The 2016 Indiana All-Star Games – with help from so many people – were very successful.
Slowly but surely, we are continuing to grow the games year to year. We won all four games and had our best crowd in more than 10 years. In 2008, we had a crowd of 5,091; this year’s doubleheader at Bankers Life Fieldhouse saw 6,851 fans attend.
We are trying to enhance the in-game experience for our fans. Oscar Robertson, Rick Mount, Johnny Wilson, Sharon Eskew, Judi Warren and Audrey McDonald all allowed us to do video interviews with them which were played during breaks in the on-court action. We set up some goals in the fieldhouse pavilion area and distributed hundreds of T-shirts for our young fans. These are just a couple of ways that we hope will enhance the game-day experience and contribute to the overall health of the event.
We had great support from so many people. As a group, coaches who had 2016 All-Stars sold more than 1,200 tickets. This created a specific fan base for their respective players. (Thank you, coaches!)
This growth has been the result of an ever-growing coalition of quality people who are committed to the games. When I try to mention everyone, the list is so long that I’m fearful of forgetting someone and running out of ink. I’m going to try anyway.
Best Choice Fieldhouse and Rob New have signed on as our presenting sponsor for four more years. BSN Sports has continued to provide quality equipment and apparel for the athletes. Marian University worked around a busy summer camp schedule to accommodate the games. Franciscan Saint Francis Health provided athletic trainers and medical staff. Shepherd Insurance purchased T-Shirts to give away to youngsters in the pavilion on game day. MCL Cafeteria continued a sponsorship that has lasted more than a quarter of a century.
Special thanks go to Penny Hall, Steve and Jeanie Witty, Pat and Lori McKee, Beth DeVinney, Terry and Judy Downham, Lisa Thompson, Spencer Khrin, Chris Curless, David George, Ken Kaufman, Abram Stamper, Marie and Alan Kunkle, Alan Carmin, Bob Kizer, Paula Workman, Ryan Preston, Dan Repass, Joe Bradburn, Randy Shields, Pat Strong, Garry Donna, Kip Wesner, Kyle McKinnon, Ken Keltner, Chuck and Dave Moeller, Renee Turpa, Kathie Layden, Tom Beach, Krystal Brazel, Jordan Hogan, Randy Kegerreis, J.R. Holmes, Jill Zabel, Phil Levine, Craig and Casey McGaughey, Jeff Castner, Steve Downing, Jennifer Imes, Chris Fultz, Rick Fuson, Mel Raines, Marty Bechtold, Doug Weitkamp, Paul Congress, Beth Schumacher, Stephen Staker, Heather Bisher, Katie Smith, Mark Apple, David and Quinn Shepherd, Brian Rogat, Dean Heaviland, Alan Clark, Tony Wilson, Kurt and Brad Cohen, Rick Smith, Bill and Frank Kelsey, Bruce Buchannan, Vance Curtis, Bob Lovell, and all the coaches throughout the state.
There’s no way that I expected anyone to read that whole list. I did it to thank everyone and to illustrate just how many people are needed to produce the games.
It is not coincidence that as the games have grown, so has this list. This is NOT a one-man operation by any means.
Again, thank you to all of you.
Beat Kentucky!
Charlie Hall
