Case Arena Saturday night was packed!
Case Arena was opened in November of 1963. It has since been cited as being “the 22nd largest Basketball Arena in the World” according to Ballpark Hunter Sports Reviews. Frankfort Athletic Director Ed Niehaus confirmed the ranking was likely about right even today since some larger arenas have been decommissioned.
Case Saturday night was packed and the evening recalled the days of a county-wide sectional session in the 60’s and 70’s or the filming of “Blue Chips” itself 30 years ago. The seating during sectionals was so tight black seat numbers were for normal nights did not apply and closer red bleacher numbers had to be observed on packed sectional nights.
Walk-in game goers last night experienced the excitement of the “Throw-Back Game” first hand for 6 dollars per ticket. Frankfort High School Athletic Director Ed Niehaus and Eric Farley first announced the concept at the Frankfort Rotary Meeting on November the 9th.
Niehaus and Farley then led the charge to put together the community event featuring the “Hoosiers” AKA Rossville Hornets vs the “Western Dolphins” AKA Frankfort Hot Dogs compete with movie-like jerseys, Western cheer flags and floor decals.
According to Niehaus, Case Arena’s 5200 seating capacity was reached Saturday Night. The biggest challenge, Niehaus said, was assembling some 50+ volunteers and support staff to cover all the bases, from admission ticket takers to concession, score tables, media, officiating, security etc. In addition to Niehaus and Farley, Richard Sallee and Mike Taylor (MC) were specifically mentioned as key players in helping with the pieces for a successful night.
As any leader knows, “the total is the sum of the parts” when putting together a team effort such as this.
Music from the movie score lit up the arena and sparked a cheering crowd when the “Western Dolphins” exploded onto the floor to play the “Hoosiers”.
Niehaus expressed his thanks to everyone who played a part in making the evening possible, including sponsors. Kaspar Media asked Niehaus if he was surprised by the way the community responded to the event. “Not really. I could tell early on (the community) was into it after it was announced in the (Rotary) meeting”
The final score?
- Dolphins (AKA Frankfort) 54
- Indiana (AKA Rossville) 39
The game was carried live on WILO Radio and Hot Dog TV.
