By Crystal Franks
For the first time, Ball State’s West Side East Side Basketball Association, the residence hall exclusive intramural basketball league, is making connections with the Indiana Pacers.
The W.E.B.A. players will play their all-star game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Dec. 7 after the Pacers and Denver Nuggets game. The Pacers’ home game was discounted to students, friends and family.
The tickets were as low as $12.12. Students had to purchase the tickets by Nov. 23.
The co-commissioner of W.E.B.A., Kim Nguyen, contacted Eric Cole, the group event specialist at Pacers Sports and Entertainment, and the two discussed what W.E.B.A. was all about.
The organization began in 2007 after a two-day basketball tournament in Swinford Hall of Johnson Complex.
The tournament was so successful, organizers expanded the event to make it a league for all of the halls in Johnson.
As of 2012, W.E.B.A. includes teams from all residence halls on campus and has been issued official club status through the Office of Student Life in 2010.
“He was so impressed that he drove from Indy to meet up with me at our Student Wellness and Recreation Center the next week,” Nguyen said. “It was then that he offered us this amazing opportunity for our W.E.B.A. all-stars to play on the courts at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. He told us that the Pacers could provide discounted tickets to students and our families if we would be able to help them expand the fan base and invite 200 people to come with us. We delightfully accepted that challenge.”
W.E.B.A. players like Eric Ward will have two firsts: their first Pacers game and their first time playing in a professional stadium.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the Pacers play in person because I’m from out of state and never get to go to games,” Ward said. “Also to step on the court first-hand and play on the court where greats have come out and played. I feel like a little kid in a candy store.”
Secretary of W.E.B.A., Jerred Finch encourages Ball State students to attend the Pacers game, stay after and sit closer for the W.E.B.A. all-star game.
“I think it’s a good opportunity for students to not only support their fellow students, but also support an up-and-coming NBA team that does a lot for the city,” Finch said.
For many players, being able to fill the stands with energetic fans is the best kind of motivation.
“It’s beyond cool! It brings me back to high school days of playing basketball,” Ward said.
Other W.E.B.A. players said the chance to play in a professional setting is a once in a lifetime experience.
“It’s a great opportunity to be able to play where the pros play in an actual NBA facility,” Finch said. “It’s a good way for these students to live their dream a little bit.”
The Pacers game will start at 7 p.m.
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