Sellout crowd inspires Flames, even in defeat

Click here for the story of Coach Collins' first game at UIC

(originally published in Nov. 26, 1996 edition of the Chicago Flame)

A laser-light show, spotlight introductions, game entertainment, and over 30 members of the media helped to make the Flames opener with the Illinois Fighting Illini something special last Friday.

With the ascent of new head coach Jimmy Collins, excitement surrounding the program has risen to a fever pitch. Friday night was the commencement of all the excitement.

The first sellout crowd in men’s basketball history packed the Pavilion in the Flames' 68-63 loss to the Illini. A total of 8,715 fans crammed the rafters and cheered loudly throughout the game and the festivities. The pre-game laser-light show and spotlight introductions excited the crowd. When Collins stepped out onto the floor in his spotlight, the crowd exploded in a chorus of cheers, even from the loyal Illini fans.

Famous anthem singer Wayne Messmer, who also manages the Chicago Wolves hockey team, belted out his rendition of the National Anthem to a horde of screaming supporters. The Bud Light Daredevils, the Bulls Brothers, the Dancing Flames, Sparky D. Dragon, and the UIC Cheerleaders provided great game-time entertainment.

Collins and his team were very excited, possibly too excited, by the gala arranged by the University athletic department and Interim Athletic Director Jim Schmidt.

"I thought we did have problems at the beginning dealing with our emotions—the laser show, the crowd," Collins said. "We tried to hold that down, but it's hard."

Academic dignitaries from the University were in attendance including University President James Stukel and Chicago Chancellor David Broski. Over 100 members of the rowdy, student fan group, the Fury, were in attendance, giving the Flames a great amount of student support. A few hockey fans, still upset over the dropping of the Flames' hockey program, came in silent protest with signs saying "UIC Hockey died for this."

Through all of this, there still was a game—a very competitive game, in where the Flames proved that they will be an exciting team to watch. In particular, the aggressiveness of the Flames pleased Collins and will be an important factor in the quest to continue to draw fan support.

"We’re happy with how we played," Collins said. "This was something to build on."