Fans, visitors and the local community are encouraged to participate in a number of events surrounding the 2014 Big Ten Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments. Events include the annual Big Ten Thinks Pink promotion, Big Ten Career Expo, the Big Ten Hoops Day 5K and pep rallies for both the Big Ten Men’s and Women’s Championship Games. Each Big Ten school will also be paired with a team restaurant for both tournament weeks.
The 6th Annual Big Ten Thinks Pink promotion will take place during the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament. A portion of the tickets purchased for the Saturday, March 8, 2014 (Semifinal session of the Big Ten Women’s Tournament) will be donated to the Pink Ribbon Connection, a single point of contact in central Indiana for information and resources for those with breast cancer.
Fans and coaches are encouraged to wear pink to help raise awareness, while referees will use pink whistles as their way of supporting the cause. The Pink Ribbon Connection was founded in 2006 by a group of breast cancer survivors to help those that have been affected by breast cancer. For more information on Big Ten Thinks Pink, visit bigten.org, IndianaSportsCorp.org or PinkRibbonConnection.org.
The 6th Annual Big Ten Conference Career Expo will be held on March 14 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. in conjunction with the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament. The Career Expo will once again take place at historic Union Station just blocks from Bankers Life Fieldhouse, the site of this year’s tournament. This is a chance to be introduced to top-tier employers that are interested in hiring for full-time or internship positions within their companies. The dress is business casual. Registration for the Career Expo is free for all Big Ten students and alumni at www.BigTenCareerExpo.com.
The 5th Annual Hoops Day 5k takes place on March 16, at 11 a.m. and tips off Championship Sunday of the men’s tournament. Registration for the Big Ten Hoops Day 5K is $20 if you sign up online at tuxbro.com.You can also register for $25 on-site the day of the event.
The run/walk starts and finishes in front of Bankers Life Fieldhouse and winds 3.1 miles through downtown with the final three blocks running down newly-renovated Georgia Street. Participants are encouraged to display their favorite Big Ten University’s colors with T-shirts, face paint, flags and more. The first 2,000 registrants will receive a long-sleeve event T-shirt.
The Big Ten Championship Game Pep Rallies will bring fans together to celebrate Big Ten Basketball on the Championship Sunday of both tournaments. The women’s pep rally will take place on March 9 (11 a.m.) in the Bankers Life Fieldhouse Entry Pavilion. The pep rally includes a Battle of the Pep Bands, free popcorn and soft drinks, games, a tattoo artist, and a teaser performance by halftime act Simon Sez. The men’s pep rally will take place on March 16 (1:30 p.m.) on Georgia Street (just outside Bankers Life Fieldhouse). The rally will include a live DJ, Battle of the Pep Bands, corn hole, food and beverages (available for purchase), and a live showing of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Selection Show immediately following the Big Ten Men’s Championship Game.
The Big Ten Restaurant Pairings have been announced for the 2014 Big Ten Basketball Tournaments. Restaurants serve as a great place to relax and fuel up throughout the two weekends alongside fans of your favorite university. Following are the pairings for the tournament:
- Illinois – Ram Restaurant and Brewery
- Indiana – Kilroy’s Bar and Grill
- Iowa – Colts Grille
- Michigan – O’Reilly’s Irish Bar and Restaurant
- Michigan State – Slippery Noodle Inn
- Minnesota – Hard Rock Café
- Nebraska – High Velocity
- Northwestern – Champions
- Ohio State – Champps
- Penn State – Harry & Izzy’s
- Purdue – Scotty’s Brewhouse
- Wisconsin – Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar
A special thank you to Local Tournament Supporters St. Vincent Health, Cooper Tires, ExactTarget, and WISH-TV 8.
