By John Evanko & Andrew Hornback
The smell of popcorn fills the air. Sounds of a salesman’s voice are muffled behind the rustling of fans entering Freedom Hall. There is a different feeling in the atmosphere throughout the entire city. It is game day for the University of Louisville men’s basketball team.
At noon, the floor is still not ready for the 2 p.m. game. The ground crew rushes to put the finishing touches on the court, which had to be reassembled after an event in the building late the night before.
After the floor is ready, Louisville players Edgar Sosa and Andre McGee come out to get some shots in before the game. The sounds of the bouncing balls echo through the silent arena while the managers rebound for the players.
For the managers, this is the only part of a long day that began early in the morning. They arrived at the Yum! Center at 8 a.m. to prepare for a 9 a.m. walk-through. Next, they take the player’s equipment to the arena and begin preparing for the game.
“We don’t want the players to lose anything, so we take care of everything for them so there is no question about where anything is,” Mason Revelette, senior sports administration major and manager for the Cardinals basketball team, said.
At 12:30 p.m., the doors to Freedom Hall open and fans begin to trickle in as anticipation for game time builds. Ushers head to their posts to prepare for the flow of people.
“We answer any questions and make sure everybody feels at home, even fans for the other team,” volunteer usher Leslie Bowles said.
Simultaneously, the first aid crew heads to their station and prepares all their medical equipment for anything that might happen during the game.
“If anyone gets sick or has any problems, this is where they come. We always have to be ready to take care of it,” Elaine May, head of the first aid crew, said.
Thirty minutes before game time, the stands are half-full while more fans flood rapidly into the building to fill the remaining seats. The players run out for pregame warm-ups, accompanied by the lively pep band and spirited cheerleaders.
After warming up, the players head back into the locker room for a few last-minute words from U of L head coach Rick Pitino.
Shortly before game time, the referees, players and coaches all work their way back out onto the court to get set for tip-off.
At 2 p.m., the lights go out and all eyes are focused on the big screen as a highlight reel plays. Then, the starting line-ups are called. Over 15,000 fans rise to their feet and the once-quiet Freedom Hall erupts with applause, rooting on the No. 11 Cardinals as they prepare to go into battle.
