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Dick Vitale, College Basketball analyst
Close- Dick Vitale, college basketball’s top analyst and ambassador, joined ESPN during the 1979-80 season. His thorough knowledge of the game is brought forth in an enthusiastic, passionate style. Vitale also contributes columns to ESPN.com.
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For lovers of college basketball, there are a few must-have experiences to add to your bucket list. Mark your calendar and seek out the home game schedules to secure tickets to a pair of my favorite places, as you take in the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium and the Kansas Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse. These venues are exceptional destinations for basketball lovers, akin to the revered status of Boston’s Fenway Park and Chicago’s Wrigley Field among diehard baseball fans.
Cameron Indoor Stadium: where tradition meets intensity
Nestled in the heart of Duke University, Cameron Indoor Stadium is not just a sports venue; it is a home where basketball history thrives. The electric atmosphere, as the Blue Devils take to the court, is unparalleled. The tightly packed arena amplifies the intensity of the game, creating an atmosphere that can only be described as spine-tingling. The fervor of the Cameron Crazies — Duke’s zealous student section — is infectious, creating an environment that rattles even the most composed opponents. They have so many chants that they hand out cheat sheets before big games.
What truly sets Cameron Indoor Stadium apart is its rich history. The echoes of legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, the winningest floor general in NCAA Division I men’s basketball history, reverberate within its walls. It’s where basketball icons like Grant Hill, Christian Laettner and many more left an indelible mark on the sport. The aura of greatness that permeates this stadium is not just a result of the banners and trophies but the unwavering pride and passion that every Duke fan exudes.
Allen Fieldhouse: a mecca of basketball tradition
In the heart of Lawrence, Kansas, stands the iconic Allen Fieldhouse, a monument of basketball tradition and undying spirit. As the home of the Jayhawks, this revered shrine is steeped in an unparalleled legacy. The deafening roar of the Jayhawk faithful’s “Rock Chalk” chant reverberates through its hallowed halls, making it a fortress where opposing teams need to beware of “The Phog.”
What sets Allen Fieldhouse apart is its palpable sense of history. The likes of James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, coached at Kansas. The court is where basketball legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Danny Manning and many others cemented their place in the sport’s lore. The fans, with their unwavering loyalty and passion, create an atmosphere that not only energizes the players but pays homage to the rich legacy of the sport.
Why every basketball fan should visit
The allure of these two arenas extends beyond the games themselves. These venues serve as living testimonials to the devotion and pride of their respective fan bases. The passion exhibited by the Cameron Crazies and the Jayhawk faithful is infectious, creating an experience that goes beyond merely watching a basketball game.
Visiting these shrines of the sport allows fans to immerse themselves in the deep-seated traditions and history of the sport. It’s a chance to witness firsthand the energy and fervor that make college basketball such a beloved and incomparable spectacle. Thus, every college basketball fan should endeavor to witness the magic, the legacy and the unmatched enthusiasm found within the walls of these storied arenas.
Tickets for the V Foundation’s Basketball Bash are now available at v.org/supersixteen. Enter the raffle for a chance to watch a Sweet 16 game with Dickie V, for tickets to the 19th annual Dick Vitale Gala and to help raise money for pediatric cancer research.
