Some major controversy has emerged about the Iowa Hawkeyes’ upcoming Men’s basketball game against the Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday.
Illinois’ student’s section, commonly referred to as the “Orange Krush” revealed on social media in a statement that 200 tickets that they purchased for the upcoming game against Iowa have been invalidated.
Statement from the Orange Krush: pic.twitter.com/etb13geis1
— The Orange Krush (@TheOrangeKrush) February 2, 2023
Their statement detailed that they purchased 200 tickets legally after collectively fundraising $2649.41 for local charitable organizations in order to be invited for this trip to go to the game.
However, the Iowa Hawkeyes posted a statement on social media about the situation which paints an entirely different picture.
A statement from the Iowa Athletics Department regarding Saturday’s game vs Illinois: pic.twitter.com/8gzZmf87Ns
— Iowa Men’s Basketball (@IowaHoops) February 2, 2023
“The Iowa Athletics Department became aware of a discounted group ticket order for the Iowa-Illinois Men’s Basketball Game on behalf of an Illinois Chapter of the Boys and Girls Club,” Iowa’s statement reads. “In following up with that organization, it became clear this was not factual. When contacting the individual who made the original ticket order, they admitted to falsely ordering tickets under the non-profit organization.”
“Iowa Athletics has refunded the original ticket order and donated tickets to the Boys and Girls Club of Cedar Rapids. We look forward to welcoming these kids to a sold-out Carver-Hawkeye arena this Saturday.”
This situation has garnered plenty of attention around the college basketball world, with differing opinions about how this should have been handled.
Some believe that Iowa’s Athletic Department made the right decision to deny these tickets to the Orange Krush given the way they supposedly went about getting the tickets.
I'm sorry to say it, but: The Krush have been owned https://t.co/GA9LZvFqZU
— Eamonn Brennan (@eamonnbrennan) February 2, 2023
Iowa has responded with more information. @TheOrangeKrush This you??https://t.co/6AdFfB1UxW
— Michael Eaves (@michaeleaves) February 2, 2023
Others believe that Iowa should not dictate who is purchasing tickets to their games.
This is a come-on-man move from the University of Iowa, which IMO should have to reimburse the Krush for the bus, if nothing else. https://t.co/ji0ifRLELC
— Rick Gregg (@rickgregg) February 2, 2023
https://twitter.com/craigwchoate/status/1620981983412363265
If all of what is alleged in this letter is accurate and true, then Iowa has two options:
1. It can do the right thing and make this situation as it was prior to today and let Illinois' traveling party in
2. The school can get dragged for the next three days over this nonsense https://t.co/fmW8bzHOTc
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) February 2, 2023
Absolutely pathetic on Iowa's part. https://t.co/7PvKSLPqeF
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) February 2, 2023
Regardless, it appears that there will be a very noticeable piece of Illinois’ fanbase that will not be in attendance for Saturday’s Big Ten matchup.
