Hinkle Fieldhouse Review
By Tyler Smith 2/7/2020
Hinkle Fieldhouse
Historic Hinkle Fieldhoue
Game Attended: 2/5/2020 vs Villanova
Stadium Capacity: 9,100
Date Opened: Early 1928
Miles Traveled: 268
Location: Indianapolis, IN
School: Butler University
Athletics Site: ButlerSports.com
Tickets: Butler Tickets
Seating Chart:
Stadium Capacity: 9,100
Date Opened: Early 1928
Miles Traveled: 268
Location: Indianapolis, IN
School: Butler University
Athletics Site: ButlerSports.com
Tickets: Butler Tickets
Seating Chart:
Hinkle Fieldhouse-Butler Bulldogs Seating Chart via Butlersports.com
Hinkle Fieldhouse Features
Hinkle Fieldhouse was built in 1928. It was originally named Butler Fieldhouse, but the name was changed in 1966 after Tony Hinkle. The venue has been host to historic basketball games (Hoosiers), Jesse Owens World Record, six presidents, WW2 barracks, and many Butler basketball moments. The venue became a national historic landmark in 1987. Hinkle has undergone several renovations in its long history, the most recent one being completed in 2014.
The exterior of the building is primarily red brick. The design is unique to college basketball with a more industrial look. That look becomes more prevalent with the windows that are on each side of the building. The arched roof gives the venue a classic look that you get a great feel for when you walk inside.
The primary concourse takes you on a tour of the history of Hinkle Fieldhouse. Here you can find concessions and bathrooms as well as the entrance to the West Wing.
The arena is divided into three separate sections. The lower level features chairback seating in sections 104-107 and 116-120. Behind each basket is the student section. Media seating can be found next to section 107.
The second level features an open concourse. This section has chairback seating too. Though the extended student section and band have bleacher seats.
The 300 section rises above the baselines and into the windows at the top of the fieldhouse. This section features bleacher and chairback seating.
The scoreboard was upgraded in 2014. The scoreboards in the corners of the second level were added in 2014 too.
The exterior of the building is primarily red brick. The design is unique to college basketball with a more industrial look. That look becomes more prevalent with the windows that are on each side of the building. The arched roof gives the venue a classic look that you get a great feel for when you walk inside.
The primary concourse takes you on a tour of the history of Hinkle Fieldhouse. Here you can find concessions and bathrooms as well as the entrance to the West Wing.
The arena is divided into three separate sections. The lower level features chairback seating in sections 104-107 and 116-120. Behind each basket is the student section. Media seating can be found next to section 107.
The second level features an open concourse. This section has chairback seating too. Though the extended student section and band have bleacher seats.
The 300 section rises above the baselines and into the windows at the top of the fieldhouse. This section features bleacher and chairback seating.
The scoreboard was upgraded in 2014. The scoreboards in the corners of the second level were added in 2014 too.
What To Do On Gamedays
Butler Bulldog Statue outside of Atherton Union
#1 Park in the parking garage on campus, we got there early and parked for free.
#2 Checkout the campus! Get a picture with the Bulldog statue located in front of Atherton Union.
#3 Head to Chatham Tap to grab some food and beers!
#4 Check out the first floor of Hinkle for plenty of historical facts.
#5 Head to your seats
#2 Checkout the campus! Get a picture with the Bulldog statue located in front of Atherton Union.
#3 Head to Chatham Tap to grab some food and beers!
#4 Check out the first floor of Hinkle for plenty of historical facts.
#5 Head to your seats
Hinkle Fieldhouse Overview
Arena: Hinkle Fieldhouse brings us back to an era that is seemingly lost in 2020. Not many venues can do that. The modern touches have elevated the field house to another level. Not many venues have an open view of the court from any of their concourses. Hinkle achieved this despite being built-in 1928. The outside of Hinkle is a site to see with its industrial era feel. The windows are a lost art. Hinkle is a must-see on every college hoops fan list. How can you not love Hinkle?
Upgrades: No massive changes here. The biggest opportunity is the lower level concourse. Lots of Historical facts throughout, but they could elevate to a more modern look that would elevate the venue even higher. If not an upgrade to the concourse a museum would take this venue to another level. I have seen several museums around the country from UNC to NKU. Hinkle deserves one.
Scoreboard: The center-hung scoreboard was a huge addition when they renovated the venue. It brings a modern touch to a historic venue. The four scoreboards in the corners of the lower level are just enough boards to keep this score at a nine.
Atmosphere: The place was designed to be loud! Noise travels so well in this venue. The student section was great on my visit, they were in the building very early. Seeing a buzzer-beater does seem to amp up the atmosphere level, but win or lose this was going to be the atmosphere rating. Keep selling out Hinkle, Butler fans!
Campus: The Butler campus sits just 5 miles north of downtown Indianapolis. The campus sits on 258 acres with a canal running through the campus. Butler University is a very walk-able space with a few must-sees along the way. The first stop is the Atherton Union where you can find the book store and Bulldog statue. Next, make your way through campus to see Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium. Inside is the largest telescope in Indiana. Located just beyond the observatory is Holcombs Gardens. Deep in the garden, you can find Mrs. James Irving Holcomb Memorial Carillon Tower. This is a great place to check out and loved by the locals.
Arena Story Time: This was my second visit to Hinkle Fieldhouse. My first was for the Horizon League title back in 2008. My Cleveland State Vikings fell to Butler that day. That was my first taste of Hinkle. From that moment I wanted to go back. Well, things have changed since that visit, no more troth style toilets!
My wife had bought me tickets for my birthday (so kind!). I brought along my fellow writer on the site, Matt Hetzler. We both came away impressed with Hinkle Fieldhouse. They have done a fantastic job with the venue. Don't worry the bucket delay did not have any effect on the review.
Upgrades: No massive changes here. The biggest opportunity is the lower level concourse. Lots of Historical facts throughout, but they could elevate to a more modern look that would elevate the venue even higher. If not an upgrade to the concourse a museum would take this venue to another level. I have seen several museums around the country from UNC to NKU. Hinkle deserves one.
Scoreboard: The center-hung scoreboard was a huge addition when they renovated the venue. It brings a modern touch to a historic venue. The four scoreboards in the corners of the lower level are just enough boards to keep this score at a nine.
Atmosphere: The place was designed to be loud! Noise travels so well in this venue. The student section was great on my visit, they were in the building very early. Seeing a buzzer-beater does seem to amp up the atmosphere level, but win or lose this was going to be the atmosphere rating. Keep selling out Hinkle, Butler fans!
Campus: The Butler campus sits just 5 miles north of downtown Indianapolis. The campus sits on 258 acres with a canal running through the campus. Butler University is a very walk-able space with a few must-sees along the way. The first stop is the Atherton Union where you can find the book store and Bulldog statue. Next, make your way through campus to see Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium. Inside is the largest telescope in Indiana. Located just beyond the observatory is Holcombs Gardens. Deep in the garden, you can find Mrs. James Irving Holcomb Memorial Carillon Tower. This is a great place to check out and loved by the locals.
Arena Story Time: This was my second visit to Hinkle Fieldhouse. My first was for the Horizon League title back in 2008. My Cleveland State Vikings fell to Butler that day. That was my first taste of Hinkle. From that moment I wanted to go back. Well, things have changed since that visit, no more troth style toilets!
My wife had bought me tickets for my birthday (so kind!). I brought along my fellow writer on the site, Matt Hetzler. We both came away impressed with Hinkle Fieldhouse. They have done a fantastic job with the venue. Don't worry the bucket delay did not have any effect on the review.
Ratings For Hinkle Fieldhouse
Outside of Hinkle fieldhouse
|
Arena 9.25/10
Scoreboard 8.5/10 Atmosphere 9.0/10 Butler 5.25/10 (Campus) X-Factor (History of Hinkle) +3 Total 35.0/40 |
Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium
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