Bradley fans and supporters alike gathered at the Itoo Hall on Farmington Road Thursday for the Bradley Spaghetti Supper.
The classic preseason event, which returned after a one-year hiatus, made a comeback to the Itoo Hall for the first time since 2009 and gave all attendees a chance to meet and mingle with players on both the men’s and women’s basketball team.
Director of Athletics Chris Reynolds noted the importance of the event to Bradley Athletics, citing how it united Bradley fans under one roof and yet, just how easy it was to coordinate.
“When I came back to Peoria and to Bradley University, I was told it was a tradition that we should restart again,” Reynolds said. “For me, it was something that was easy to do and was something that the people in this community wanted.”
In recent years, the Spaghetti Supper was held in Renaissance Coliseum. This was an act that frustrated the Bradley faithful who embraced the Spaghetti Supper at the Itoo Hall as tradition.
When Reynolds announced June 2 the Spaghetti Supper was returning to the Itoo Hall, he was met with a very enthusiastic reception. When Reynolds was introduced at the event, he received a standing ovation from the crowd of 464.
Reynolds even promised that next year they would be having the Spaghetti Supper at the Itoo Hall again.
Reynolds said the Spaghetti Supper was crucial in garnering the support needed for the Bradley Basketball teams, who are beginning their seasons in a month and a half.
“We need support,” Reynolds said. “We need the people in this community to come out and watch us play. It’s important that we reach out to the community and let them know how important they are to Bradley Athletics.”
While 464 fans ate dinner at the event, others came simple to see the team, bringing the crowd total to around 500 people.
Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams were introduced, with each coach asking for ample support from those who attended.
“We want you, we need you on our team,” men’s basketball head coach Brian Wardle said. “You will see [good basketball] this year.”
One attendee, a Bradley graduate, said the Spaghetti Supper returning to the Itoo Hall had a nostalgic feeling, and the previous Spaghetti Suppers held at the Renaissance Coliseum never lacked a sense of intimacy.
That same nostalgic feeling was also another one of the reasons why Reynolds brought the Spaghetti Supper back to the Itoo Hall.
“The theme for this year for Bradley men’s basketball is ‘Tradition plays in Peoria,’” Reynolds said. “Spaghetti dinners at the Itoo Hall are the tradition of Bradley basketball.”
While the Spaghetti Supper was a huge success, Reynolds did not say whether or not there would be a Red/White scrimmage, which is another preseason tradition that was held on the Peoria Riverfront prior to last season.
“We’re still exploring ideas of what we might want to do before the season starts,” Reynolds said. “We haven’t made any definitive decisions yet.”
Bradley men’s basketball opens up their season Nov. 4 against Edgewood College, while the women begin the season Nov. 1 against McKendree College.
