Former Galesburg High School girls basketball coach Evan Massey shares his insights on the game and other topics through his Massey Basketball blog, now featured here on WGIL.
This story was written originally on July 11, 2024, after Dave Wood and I went to Indianapolis to watch the Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark. I had generously been gifted two tickets by a Knox alum with Fever season tickets. And if there is a basketball game someplace- Woody is ready to go. This post describes our experience at the Fever game.
I had an absolutely great day yesterday, going over to watch the Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark. Dave Wood and I got the chance to go because of the generosity of a Knox basketball alum who hooked us up with the tickets. We had great seats just 13 rows from the court. I have been to many sporting events- Packers game at Lambeau, Red Sox at Fenway, Badgers at Kohl and Camp Randall, Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse- this was as impressive and as electric as any sporting I have ever attended.
Gainbridge FH is a great place to go to a game. You have easy access to parking downtown, it is right off the interstate. Downtown Indianapolis is a beautiful city and very comfortable to walk around. If you are going to ever get over for a game, I would suggest that you calculate the time change, and leave 4:45 before the tip-off. After you park, it should get you into the FH about a hour before tip-off. Plenty of time to check out your seat, got to the Team Store and get 2-3 souvenirs (it is great when your wife is not along). And the concessions are fabulous- and cashless.
There were many really cool moments during the game- every one of Clark’s 5 threes, and everyone one of Clark’s 13 assists- all brought a gasp and a the roar of 1000’s of high pitched female girls. For me, I found the most emotional scene was actually during the starting lineups. Clark was introduced last and it was clear there was a build up and an anticipation of her name being called- and then that high pitched roar. I remember going to a Bulls game when Jordan was a rookie, he did not get the response or the excitement that Clark brings. This year Caitlin Clark is not Michael Jordan- Caitlin Clark is the Beatles, and she is right here in the Midwest.
I can only imagine the impact that moment and the whole scene must have on a 7 year old girl, or sophomore in HS getting ready to play next winter. If as a 70+ old man, I find it emotional, what does watching 18k fans idolizing a female rock star player do for these young fans? As they watch- what does it make them realize is possible? What does it do to their dreams?
If I had a daughter, I would get on Stubhub, and get tickets to a home Fever game. Did you ever think your daughter would or could see 18,000 fans worshipping a women’s basketball team or a women’s basketball player? It doesn’t matter if your daughter likes basketball- get tickets and get over there. Will the tickets be expensive? Yes, but so are groceries! I guarantee your daughter will come home, go out in the driveway, shoot baskets, and play pretend games where she is Caitlin Clark. So if I had a daughter- we would be headed to Indianapolis to see the Fever. I hope you will look at the schedule and get over there.
And even if you don’t have a daughter- two old men had a lot of fun. Last night after I got home, Amy was on the phone with our son. I heard her say,”He had a great day, he got to do two of his favorite things- watch a basketball game, and spend time talking with Woody. You probably won’t have Woody with you so you won’t have as much fun as I did- but it will still be worth it.
On our way out, we ran into a member of one of our favorite Galesburg families- Jim Watson was headed out the same exit. The day kept getting better.
A huge thanks to our fellow Knox basketball alum- we had a great day. Who knows? Maybe Woody and I will go out in the driveway today and pretend we are Caitlin Clark- I will pass to Woody, and of course Woody will shoot and shoot and shoot.
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