Hoosier Hysteria!

I was looking through my list of things to do in Indianapolis and I've decided to write a post about one of the coolest things I've done since I moved here. Unfortunately, it happened last summer when I was still taking a blog hiatus, so I'll probably miss most of the details, but here goes.

Confession: Before last summer, I had never seen Hoosiers.

Nearly everyone that heard that admission was baffled and/or disgusted, especially people around here. They didn't have to say it - I could tell by their judging eyes. Suddenly, my validity as a sports fan was called into question. Can someone be a real sports fan without having seen the "greatest sports movie of all-time," as decided by ESPN? Probably not, I finally decided and set out to change the error of my ways.

Fortunately for me, Hoosiers was playing at IMA's Summer Nights, so I jumped at the chance to go with Wheat.

Every summer, IMA shows a series of classic movies outside at the gorgeous amphitheater that overlooks the White River. They sell popcorn, candy, soda, and wine, but you can bring whatever you want in a picnic basket. Wheat and I settled on Subway and staked out our spot on the grass before exploring the Art Park for a couple hours.

The movie itself lived up to the hype. I enjoyed it and I understand why it has inspired such a cult-like following over the years. Also, can you beat the opportunity to join in a group clap with an entire audience of actual Hoosiers after a motivational speech from Gene Hackman? I don't think so.

After seeing the movie, I planned to take us to nearby Knightstown, Indiana to tour the real-life Hoosier Gym.

Please notice the flower pots.

It was totally worth the trip and I highly recommend it to anyone in the area. The gym, which was used as the home of the Hickory Huskers, looks untouched since they filmed the movie. Nothing has changed, including the signs on the wall, and you just feel the special aura when you step on the hardwood floors.

In the entrance, there is a little shrine of sorts to the gym, which was actually built in 1921, and the movie, complete with memorabilia, pictures of famous people at the gym, and a tiny gift shop.

Eternally playing against Terhune...

Ball signed by the real-life Jimmy Chitwood, Bobby Plump

Admission is completely free and the people that work there do so on a volunteer basis. The guy who gave us our tour was awesome, so knowledgeable on the history of the gym and its involvement in the movie. He took us down to the locker room, which was used in several memorable scenes, and even quizzed us on the movie.

When he left us to explore on our own, we picked up some basketballs and shot around on the court for a while. I may or may not have attempted to make a last-second shot like Jimmy Chitwood.

Oh yeah - you can rent the place for $25/hour, so we're keeping it in mind for our wedding reception. Kidding.