I graduated from DePaul University 30 years ago. During my time there, I attended many Blue Demons basketball games, but I never had an experience like last Saturday.

Arriving at the Allstate Arena two hours prior to game time, I first scoped out my spot in Media Row. To my pleasant surprise, my spot was just to the left of the north end basket — I could not have been any closer to the action.

I casually spoke with Seton Hall coach Kevin Willard, DePaul coach Dave Leitao and a few players. Despite the distance in the standings, the game was predicted to be a battle — it turned out to be just that. Seton Hall led by eight at the half, but DePaul fought back. DePaul cut the lead to one with 21 seconds left, but Seton Hall held on for the three-point win.

From the size and intensity of the crowd, you wouldn’t know DePaul is in last place at 9–20. The fan section was loud and lively throughout the game. One fan respectfully heckled Seton Hall nonstop, leading to fun interplay with the players after the game.

This is a bit of a transition year for DePaul. It is the last season at the Allstate Arena, a place they have called home since 1980. Next season they will move back to Chicago to the newly constructed Wintrust Arena.

Scheduled to open fall of 2017, Wintrust Arena will be a multipurpose event center featuring a 10,000-seat, state-of-the-art basketball court. Located just south of downtown, Wintrust Arena will be part of McCormick Square, a thriving and growing destination spot for tourists and locals alike. It will become a major contender for future concerts, conventions, sporting events and more. For DePaul, Wintrust Arena will spark more interest from students, nearby residents and even downtown businesses.

This is an exciting time for DePaul. I am already looking forward to my first game at Wintrust Arena. DePaul pride is on the rise.

— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist