ISU fans hope to turn Sprint Center into “Hilton South” once again
Kelby Wingert/Iowa State Daily
Fans hold up signs calling the Sprint Center “Hilton South” during the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship game against Baylor in Kansas City, Mo., on March 15. The Cyclones defeated the Bears 74-65 in their first final-round appearance since 2000.
March 9, 2015
One of the most notoriously hostile environments in college basketball, Hilton Coliseum, practically transplanted itself last season in Kansas City during ISU’s Big 12 tournament run.
The Sprint Center was dubbed “Hilton South” by fans and announcers as 19,108 watched Iowa State beat Baylor in the championship game, the overwhelming majority being ISU fans.
Players like Abdel Nader, Bryce Dejean-Jones experienced a taste of “Hilton South” earlier this season at the CBE Classic, but Jameel McKay wasn’t yet eligible to play and will be taking in the Sprint Center for the first time.
“I told him the lobby [of the hotel] is even crazy,” said Monte Morris. “It’s a great environment, and it gets you ready for the tournament a little bit.”
The turnout this season is expected to be as strong as last season’s tournament as ISU fans hope to turn the Sprint Center into a home environment during a three-day span.
“We got Hilton South following us, so we’ve got to put on a great show for them,” Morris said.
