Final Four no more for several Indianapolis restaurants
Last week, the Indianapolis Star asked several downtown restaurants who they'd like to see in the Final Four. At the time, it was possible that both Butler University and Purdue University could be local teams playing in downtown Indianapolis. I was quoted in the story that I thought it would be great for the city to have local teams represented. I am, after all, a proud Butler Bulldog.
But it was disappointing to read several of these restaurants say that they'd rather have out-of-town teams, like Syracuse, in the Final Four instead of Purdue and Butler. One even cited it a "disaster." Now that we know that Butler is in the Final Four, I wonder what these restaurants are thinking. What do they think of their what I believe to short-sighted comments now?
These restaurants were essentially rooting against Butler to make the Final Four. They'd rather have a weekend of customers than be loyal to their year-round customer base. The fact is that not every Butler fan will be able to get tickets to the Final Four or even afford to. But I guarantee you that they will want to be close to the action and be downtown.
Do what you want and eat where you want, but I would think twice about spending money at these restaurants if you're celebrating the Final Four downtown. Don't get me wrong. I'm sure these are all fine establishments and I've dined at a few. It's frustrating to see them not support the local teams. This is similar to what happened with another downtown restaurant during the Colts playoff run. (This restaurant later apologized.)
I would certainly understand the concern from hotels. Many Butler fans who travel back for the Final Four will probably stay with family and friends in town. But no hotels were quoted in the story being against local teams participating.
You would have thought these restaurants would learned a valuable lesson. Here are the restaurants quoted for either wanting other teams downtown or saying the local teams would be a "disaster." If you find others, let me know and I'll add them to the map.
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