Illini basketball game/buda trip

I finally attended a University of Illinois Fighting Illini basketball game in Champaign. We've seen them at the Big Ten tournament, but this may have been the first time on their home court (although it's possible I'd seen them eons ago, I can't remember). Anyway, it was a great Friday-Monday trip!

BUDA

We left home for Buda as soon as Jane got off work Friday afternoon. It was a cold and windy trip, but at least the roads were good. We arrived at my moms that night and watched the Olympics with her until we went to bed.

Saturday I got up and continued my running streak with a short run/walk. Jane went to her brother Keith's in Sheffield, and I did some odd jobs for my mom. I had to run to Menards and get an outlet cover plate and some furnace filters. I also inspected her newly broken washing machine knob. I showed her how to use a pair of vice grips to turn it, and ordered a replacement. I did a couple other odd jobs, then pretty much lazed around and watched the Olympics and some basketball on her cable TV.

CHAMPAIGN

Sunday we got up early and went for a run, then left for Champaign/Urbana at 9:30am to attend the 1 pm game. I/we have been there a number of times over the years. My dad did his graduate studies there. I attended Illini football camp between my freshman and sophomore year, my family went to the high school basketball state tournament several times, and we attended several concerts and conventions there after we were married. So, while not altogether foreign, it has been quite awhile since we've been there.

The trip wasn't terrible to start out. We'd gotten a dusting of snow overnight, and I swear it must have all stayed on the roads! Apparently Illinois doesn't salt their roads like Indiana does. It eventually started snowing again, and got harder and harder the further we went. I-74 from Peoria to Champaign wasn't the greatest and we saw several cars that had freshly slid off into the median. As you can see from this pic, it was near-white-out conditions as we got to Champaign. I was so glad to finally arrive.

It took about 2 1/2 hours from Buda, and we pulled into the I Hotel - where we were staying - right at noon. We were able to check into our room early, but we chose instead to head straight to the game. It was still snowing like crazy and we were drenched rats just from walking across the parking lot. Didn't matter. We showed our tickets and vaccine cards and we were in!

For some reason I forget that Champaign and the basketball arena and such are not all that large. Still, I loved the atmosphere of a major college game. And our seats were way better than I expected!! Section 223, row 13 was pretty near the top, but we were almost center court, behind the Illini bench, and while I intended (and forgot) to bring binoculars - they weren't needed at all. It was a great view for the sold out game. 

I enjoyed watching the team warm up beforehand. I spotted all my favorite players and coaches (which is all of them!). I was even able to recognize the 5-star recruit they had visiting that day.

The game was great - even though they didn't play the greatest. The first half we jumped out to an early lead and maintained double digits - up to 18 points - well into the second half. Then we got a bit lazy and it dwindled down to a 1 point lead before we finally held them off at the end 73-66 (I think). I was never too worried, but would have preferred a blowout! :)

THE HOTEL

After the game we trekked back to the hotel and found our room. The I Hotel is super nice, and the most convenient place to stay for Illini sporting events. There is free parking, and it is almost literally right in the parking lot of the State Farm Center. The football stadium is right next to that. I thought it fairly reasonably priced too at $129. Everything about it is perfect! I definitely recommend it!

Houlihan’s Restaurant + Bar is right inside the hotel, which is where we had supper and watched the start of the Super Bowl. There was also a free breakfast buffet in the morning. While at breakfast I spotted one of the Illini assistant coaches (GA). He met another tall guy in his late 40s/early 50s who was obviously involved with basketball either there or with some other team. Coach A actually said hi to me when he sat down right next to us, so I did the respectable thing and tried not eavesdrop on their conversation. I couldn't help overhearing a little recruiting talk (something about mothers), but I mostly just enjoyed being with my lovely wife.

AND...

Before breakfast we went for a run around the stadium area. It was single-digit temps again, but at least a sunny day. We checked out of our hotel around 10:30 and headed for home via I-74 to Indy and I-69 north to the Fort. We stopped at Payne's in Gas City for lunch, and made it in about 3 1/2 hours driving time.

Overall, it was a great long weekend. The kids and Jane got me the Illini tickets for Christmas. A perfect gift for me (although I'd have preferred a game earlier in the season to avoid the nasty weather). It was just an all-around nice and relaxing time. I felt happy and blessed.

***

How lovely is your dwelling place,
    Lord Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints,
    for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out
    for the living God.
Even the sparrow has found a home,
    and the swallow a nest for herself,
    where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
    Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
    they are ever praising you.

- Psalm 84:1-4