Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
Support the IDS in College Media Madness! Donate here March 24 - April 8.
Thursday, March 28
The Indiana Daily Student

sports

Students wait in line over 24 hours for IU basketball game

caBasketball

At 1 p.m., the general admission line for the IU vs. North Carolina men’s basketball game stretched down the sidewalk from Assembly Hall’s doors to Fee Lane.

Freshmen Carl Heldt and Blake Weltmann and sophomores Michael Delissio and Jason Morrin were at the front of the line.

The group claimed their spot outside Assembly Hall at 9 p.m. Monday night in anticipation for Wednesday’s game.

“It’s the number three team in the country coming through,” Delissio said.

[1981 National Champions add extra flair to North Carolina matchup | IDS]

Heldt said there was one more group that lined up Monday. Some students arrived Tuesday, but Heldt said the majority of students arrived early Wednesday morning.

They spent the night in their tent Monday, but Tuesday, they were told to take down the tent and go home for the night. Their spots would be saved for them.

The group arrived at 4 a.m. Wednesday to reclaim their spot in line and wait the final 17 hours until the game.

“It’s been a little chilly, but it’s fun,” Weltmann said.

Everyone in the group took breaks to go to class while the others stayed in line to keep their spot. They brought their backpacks with them to do their homework while waiting in the line.

“I brought my backpack but no food and no water,” Heldt said.

Morrin said the group had ordered Pizza X cheesy bread and rotated taking breaks to get food. Further back in the line, other groups had brought grills to make their meals.

Others brought small tents, fold up chairs or air mattresses to sleep in.

“It’s going to be crazy,” Weltmann said. “Everyone is a little tired right now, but when game time gets closer it’s going to get really exciting.”

Get stories like this in your inbox
Subscribe