Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43
Bill Green Arena 750 W. 26th Street Marion, IN 46593
Year Opened: 1970
Capacity: 7,560
A Giant House of Champions
The Bill Green Arena is home to the Marion High School basketball program and has been home to a winning pedigree since it opened its doors in 1970. The 7,560-seat gymnasium is the 5th largest high school venue of its kind in the world and features wonderful tributes to past championship teams, hall of fame, and all-time great players.
Originally opened as the Marion High School Gym, it was renamed after Bill Green in 1996, one of the state’s greatest basketball coaches who won a total of six state titles, including three in a row from 1985-1987. His 1969 and 1987 teams also went undefeated and posted a record of 165-10 with his six championship squads. He was inducted into the Indiana High School Basketball Hall of Fame in 1988.
Winning has been part of the school’s history before and after Green; Marion is tied with Muncie Central with eight championship titles in Indiana. There were also many great players, one of them is current 2-time NBA All-Star Zach Randolph of the Memphis Grizzlies.
Food & Beverage 3
There are a couple of stands located in the gymnasium offering the usual array of food items from hot dogs, nachos, and burgers. The prices are on par with other gyms across the state; offerings cost between $1 to $2.50. The highlight might be the walking tacos and the offerings should satisfy a light hunger for fans watching the game. Pepsi products are priced at $2 a bottle.
Atmosphere 3
The arena is well-suited for hosting a variety of events, including basketball state tournament games, volleyball tournaments, and games, and various school and community events including Marion High School graduation ceremonies. There is a ton of history throughout the gym from the basketball team's glorious past.
The gym walls feature retired numbers of 9 former players, including current NBA player Zach Randolph. There are also team portraits of all state championship teams, former players and coaches in the Indiana High School Hall of Fame, and the school wall of fame. State championship and finalist banners hang at both ends of the court.
The seating consists of plastic seats on the bottom and wooden seats on the upper level. The student section consists of two thin rows underneath and behind the basketball nets. The views are unobstructed and the aisles are wide enough to get around to your seat rather easily and quickly.
Neighborhood 3
Marion, Indiana, has a population of just over 29,000 and is located one hour north of the Indianapolis area. The city is home to Indiana Wesleyan University and is the birthplace of actor James Dean and cartoonist Jim Davis, the creator of Garfield comics.
There are many options to eat before or after the game including cheap eats at Myers Drive-In, 9th Street Cafe, and King Gyros. On the more moderate price scale are Wilson-Vaughn Hostess House, Brooks Upper Crust Pizza, and Casa Brava. Tourism options include the Quilters Hall of Fame, James Dean Birthsite Memorial, Grant County Courthouse, and Matter Park.
Fans 3
The Giants basketball program is legendary throughout the state with multiple championships and iconic players who don the purple colors of Marion. Fans still come out and support their current teams and will be into the game and let you know what is on their mind.
Access 4
The arena is large and very easy to get around from the upper deck to the lower deck seating. Signs and entrances are clearly marked and copious doors open up to the vast parking lot that surrounds the majority of the building.
Return on Investment 4
Ticket prices for games are $5 for adults and on par with other gymnasiums. The parking is free and plentiful outside the building, and concession items are of good value. The arena is decked with a collection of photos, banners, retired jerseys, and other memories that let it stand out among other places in the state.
Extras 4
One point for the collection of famous players who once played on this court, they range from state record holders to current NBA players. If you want to know more about them, just take a look at the many photos and banners hanging up around the arena.
A second point is awarded for the parking surrounding the gymnasium. It is connected to the high school but offers enough space that getting in and out of games should be a breeze for any visitor.
A third and final point is awarded to the seven state championship banners that dominate one end of the arena’s walls. A very imposing sign for any would-be opponent, you are in a house of champions.
A final point is awarded to the attention of the school's basketball pedigree in the state. Many other gyms share other sports championship banners and photos inside their basketball arenas, but here every little piece of information is dedicated to the sport of basketball.
Final Thoughts
This is a great place to enjoy high school hoops in Indiana. The Bill Green Arena ranks among the largest in the state and is worthy of a night during the winter months of the basketball season.
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