Purdue fans gather in downtown Indy INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Purdue fans on Friday said holding the NCAA Tournament Regionals in the Circle City makes the experience extra special. Friday night brought two Sweet 16 games to downtown Indianapolis: SEC archrivals Kentucky and Tennessee early in the evening, and Purdue against Houston late. Some Purdue fans, like Ron Sarrazine and his sons, John and Isaac, bought tickets to both games. There was plenty of black and gold mixed in with Kentucky blue and Tennessee orange outside Lucas Oil Stadium ahead of the first matchup. “We knew Indianapolis was having the Sweet 16 and the Elite 8, Ron said. “So, I found some tickets, and here we are. We’re big basketball fans, and we’re here to watch some games.” By evening, Purdue fans were already arriving at downtown Indy’s sports bars. At Tom’s Watch Bar on Illinois Street, Purdue and Houston fans mixed in as Kentucky and Tennessee fans watched their game. Purdue fan Brian Boehm said holding the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 in Indianapolis is a great way to showcase the city. “Indianapolis is kind of built to put on big events like this,” Boehm said. “So, it’s fun seeing all the Houston and Kentucky and Tennessee fans around, seeing them have fun, and it’s just a blast. It’s fun to share the city, you know, show the Hoosier hospitality.” ...read more read less