Spartan Bowl in Connersville, Indiana

When traveling to Connersville, Indiana one of the places I knew my brother and I would have to stop at was the Spartan Bowl.

Basketball is big in this city. After all, it is the Hoosier state. I have many fond memories of going to virtually every home game when the high school team played.

The arena is unique in that it's actually on the campus of the middle school. They built a brand new, very large high school on the other side of town, but this arena was so large and had so much history - they decided to keep having the high school team play here.

The Spartan Bowl is known to many as “The Grand Palace on Grand Avenue,” and with a capacity of 5,134, it’s among the biggest in the state. If I remember correctly, it's the fourth or fifth (or at least was) largest high school arena in the country.

Right above that arena in size is the one in New Castle, Indiana - a mere 45 minute drive from Connersville. The games against these two schools were always epic.

The Spartan Bowl has seen two state championship teams - in 1972 and 1983. 

When my brother and I went back to check it out, we weren't even sure if we'd be able to get in since school wasn't in session. I should have known, though, that doors would be unlocked. 

The women's team was practicing. It's hard for me to ever remember a time where I've been in the arena and haven't seen someone shooting a ball. It's always occupied.

I remember having gym class in here while attending middle school. It seems like nearly every day was spent here. Sure, we did some other activities, but all I remember doing is playing basketball.

The P.E. teacher was also the high school basketball coach. That probably explains why we played so much basketball.

I remember fondly the time we played the game "lightning" and I beat everyone, including the high school basketball coach.

It's certainly a great experience to be in the arena. I hope to one day go back during a game and witness a sure-to-be nostalgic moment.