Photo by Sam Thiel Pictured is Williams Arena from 2019.

It was a terrific experience being in Williams Arena for the first time ever. I have only been in Minnesota for four weeks and to be going to a Gophers basketball game was amazing just knowing how much I love sports and it being my first time in the Twin Cities. The drive from Marshall to Minneapolis was a little long but inside the arena was an electric atmosphere. I had a seat in the 100s section so the view was absolutely amazing. The food was also really good; I had a Coke along with some of the best chicken I’ve ever tasted.

The game was between the Gophers men’s team and the Indiana Hoosiers. When the starting lineups were being introduced, the crowd erupted so loud. I love college sports and how much they can bring people together. I was interacting with people around me because I love to talk to people plus I went alone to the game. The game was close throughout the first half, with roars coming from the crowd every time the Gophers scored a basket.  Although the crowd was roaring, Minnesota trailed for most of the game and ultimately lost to Indiana 84-79. 

I still had fun heading to Williams Arena knowing this wouldn’t be my last time here, as I hope to attend as a visitor and media person in the near future. After the game, I remembered while driving home how excited I was to see a collegiate team play again especially in the sport I loved the most, basketball. It reminded me how grateful I am to be in a position of a sports reporter and tell different stories through games and editorials on players I enjoy watching. My first Gophers game was a success and I ended up buying a ticket to the Championship game of the Division I Women’s Final Four this year, which is also in Minnesota at Target Center. I’m looking forward to going to that event and meeting more wonderful individuals here in Minnesota.

— Chris Drummond is a sports reporter for the Marshall Independent.

Email: cdrummond@marshallindependent.com

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