama not so good had to walk a long way.

 

[warrior_SW]

First time at CLA as well. That place's acoustics are crazy. The whole arena is right on top of you it feels like. Huge student section and like you said, it gets WILD in there.
Posted from Rivals Mobile

 

[BoulderCat]

Nice to hear. You fans definitely did us proud. As I said in another thread it doesn't matter where the game is UK always has a fairly strong contingent of fans. I wish we'd come out and play CU, CSU, Wyoming, or NM, but I know it will never happen.

 

[FiveStarCat]

Good post - just one comment on your line about "Just an awesome atmosphere...10 times louder than Rupp (except on big games)."

That's apples to oranges - which I think you realize with your "except on big games caveat." You are forgetting that this is not only a big game for USC, but it's as big as it gets for a regular season game in January. The unbeaten, #1 ranked, best current and historic program coming to town. Of course the atmosphere is going to be insane. Try going when it's Auburn (or hell even Arkansas or LSU or Florida) and it will be a lamer crowd than Rupp on its dullest days.

 

[Kampus Korner]

Originally posted by Louis_Skunt:
Wow, that was fun. From reading on here I guess you could hear our GO BIG BLUE chants on TV...glad to hear it.

The place was LOUD. And I'm not talking UK fans, the USCjr fans get that place rockin. And its a fun atmosphere....great motivating music, games, just a good feel.

One of my favorite parts was the crowd chanting GAME-COCKS towards the end, then UK fans started GO BIG BLUE and Marcus Lee looked up and laughed about it in amazement. Gave me goose bumps how passionate we are.

I thought the opposing fans were pretty nice, much different than the football crowd. The USC guys sitting around me pretty much knew UK was much more dominant and they were just hoping to keep it relatively close. That whole John Wall game in that building is legendary. They talk about it like it was the best day in USC history. And that game is what motivates USC fans to come to this game every year. Hoping to catch lightning in a bottle again.

Someone said that the womens basketball team draws more fans than the mens.

At halftime, nobody leaves. In Rupp i go through a traffic jam up the stairs. I dont think a soul moved at half. Then Spurrier came out and the place went nuts. I thought it was ironic that he picks the UK game to give a football speech, considering he lost a heartbreaker to us, a team he doesnt respect.

The arena is really nice. Easy to get in and out of and parking was a piece of cake.


THE NEGATIVES----- Only thing I'll disagree with on here, I think they had a bigger crowd. If you take out the huge student section it's pretty close. But that student section is massive and CRAZY. Rupp arena or UK needs to take notes from USC. Just an awesome atmosphere...10 times louder than Rupp (except on big games). I'm sitting here at 11pm and still pumped from that crazy scene.

I was at the game as well. You accurately described the happenings. It was a loud arena but then every arena where UK plays is also loud, just like Rupp is when we play a "big game".

 

[Louis_Skunt]

Originally posted by FiveStarCat:
Good post - just one comment on your line about "Just an awesome atmosphere...10 times louder than Rupp (except on big games)."

That's apples to oranges - which I think you realize with your "except on big games caveat." You are forgetting that this is not only a big game for USC, but it's as big as it gets for a regular season game in January. The unbeaten, #1 ranked, best current and historic program coming to town. Of course the atmosphere is going to be insane. Try going when it's Auburn (or hell even Arkansas or LSU or Florida) and it will be a lamer crowd than Rupp on its dullest days.

You're correct. As stated a million times, we're everyones super bowl. Its just so cool walking into a place where its THAT electric every year for this game. Reminds me of the UNC-UK game with John Wall. Just looking for any reason to go absolutely bananas. Is it louder than Rupp when UK plays a top team? Probably not, its a different sound than I can describe. Is it crazier? Absolutely.

 

[sluggercatfan]

Originally posted by Louis_Skunt:
Wow, that was fun. From reading on here I guess you could hear our GO BIG BLUE chants on TV...glad to hear it.

The place was LOUD. And I'm not talking UK fans, the USCjr fans get that place rockin. And its a fun atmosphere....great motivating music, games, just a good feel.

One of my favorite parts was the crowd chanting GAME-COCKS towards the end, then UK fans started GO BIG BLUE and Marcus Lee looked up and laughed about it in amazement. Gave me goose bumps how passionate we are.

I thought the opposing fans were pretty nice, much different than the football crowd. The USC guys sitting around me pretty much knew UK was much more dominant and they were just hoping to keep it relatively close. That whole John Wall game in that building is legendary. They talk about it like it was the best day in USC history. And that game is what motivates USC fans to come to this game every year. Hoping to catch lightning in a bottle again.

Someone said that the womens basketball team draws more fans than the mens.

At halftime, nobody leaves. In Rupp i go through a traffic jam up the stairs. I dont think a soul moved at half. Then Spurrier came out and the place went nuts. I thought it was ironic that he picks the UK game to give a football speech, considering he lost a heartbreaker to us, a team he doesnt respect.

The arena is really nice. Easy to get in and out of and parking was a piece of cake.


THE NEGATIVES----- Only thing I'll disagree with on here, I think they had a bigger crowd. If you take out the huge student section it's pretty close. But that student section is massive and CRAZY. Rupp arena or UK needs to take notes from USC. Just an awesome atmosphere...10 times louder than Rupp (except on big games). I'm sitting here at 11pm and still pumped from that crazy scene.

"Someone said that the womens basketball team draws more fans than the mens."..."10 times louder than Rupp(except on big games)

...I think you solved your own dilemma with these two statements...Don't you think this was a BIG GAME to SC and their fans with the way it was billed???

 

[JonathanW]

I agree with the OP that the student section is large, and it's nice that they actually get good seats. But I found out after the game why there were so many students. The school credits them for football tickets if they go to basketball games.

As for the UK-USC fan ratios, if you take away the student section, there was way more UK fans than USC fans. Including the student section and it was close to 50/50.

 

[UKWildcats#8]

Originally posted by JonathanW:
I agree with the OP that the student section is large, and it's nice that they actually get good seats. But I found out after the game why there were so many students. The school credits them for football tickets if they go to basketball games.

As for the UK-USC fan ratios, if you take away the student section, there was way more UK fans than USC fans. Including the student section and it was close to 50/50.

Seems like a good idea to me.

 

[ok-cats-computer]

Sounds like an awesome time OP. I've always wanted to take a tour of SEC arenas. I enjoy reading posts about the atmosphere at road games. The Go Big Blue chant sounded particularly loud on TV during this last game. Even the announcers talked about the impressive showing by Kentucky fans in Colonial Life Arena.

 

[Louis_Skunt]

Originally posted by ok-cats-computer:
Sounds like an awesome time OP. I've always wanted to take a tour of SEC arenas. I enjoy reading posts about the atmosphere at road games. The Go Big Blue chant sounded particularly loud on TV during this last game. Even the announcers talked about the impressive showing by Kentucky fans in Colonial Life Arena.

Definitely was a good time. Before this thread drifts to oblivion, I HIGHLY reccomend attending a UK game in Colonial Life Arena...you wont regret it.

 

[DS849]

Sorry you missed out on the pizza

 

[wildcatdonf]

#5, Sugar and I rolled out at 6:00 sharp yesterday morning, picked up #2 down the road at 7:30. The timing could not have been better. Ate McDonald's breakfast biscuits on the road. Plenty of coffee to keep me awake. The boys slept. Parking was $5.00. Tickets were easy. We ere in the lobby by 10:30. Mostly Wildcat fans. Made you feel good. They let us in about 11:00. Enjoyed the shootaround a lot.

SC's crowd fired up when the took that 24-23 lead, but Booker look over and before you knew it we led 34-24 at the half. Then we got to 39 and stayed there for a long time. I wanted to really blow them out, but I'll take the win.

Listened to Coach Cal's postgame on our way back. Fun.

Ate at Cracker Barrel on the way back. Pretty good. We were hungry by then. Dropped #2 off, and we rolled in at 7:00. Got #19. Good trip. A blast. Lots of Kentucky there. It was a sellout.

Now it's on to Missouri. Let's get that one. Can't go to that one. Too far to drive to.

 

[KYBallCoach]

Glad you had a great and safe trip wildcatdonf

 

[SomeDudeCRO]

As good as our crowd there was, I thought it was noticeably fewer and quieter than years past, atleast until the second half. Spurrier I think has respect for UK now because of friendships with the Stoops family, but make no mistake the USC fans can still be pretty bad at a basketball game (I was there for the 2010 loss too).

 

[electricdreammachine]

Agree with OP except for the statement about the music. The only thing motivating about the crap coming out of the arena speakers was to put in some ear plugs. I've never heard worse music at a game in my life, just complete slop. Sandstorm might have been the best song played and it is terrible.

 

[AnarchoNeoLuddite]

Originally posted by Louis_Skunt:

Originally posted by FiveStarCat:
Good post - just one comment on your line about "Just an awesome atmosphere...10 times louder than Rupp (except on big games)."

That's apples to oranges - which I think you realize with your "except on big games caveat." You are forgetting that this is not only a big game for USC, but it's as big as it gets for a regular season game in January. The unbeaten, #1 ranked, best current and historic program coming to town. Of course the atmosphere is going to be insane. Try going when it's Auburn (or hell even Arkansas or LSU or Florida) and it will be a lamer crowd than Rupp on its dullest days.

You're correct. As stated a million times, we're everyones super bowl. Its just so cool walking into a place where its THAT electric every year for this game. Reminds me of the UNC-UK game with John Wall. Just looking for any reason to go absolutely bananas. Is it louder than Rupp when UK plays a top team? Probably not, its a different sound than I can describe. Is it crazier? Absolutely.

Amazing what UK BBall can do. I bet USCs next home game wont be a 1/3 filled up. As all the other teams end up doing too...

 

[KYcatsfan4ever]

My sentiments exactly. We sat one row behind the media on the UK baseline. The student section is very loud and spent most of their time heckling. They were screaming at Cal most of the to sit down or get in his box. I'm not sure Frank Martin got up during the game? Anyway, they made fun and screamed at Sam Malone about his headband, that he would never play and never sweat so didn't need it. He heard them and pointed at the scoreboard.... they screamed at some fans in our section "UCONN" over and over... not sure why, yes UK lost to UCONN last year, but it's not like SC have ever had won anything! Overall very rude, and classless fans around us. Sad, they have a beautiful place to play their games but classless fans that only show up for 1 game a year... they don't know much, if anything about basketball, that is apparent. I live hear in SC and learn more every year the SC fans don't know how to win and don't know how to lose. If I ever go back I won't even try to get good seats. I will sit up at the top and enjoy the game without hecklers screaming "three blind mice" and "can't shoot free throws" before every free throw. The least they could do is do a little research before they start their chants! I love our boys and can't get tickets for Rupp games.... I just wish teams would use their energy to cheer for their team and not just to heckle the Cats... Part of being the "superbowl I guess. If the teams in the SEC would play against each other like they play against UK, the SEC would be good! I did pics with Dickie V and Matt Jones so a good day. Dickie V not my favorite, but he does so much good with his V Foundation, I have to respect him. GO BIG BLUE, thanks for listening!

 

[BBNinSC]

That was the first sell-out at Colonial Life Arena in 4 years.
They have had a grand total of 6 sell-outs since opening in 2002.
It was the UK presence that made the atmosphere. USC plays Georgia
Saturday, the place will be a tomb.

 

[KMKAT]

First visit to CLA, and nothing but good things to say about the experience.

Sat 10 rows from the top and I saw those awful calls on Willie. That ref needs to be Hessed!

Great UK atmosphere. Fans up top were chanting defense, and it sounded like we were the home team.

Parking was terrific for us, and no issue hanging around and getting down near Aaron during the post game.

Then Frank Martin had his post game show, and 30 people hung around for him......I just don't wish that coach upon any team.
He is as bombastic as it comes.

Spurrier heard it from the UK fan base at halftime and he was so incredulous about his 4 consecutive bowl wins. He could not have had that speech at any other home game.

All in all, I could go back to CLA and feel very good about our chances/experience. For a place that holds 18K, it didn't feel like there was a bad seat in the house. Rupp Arena authorities could take a few tips on getting decent seats in the upper level.

 

[LowCountryCat]

Originally posted by wildcatdonf:
Dropped #2 off

And who's #19?

 

[wildcatdonf]

Johnny Unitis.

 

[wildcatdonf]

And win #19.

 

[UKCatnNC]

Do you think their place was crazy because it was their biggest game? Go Cats!!

 

[wildcatdonf]

It was crazy because the opponent was UK. Just like all of the other teams.

 

[JonathanW]

Originally posted by KYcatsfan4ever:
My sentiments exactly. We sat one row behind the media on the UK baseline. The student section is very loud and spent most of their time heckling. They were screaming at Cal most of the to sit down or get in his box. I'm not sure Frank Martin got up during the game? Anyway, they made fun and screamed at Sam Malone about his headband, that he would never play and never sweat so didn't need it. He heard them and pointed at the scoreboard.... they screamed at some fans in our section "UCONN" over and over... not sure why, yes UK lost to UCONN last year, but it's not like SC have ever had won anything! Overall very rude, and classless fans around us. Sad, they have a beautiful place to play their games but classless fans that only show up for 1 game a year... they don't know much, if anything about basketball, that is apparent. I live hear in SC and learn more every year the SC fans don't know how to win and don't know how to lose. If I ever go back I won't even try to get good seats. I will sit up at the top and enjoy the game without hecklers screaming "three blind mice" and "can't shoot free throws" before every free throw. The least they could do is do a little research before they start their chants! I love our boys and can't get tickets for Rupp games.... I just wish teams would use their energy to cheer for their team and not just to heckle the Cats... Part of being the "superbowl I guess. If the teams in the SEC would play against each other like they play against UK, the SEC would be good! I did pics with Dickie V and Matt Jones so a good day. Dickie V not my favorite, but he does so much good with his V Foundation, I have to respect him. GO BIG BLUE, thanks for listening!

I was lalmost right behind you then, we were 3rd row behind the media on the baseline (closer to the UK bench than the students). Sounds like you were closer to the students (& that crazy Uncle Si student) than us.