BIG Time Basketball in Indy

March begins a day late this year due to 2012 being a Leap Year, but that just makes the lead-up to March that much more exciting. Here in Indiana, we love basketball and March (and early April) is the most exciting month for a college basketball fan. Indianapolis has hosted the Women’s BIG 10 Basketball Tournament for the past 17 years and this year should be another great tournament. The Women’s tournament begins on Thursday, March 1 and will be decided by Sunday, March 4. The Men’s tournament starts one week later on March 8 and will conclude on March 11.

2012 marks the first time that Nebraska has participated as a BIG 10 member, so 12 teams will be in the tournament this year. Details for how to purchase tickets are below, but even if basketball isn’t your thing, there are some other great events going on over the next 12 days like a 5k race, a career fair and pep rallies before the two final games in each tournament. Find out more details at the Indiana Sports Corporation’s website.

Women’s Tournament (March 1-4)

• All-session ticket: $70 (through Ticketmaster)
• Individual tickets – purchase through links below

Women’s Tournament Schedule: (Updated PDF bracket)

Thursday, March 1 – Session One (first round, two games) – 11:30 a.m.  – (Tickets: $10)
#7 Michigan vs. #10 Illinois; #6 Nebraska vs. #11 Northwestern
Thursday, March 1 – Session Two (first round, two games) – 6 p.m. – (Tickets: $10)
#8 Minnesota vs. #9 Wisconsin; #5 Michigan State vs. #12 Indiana
Friday, March 2 – Session Three (quarterfinals, two games) – 11:30 a.m. – (Tickets: $14)
Session 1 winners and #2 Ohio State and #3 Iowa
Friday, March 2 – Session Four (quarterfinals, two games) – 6 p.m. – (Tickets: $14)
Session 2 winners and #1 Penn State and #4 Purdue
Saturday, March 3 – Session Five (semifinals, two games) – 5 p.m. – (Tickets: $16)
Sunday, March 4 – Session Six (championship game) – 4 p.m. – (Tickets: $16)

Other than fan blocks for each game, the women’s tournament will feature general admission seating. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster (800) 745-3000 or the Bankers Life Fieldhouse box office.

 Men’s Tournament (March 8-11)

• Sideline Balcony All-Session Tickets (11 games in four days) – $240 through Ticketmaster or the Bankers Life Fieldhouse Box Office only
• Corner Balcony All-Session Tickets (11 games in four days) – $175 through Ticketmaster or the Bankers Life Fieldhouse Box Office only

Men’s Tournament Schedule: (Updated PDF Bracket)

Thursday, March 8 – Session One (first round, two games) – 11:30 a.m., BTN – (Tickets – $20-$40)
Thursday, March 8 – Session Two (first round, two games) – 5:30 p.m., ESPN2 – (Tickets – $20-$40)
Friday, March 9 – Session Three (quarterfinals, two games) – Noon, ESPN – (Tickets – $40-$70)
Friday, March 9 – Session Four (quarterfinals, two games) – 6:30 p.m., BTN – (Tickets – $40-$70)
Saturday, March 10 – Session Five (semifinals, two games) – 1:40 p.m., CBS – (Tickets – $45-$80)
Sunday, March 11 – Session Six (championship game) – 3:30 p.m., CBS – (Tickets – $45-$80)

Special student discount:

• All-session ticket: $50 (available only to students of the 12 Big Ten universities – purchase Big Ten University box offices.)

Student section seating will be available in eight balcony sections and orders will be limited to one all-session ticket. All students must have a valid student ID for entry.  Details on the student ticket program will be sent to the university ticket offices for distribution directly to students

Information from the Indiana Sports Corp

Even if you’re not planning to attend any of the games, you can still hang out with some friendly faces. Just check out the list below and find out what the official restaurant is for YOUR favorite Big Ten team:

Illinois – The Ram Restaurant & Brewery (140 S. Illinois; 317.955.9900)
Indiana – Kilroy’s Bar & Grill (201 S. Meridian St.; 317.638.9464)
Iowa – Weber Grill (10 N. Illinois St.; 317.636.7600)
Michigan – O’Reilly’s Irish Bar and Restaurant (36 S. Pennsylvania; 317.974.0674)
Michigan State – Slippery Noodle Inn (372 S. Meridian; 317.631.6974)
Minnesota – Rock Bottom Brewery (10 West Washington St.; 317.681.8180)
Nebraska – Champions Sports Bar and Restaurant (350 W. Maryland; 317.405.6111)
Northwestern – Buffalo Wings and Rings (111 W. Maryland; 317.822.8400)
Ohio State – Champps (49 W. Maryland St.; Circle Centre Mall; 317.951.0033)
Penn State – Harry & Izzy’s (153 S. Illinois; 317.635.9594)
Purdue – Scotty’s Brewhouse (1 Virginia Ave.; 317.571.0808)
Wisconsin – Buffalo Wild Wings (7 E. Washington; 317.951.9464)