Five years ago when the making of the “Blue Chips” would have made the movie 25 years old, no celebration marking the event was held. That will all change Saturday night in Case Arena when Frankfort High School hosts Rossville in a “Throwback Game” to mark the 30th anniversary of the film that set the Gem City on its ear.
Historical Case Arena was packed several nights while the filming took place.
The 1994 American sports drama film starring Nick Nolte as a coach trying to recruit a winning team portrayed by real-life basketball stars Shaquille O’Neal and Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway plus notables such as Bob Knight, Dick Vitale, Bob Cousy, Larry Bird, Matt Painter and Dan Dakich. The movie was filmed in Frankfort, French Lick, Indiana as well as Chicago, New Orleans and Los Angeles on the campus of University of Southern California.
Community Schools of Frankfort Director of Exceptional Needs Eric Farley decided it was time to change all this.
“Honestly, I just thought it was a good idea as being a part of the basketball program to have a Throwback Game and have some jerseys made for the kids in recognition of the movie,” said Farley. “I had known it was the 30th anniversary of the film from just being aware of it.”
Not only will the floor at Case Arena look different, but so will the players as the Hot Dogs will be dressed in Western University Dolphin jerseys. Tickets will be available for $6 with the promo code (Clinton94) or $10 for all other tickets. In addition , there will several types of memorabilia on display, music will be played by the FHS band, special guests and more.
“This whole thing is about community,” said Farley. “It’s about getting people together and celebrating things that are pretty special in Clinton County. More importantly, it’s about Friday and Saturday nights of getting together and supporting your community. There’s no other place better to do that than Case Arena.”
However, one thing that Farley tried to take into consideration when planning this event was the 30-year time lapse between the movie and today’s hustle and bustle.
“It’s a nostalgic piece for some of us that’s been around awhile,” said Farley. “We shared that experience whether we were kids, teenagers or adults at the time. It’s an opportunity for parents and grandparents to share the story with the kids and share what it was like to watch the movie and see it what was like minus some of the language that’s in it.”
Another thing that is special to Farley is the support of the local and area communities, individuals and businesses that have supported this venture.
“We’ve had such an outpouring and outreach from so many people rather they’re from Frankfort, businesses in Frankfort of people who had outside of Frankfort that are from here and remember the event,” said Farley. “They have so gracious to help us out with that. This is just proof for us that our community is strong whether you live inside of it or not.”
Game times have been altered for Saturday night. The boys’ junior varsity game starts at 5:30 pm. with the varsity contest slated for 7 p.m. There will be extra festivities at halftime plus some post-game activities as well.