Jun 11, 2023; Sonoma, California, USA; DJ Diesel, also known as Shaquille O'Neal, performs for the fans after the Toyota / Save Mart 350 race at Sonoma Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
In 1993, Case Arena in Frankfort was buzzing. Legends of the game such as Shaq, Penny Hardaway, Bob Knight, Dicky V, and of course Matt Painter were all in town to film a movie called Blue Chips. Nick Nolte stars as a basketball coach who throws away his ethics in order to assemble a recruiting class that will help him get back on top, only to see it all fall apart. Locals made up the crowds as the games were filmed inside Case arena. Now, 30 years later, the Hotdogs will honor the film this January.
“On Saturday, January 13, 2024 in Case Arena, the Frankfort Hot Dogs (dressed in Western University Dolphin Jerseys!) will take on the Rossville Hornets, complete with a re-logoed floor, t-shirts, memorabilia on display, music score played by the FHS band, special guests and more. Tickets will be available for $6.00 each or $20.00 with a commemorative T-shirt made for the event. ”
So Matt Painter is in there as a player in a blink and you could miss it moment, but he’s in it. a few years ago he talked about what it was like.
SI did a great story about 5 years ago for the 25th anniversary of the film was some incredible stories about filming in Frankfort, including how Knight held up production trying to win the game despite the script saying Indiana loses.
I always loved this movie, although with NIL and the way that’s changed a lot things from this movie are now kinda legal and so it doesn’t make as much sense. This is a fantastic idea and I can’t wait to see it!
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