Basketbowl

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The Basketbowl, between Michigan State University and the University of Kentucky was the most attended basketball game in history. It occurred on December 13, 2003 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan setting an attendance record of 78,129. Kentucky won the game 79-74.

Contents 1 The Teams 2 The Court 3 The Crowd 4 Previous Record

[edit] The Teams

Both schools entered into the contest with significant on-court accomplishments. Combined, both school have nine national championships (MSU-2, UK-7), and 18 final four appearances (MSU-5, UK-13). Michigan State and Kentucky had met 20 times previously with Kentucky holding a slim 11-9 advantage. MSU had defeated Kentucky 71-67 the previous year at Rupp Arena.

[edit] The Court

The basketball court for the game was moved from Michigan State's Breslin Center and reassembled on the 50 yard line of Ford Field - giving the promotional title "Basketbowl: Hoops on the 50!" In addition, the entire court was raised off the field to improve sight lines for those sitting in the upper bowl of the stadium.

[edit] The Crowd

Michigan State and the University of Kentucky share one of the most respectful rivalries in college basketball and before the game many fans from the two schools tailgated together in the surrounding Downtown Detroit area. Both schools brought sizable fan bases, a student section, and their marching bands.

[edit] Previous Record

The previous record of 75,000 was held by the Harlem Globetrotters during their exhibitional game at Berlin Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany.

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