Parent & Alumni Involvement
At whatever level you have been involved with marching band in the past, whether you have a current college marcher, marched as a Butler student, or faithfully watched from the stands, we would like to welcome you to a new chapter for the Butler University Marching Bulldogs! Marching and athletic bands provide you and/or your student with a family away from home. The special bond that is created within these groups helps them transition through the many stages of college life.
As a parent, support for your child (no matter the age) means more to them than you can ever imagine. To watch from the stands as your child is involved with such a stellar group of musicians and staff brings pride to their hearts…and maybe even a tear to your cheek. Our young adults need to see that support in the stands throughout the Butler sports seasons. With this, we offer you an invitation and some helpful information.
The easiest way to support the Butler Bands is to join our Facebook Group specifically for parents!
Prior to Butler home games, your student is given an opportunity to reserve up to 4 General Admission tickets for the upcoming football game. There is a Google doc and available for them in which to do so – you may want to give a gentle reminder. Tickets reserved by this method can be picked up approximately 1 hour prior to game time at the Hinkle Fieldhouse “Will Call” area by presenting your drivers’ license. If you plan to attend one or many of the home games, please visit Butler Sports for the season schedule, tailgating policies, additional ticket purchases and parking information.
Here are some tailgating tips and advice:
For home games that start at 12 pm or 1 pm, tailgating begins at 8 am and ends 2 hours after the game is over. For home games that start at 6 pm, tailgating begins at 10 am and ends 90 minutes after the game is over (bring a source of light as the parking lot gets a little dark.)
- Do not bring anything in glass, kegs or items needing to be secured to the ground as these items are not allowed. Plastic milk containers filled with gravel and attached with bungee cords make great hold-downs for your canopy on the asphalt lot as the wind does kick up from time to time.
- Plan to bring whatever you want to eat and drink for your family, your student, and their guests – if you have food, they will come! It is a great opportunity to host your student’s friends who live farther away and cannot have their family in attendance.
- When it gets cold out remember to dress warmly and bring sides for your canopy and maybe a portable heater. Warm drinks like hot chocolate and coffee keep you in a cold-weather football mood and will usually be appreciated by your marcher & his/her friends.
- Parents have made posters or banners that they display at their tailgating site stating that “You are a Proud Parent of a BUMB member!” It’s a great conversation starter with the other fans.
- Don’t forget your camera!
There are no tailgating opportunities during basketball season. Two (2) tickets may be reserved for family/friends of those who perform with the Basketball Band during a particular game – in limited quantities. Your student will have information on how to obtain these tickets as well if they are a part of the BUBB (Butler University Basketball Band.)
One of the best ways to stay informed of the activities of Butler’s marching and basketball bands is to fill out the BUAB Alumni Contact Information form.
If you need any assistance subscribing, or if you would like to assist with the management of the band-alumni database please contact buaboutreach1919@gmail.com.
Come back and play your instrument for basketball “break games.” Each year, Butler’s basketball teams play games that occur during university breaks, and many of the current band members use these opportunities to go home. Providing music when school is not is session would be very difficult if it weren’t for the number of alumni who come to help us. We provide music, rehearse for a short time before the game, and then “have at it!” Once the basketball schedules are created and the break games are identified, anyone who still loves to play their instrument is welcome to come. For helping the band and the teams, alumni who come to play are admitted free to the games. Contact the band office with any questions at (317) 940-9876, bubands@butler.edu.