- Izzone
The Izzone is a section of students at
Michigan State University men's basketball home games. Named for head coachTom Izzo , the Izzone wraps around much more than three-fourths around the bottom tier of theBreslin Center , in addition to many more students in the upper level of the arena.With nearly 4,000 members cheering on the MSU Men's Basketball team, the Izzone helps to give the
Breslin Center an exciting and intimidating atmosphere, and a considerable home-court advantage. It also promotes a positive image ofMichigan State University and its student body.The Izzone's roots can be found in the Spartan Spirits, a group formed by retired men's basketball coach Jud Heathcote. Spartan Spirits had a t-shirt theme each season. Among the most popular themes was Jud's Jungle, it was used in Heathcote's final season in 1994-95. When Tom Izzo became head coach, Student Alumni Foundation planned to keep the Spartan Spirits name, and the tradition of t-shirt themes would continue. In September 1995 SAF collected suggestions for a t-shirt. John McPherson submitted the Izzone name, which was selected for the 1995-96 theme. The Izzone name was so popular it replaced the Spartan Spirits as the group's name. The Izzone has grown by considerable proportions since 1995-96, thanks to Coach Izzo's support. The Izzone only numbered 180 in that first season.
Students must attend the annual September Izzone camp out if they want a chance of getting lower-bowl tickets. Returning lower-bowl members who have completed the camp out and missed two games or fewer the previous season are given first priority.
The Izzone witnessed a 53 home game win streak, spanning from the end of the 1997-98 season until the middle of the 2001-2002 season. Michigan State lost March 1, 1998, 99-96 in overtime to Purdue. The next home loss was January 12, 2002 to Wisconsin.
In 2006, it was ranked fourth greatest college basketball student sections by
Sports Illustrated 's SI on Campus magazine. It has been ranked as high as number one. [Keller, Tom. " [http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/sioncampus/02/20/spring.break2/index.html Best Student Sections] ". "SI on Campus". February 22, 2006.]Notes
External links
* [http://www.msusaf.com/Izzone/default.cfm Izzone Official Site]
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