100 Things Illinois Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die

Initiating new fans into the world of Knicks lore or reminding die-hard supporters why this New York NBA team is always their number one, this entertaining resource distills 66 years of team history into the top 100 things to know and do—encouraging Knicks fans to live each day like it’s a playoff run. Most Knicks fans have experienced a game in Madison Square Garden, have seen highlights of a young Patrick Ewing, or have heard the story behind the franchise’s last championship in 1973; but the next level of fan commitment means knowing the history and meaning of Knickerbockers, and which other team—along with the Knicks—from the original National Basketball Association is still located in its original city. Such details are offered in this book, the ultimate handbook to knowing and loving the New York Knicks. The compilation breaks down all of the stats, important dates, prominent players, player nicknames, team achievements, and a list of must-do activities, and then ranks them all from 1 to 100, providing an entertaining and easy-to-follow checklist that all fans will appreciate.

The premier reference for making Chicago Bulls fandom a lifestyle instead of just a sports preference, this collection of essential team knowledge and Bulls-related activities distills the past 50 years of NBA basketball into a fun checklist that will appeal to fans of any age. It’s one thing to have been to the United Center and rooted for Derrick Rose, to relish highlights of a young Michael Jordan, or even to know that all six championship teams were led by Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Coach Phil Jackson. But it is a whole other level of fan commitment to know who Benny the Bull is named after, which player once grabbed 37 rebounds in a single game, and how the Bulls missed out on Magic Johnson in the draft. These facts and trivia—as well as important dates, player nicknames, key jersey numbers through history, and even the best places to eat before or after a game—are included in this resource that will enlighten new fans and initiate them into proper Bulls fandom, or remind die-hard fans why theirs is the team to follow year after year.

Revealing the most critical moments and important facts about past and present players, coaches, and teams that are part of the storied history that is Bears football, this book has pep talks, records, and Bears lore scattered throughout the pages. The Bears’ longtime rivalry with the Green Bay Packers, little-known facts about many of the Bears’ record 27 Hall of Famers, and profiles of unforgettable Bears personalities such as Ditka, Payton, Jim McMahon, Brian Urlacher, Jay Cutler, and others are all included. Die-hard fans who know all the words to the “Super Bowl Shuffle” and new supporters alike will find everything Bears boosters should know, see, and do in their lifetime.

Initiating new fans into the world of Knicks lore or reminding die-hard supporters why this New York NBA team is always their number one, this entertaining resource distills 66 years of team history into the top 100 things to know and do—encouraging Knicks fans to live each day like it’s a playoff run. Most Knicks fans have experienced a game in Madison Square Garden, have seen highlights of a young Patrick Ewing, or have heard the story behind the franchise’s last championship in 1973; but the next level of fan commitment means knowing the history and meaning of Knickerbockers, and which other team—along with the Knicks—from the original National Basketball Association is still located in its original city. Such details are offered in this book, the ultimate handbook to knowing and loving the New York Knicks. The compilation breaks down all of the stats, important dates, prominent players, player nicknames, team achievements, and a list of must-do activities, and then ranks them all from 1 to 100, providing an entertaining and easy-to-follow checklist that all fans will appreciate.

Covering the entire 30 year history of the Sabres, author Sal Maiorana has collected every essential piece of Sabres knowledge and trivia, as well as must-do activities, and ranks them all from 1 to 100. Most Sabres fans have taken in a game or two at the First Niagara Center, have seen highlights of a young Pat Lafontaine, and are aware that the Blizzard of 1977 caused the team’s first weather-related cancelation. But only real fans know who scored the first goal in franchise history, can name every member of the Sabres Hall of Fame, or can tell you the best place to grab a bite in Buffalo before the game. 100 Things Sabres Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die is the definitive resource guide for both seasoned and new fans of the Buffalo Sabres.

This guide to all things Hoosiers tells the history of Indiana University basketball across several decades and covers anything and everything a fan should know. It takes years of Hoosiers history and distills it to the absolute best and most compelling, identifying the personalities, events, and facts that every living and breathing fan should know without hesitation. Numbers, nicknames, memorable moments, singular achievements, and signature plays all highlight the list of 100. Stan Sutton, a longtime IU beat writer, has assembled all the information and achievements that are sure to educate and entertain new and old fans alike. In its century-plus of college basketball, Indiana University has established a winning tradition that includes five NCAA championships and 20 Big Ten conference championships, all of which is celebrated in this entertaining resource.

Whether it’s for a die-hard booster from the days of Dick Lane or a new supporter of Matthew Stafford, the top facts and activities concerning the Detroit Lions that all fans need to know and do in their lifetime can be found here. Culled by an area journalist of team history from eight decades, the book collects every essential piece of Lions knowledge and trivia, including must-do activities, and ranks them all from 1 to 100. Topics cover everything from who scored the first touchdown in franchise history to the members of the Lions Hall of Fame, and even includes the best place to grab a bite in Detroit before the game. This is a treasury of information that true fans might know about their beloved Lions but will love to reminisce over and a guide that will help new fans get up to snuff.

Whether it’s for a die-hard booster from the days of Dick Lane or a new supporter of Matthew Stafford, the top facts and activities concerning the Detroit Lions that all fans need to know and do in their lifetime can be found here. Culled by an area journalist of team history from eight decades, the book collects every essential piece of Lions knowledge and trivia, including must-do activities, and ranks them all from 1 to 100. Topics cover everything from who scored the first touchdown in franchise history to the members of the Lions Hall of Fame, and even includes the best place to grab a bite in Detroit before the game. This is a treasury of information that true fans might know about their beloved Lions but will love to reminisce over and a guide that will help new fans get up to snuff.

Drawing insight from many former players, coaches, and others directly tied to the storied and revered football program of Auburn University, this resource for fans places firsthand accounts alongside essential team history for a one-of-a-kind guide to Tigers football. With more than a century of history, two National Championship victories, and three Heisman Trophy winners distilled into the greatest highlights, the book serves as the ultimate compendium of everything that is special about the football program and includes the stories and memories of everyone from Ralph “Shug” Jordan and Pat Dye to Bo Jackson and Tracy Rocker. Taking Tigers fandom outside of Jordan-Hare stadium and into everyday life, the book also includes beloved landmarks and top hangouts on the Auburn campus and in the Montgomery area. Updated to include the 2011 season, this revised edition includes Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton and the 2010 National Championship team coached by Gene Chizik.

Whether it’s for a die-hard booster from the days of Dick Lane or a new supporter of Matthew Stafford, the top facts and activities concerning the Detroit Lions that all fans need to know and do in their lifetime can be found here. Culled by an area journalist of team history from eight decades, the book collects every essential piece of Lions knowledge and trivia, including must-do activities, and ranks them all from 1 to 100. Topics cover everything from who scored the first touchdown in franchise history to the members of the Lions Hall of Fame, and even includes the best place to grab a bite in Detroit before the game. This is a treasury of information that true fans might know about their beloved Lions but will love to reminisce over and a guide that will help new fans get up to snuff.

Drawing insight from many former players, coaches, and others directly tied to the storied and revered football program of Auburn University, this resource for fans places firsthand accounts alongside essential team history for a one-of-a-kind guide to Tigers football. With more than a century of history, two National Championship victories, and three Heisman Trophy winners distilled into the greatest highlights, the book serves as the ultimate compendium of everything that is special about the football program and includes the stories and memories of everyone from Ralph “Shug” Jordan and Pat Dye to Bo Jackson and Tracy Rocker. Taking Tigers fandom outside of Jordan-Hare stadium and into everyday life, the book also includes beloved landmarks and top hangouts on the Auburn campus and in the Montgomery area. Updated to include the 2011 season, this revised edition includes Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton and the 2010 National Championship team coached by Gene Chizik.

Whether it’s for a die-hard booster from the days of Dick Lane or a new supporter of Matthew Stafford, the top facts and activities concerning the Detroit Lions that all fans need to know and do in their lifetime can be found here. Culled by an area journalist of team history from eight decades, the book collects every essential piece of Lions knowledge and trivia, including must-do activities, and ranks them all from 1 to 100. Topics cover everything from who scored the first touchdown in franchise history to the members of the Lions Hall of Fame, and even includes the best place to grab a bite in Detroit before the game. This is a treasury of information that true fans might know about their beloved Lions but will love to reminisce over and a guide that will help new fans get up to snuff.

Covering the entire 30 year history of the Sabres, author Sal Maiorana has collected every essential piece of Sabres knowledge and trivia, as well as must-do activities, and ranks them all from 1 to 100. Most Sabres fans have taken in a game or two at the First Niagara Center, have seen highlights of a young Pat Lafontaine, and are aware that the Blizzard of 1977 caused the team’s first weather-related cancelation. But only real fans know who scored the first goal in franchise history, can name every member of the Sabres Hall of Fame, or can tell you the best place to grab a bite in Buffalo before the game. 100 Things Sabres Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die is the definitive resource guide for both seasoned and new fans of the Buffalo Sabres.

Covering the entire 30 year history of the Sabres, author Sal Maiorana has collected every essential piece of Sabres knowledge and trivia, as well as must-do activities, and ranks them all from 1 to 100. Most Sabres fans have taken in a game or two at the First Niagara Center, have seen highlights of a young Pat Lafontaine, and are aware that the Blizzard of 1977 caused the team’s first weather-related cancelation. But only real fans know who scored the first goal in franchise history, can name every member of the Sabres Hall of Fame, or can tell you the best place to grab a bite in Buffalo before the game. 100 Things Sabres Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die is the definitive resource guide for both seasoned and new fans of the Buffalo Sabres.

Initiating new fans into the world of Knicks lore or reminding die-hard supporters why this New York NBA team is always their number one, this entertaining resource distills 66 years of team history into the top 100 things to know and do—encouraging Knicks fans to live each day like it’s a playoff run. Most Knicks fans have experienced a game in Madison Square Garden, have seen highlights of a young Patrick Ewing, or have heard the story behind the franchise’s last championship in 1973; but the next level of fan commitment means knowing the history and meaning of Knickerbockers, and which other team—along with the Knicks—from the original National Basketball Association is still located in its original city. Such details are offered in this book, the ultimate handbook to knowing and loving the New York Knicks. The compilation breaks down all of the stats, important dates, prominent players, player nicknames, team achievements, and a list of must-do activities, and then ranks them all from 1 to 100, providing an entertaining and easy-to-follow checklist that all fans will appreciate.

One of the most storied and fascinating histories in all of Major League Baseball, the Detroit Tigers—an American League charter franchise in 1901—have survived some of the most intense highs and lows of any team in professional sports, and this lively and detailed book explores it all. This guide to all things Tigers covers the 1984 World Series championship and the riots it sparked; controversial “Georgia Peach” Ty Cobb; and crucial information such as important dates, player nicknames, memorable moments, singular achievements, and signature calls. This fully updated edition, which includes details on the Tigers’ exciting 2011 playoff run and Miguel Cabrera’s historic season as well as the Tigers’ acquisition of Prince Fielder, guides fans on numerous of activities to help them celebrate their team in new and deeper ways.

The University of Kentucky men’s basketball program is the winningest in the history of the sport, and this book explores those wins along with the personalities, events, and facts that any and every Wildcats fan should know. Wildcats stars from more than a century of success are highlighted, including Louie Dampier, Pat Riley, Sam Bowie, Jamal Mashburn, Antoine Walker, Walter McCarty, Travis Ford, and Brandon Knight. The team’s colorful coaches are also profiled, including championship winners Adolph Rupp, Joe B. Hall, Rick Pitino, and Tubby Smith. It takes years of franchise history and highlights the absolute best and most compelling moments, identifying the personalities, events, and facts that have all come together to make Kentucky the powerhouse that it is. Wildcats fans will read about all of this and more, including some of the long-standing traditions that surround this storied club and the necessary mainstays to participate in, making this something that any Wildcats fan will enjoy.

The University of Kentucky men’s basketball program is the winningest in the history of the sport, and this book explores those wins along with the personalities, events, and facts that any and every Wildcats fan should know. Wildcats stars from more than a century of success are highlighted, including Louie Dampier, Pat Riley, Sam Bowie, Jamal Mashburn, Antoine Walker, Walter McCarty, Travis Ford, and Brandon Knight. The team’s colorful coaches are also profiled, including championship winners Adolph Rupp, Joe B. Hall, Rick Pitino, and Tubby Smith. It takes years of franchise history and highlights the absolute best and most compelling moments, identifying the personalities, events, and facts that have all come together to make Kentucky the powerhouse that it is. Wildcats fans will read about all of this and more, including some of the long-standing traditions that surround this storied club and the necessary mainstays to participate in, making this something that any Wildcats fan will enjoy.

This is the ultimate resource guide for true fans of the Los Angeles Lakers. Most fans have taken in a game or two at the Staples Center, have seen highlights of a young Magic Johnson, and remember the epic battles with the Celtics in the 1980s. But only real fans know how the Lakers acquired Hot Rod Hundley, which hobby fascinated both Chick Hearn and Elgin Baylor, or the best place to grab a bite in Los Angeles before the game. Every essential piece of Lakers knowledge and trivia, as well as must-do activities, is ranked from 1 to 100, providing an entertaining and easy-to-follow checklist for those on their way to Laker fan superstardom.

This is the ultimate resource guide for true fans of the Los Angeles Lakers. Most fans have taken in a game or two at the Staples Center, have seen highlights of a young Magic Johnson, and remember the epic battles with the Celtics in the 1980s. But only real fans know how the Lakers acquired Hot Rod Hundley, which hobby fascinated both Chick Hearn and Elgin Baylor, or the best place to grab a bite in Los Angeles before the game. Every essential piece of Lakers knowledge and trivia, as well as must-do activities, is ranked from 1 to 100, providing an entertaining and easy-to-follow checklist for those on their way to Laker fan superstardom.

This guide to all things Hoosiers tells the history of Indiana University basketball across several decades and covers anything and everything a fan should know. It takes years of Hoosiers history and distills it to the absolute best and most compelling, identifying the personalities, events, and facts that every living and breathing fan should know without hesitation. Numbers, nicknames, memorable moments, singular achievements, and signature plays all highlight the list of 100. Stan Sutton, a longtime IU beat writer, has assembled all the information and achievements that are sure to educate and entertain new and old fans alike. In its century-plus of college basketball, Indiana University has established a winning tradition that includes five NCAA championships and 20 Big Ten conference championships, all of which is celebrated in this entertaining resource.

This guide to all things Hoosiers tells the history of Indiana University basketball across several decades and covers anything and everything a fan should know. It takes years of Hoosiers history and distills it to the absolute best and most compelling, identifying the personalities, events, and facts that every living and breathing fan should know without hesitation. Numbers, nicknames, memorable moments, singular achievements, and signature plays all highlight the list of 100. Stan Sutton, a longtime IU beat writer, has assembled all the information and achievements that are sure to educate and entertain new and old fans alike. In its century-plus of college basketball, Indiana University has established a winning tradition that includes five NCAA championships and 20 Big Ten conference championships, all of which is celebrated in this entertaining resource.

Few music groups have been able to sustain a fan base over half a century that is as significant and devoted as those of the Beatles, and this entertaining guide to all things Fab Four rewards those fans with everything they need to know about the band in a one-of-a-kind format. Packed with history, trivia, lists, little-known facts, and must-do adventures that every Beatles fan should undertake, it ranks each item from one to 100. Fans of any generation will appreciate the songs, albums, places, personalities, and events that are relived and revealed from five decades of Beatles lore.

The premier reference for making Chicago Bulls fandom a lifestyle instead of just a sports preference, this collection of essential team knowledge and Bulls-related activities distills the past 50 years of NBA basketball into a fun checklist that will appeal to fans of any age. It’s one thing to have been to the United Center and rooted for Derrick Rose, to relish highlights of a young Michael Jordan, or even to know that all six championship teams were led by Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Coach Phil Jackson. But it is a whole other level of fan commitment to know who Benny the Bull is named after, which player once grabbed 37 rebounds in a single game, and how the Bulls missed out on Magic Johnson in the draft. These facts and trivia—as well as important dates, player nicknames, key jersey numbers through history, and even the best places to eat before or after a game—are included in this resource that will enlighten new fans and initiate them into proper Bulls fandom, or remind die-hard fans why theirs is the team to follow year after year.

The team that ranks third in the National Football League with eight NFL titles and 15 players in the NFL Hall of Fame is featured in this one-of-a-kind handbook for fans. Essential information on the New York Giants is compiled in a direct and accessible format, including pep talks, statistics, critical moments, and important facts about past and present players, coaches, and teams. Answers to questions such as Why was Ahmad Bradshaw trying not to score a touchdown at the end of Super Bowl XLIX? What were the Giants thinking when Tom Brady laughed at Plaxico Burress' prediction before Super Bowl XLII? and Why did Bill Parcells quit his dream job as a Giants assistant coach to become a realtor in 1979? are also included. Fans that bleed blue, red, white, and gray will enjoy reading about some of the more colorful and unique personalities that include Eli Manning, Mario Manningham, Jeff Hostetler, Joe Morris, Jeremy Shockey, and Brad Van Pelt. This updated edition includes entries about the Giants' surprising 2011 championship season and their Super Bowl XLIX triumph over the Patriots.

Covering the entire 30 year history of the Sabres, author Sal Maiorana has collected every essential piece of Sabres knowledge and trivia, as well as must-do activities, and ranks them all from 1 to 100. Most Sabres fans have taken in a game or two at the First Niagara Center, have seen highlights of a young Pat Lafontaine, and are aware that the Blizzard of 1977 caused the team’s first weather-related cancelation. But only real fans know who scored the first goal in franchise history, can name every member of the Sabres Hall of Fame, or can tell you the best place to grab a bite in Buffalo before the game. 100 Things Sabres Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die is the definitive resource guide for both seasoned and new fans of the Buffalo Sabres.

In this ultimate guide, true fans of Pittsburgh Steelers football will learn the origins of the team’s iconic logo, the best place to tailgate before kickoff, and how the legendary Steel Curtain defense got its nickname. Whether a die-hard booster from the days of Jack Ham or a new supporter of head coach Mike Tomlin, fans need to know these 100 essential pieces of Steelers knowledge and trivia, as well as must-do activities. This updated edition includes the Steelers’ 2010 AFC championship squad and key moments and personalities from the team’s past three seasons. From games at Heinz Field to highlights of a young Terry Bradshaw, this is a must-have resource for a true fan of the franchise.

Most South Carolina football fans have attended a game at Williams-Brice Stadium, seen highlights of a young George Rogers, and can recite memorable quotes from the team’s “Head Ball Coach,” Steve Spurrier. But only real fans know the history of the team’s alternate black uniforms, remember when Cocky first appeared as the team’s mascot, or know all the lyrics to “The Fighting Gamecocks Lead the Way.” 100 Things South Carolina Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die reveals the most critical moments and important facts about past and present players, coaches, and teams that are part of the storied history that is South Carolina football. Scattered throughout the pages, are pep talks, records, and Gamecocks lore to test fans’ knowledge, including the formative years of South Carolina football, from its origins in the 1800s to Paul Dietzel’s tenure in the 1960s and 1970s; George Rogers’ unforgettable 1980 Heisman Trophy season, including South Carolina’s upset of Bo Schembechler’s favored Michigan team in Ann Arbor; South Carolina’s entrance into the SEC in 1992 and Lou Holtz’s memorable tenure as Gamecocks head coach before Spurrier arrived in Columbia; and profiles of memorable Gamecocks figures such as Joe Morrison, Rogers, Dietzel, Jim Carlen, and recent stars Marcus Lattimore and Jadeveon Clowney. Die-hard fans from the days of George Rogers as well as new supporters of head coach Spurrier’s squad will enjoy this guide to everything Gamecocks fans should know, see, and do in their lifetime.

Most South Carolina football fans have attended a game at Williams-Brice Stadium, seen highlights of a young George Rogers, and can recite memorable quotes from the team’s “Head Ball Coach,” Steve Spurrier. But only real fans know the history of the team’s alternate black uniforms, remember when Cocky first appeared as the team’s mascot, or know all the lyrics to “The Fighting Gamecocks Lead the Way.” 100 Things South Carolina Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die reveals the most critical moments and important facts about past and present players, coaches, and teams that are part of the storied history that is South Carolina football. Scattered throughout the pages, are pep talks, records, and Gamecocks lore to test fans’ knowledge, including the formative years of South Carolina football, from its origins in the 1800s to Paul Dietzel’s tenure in the 1960s and 1970s; George Rogers’ unforgettable 1980 Heisman Trophy season, including South Carolina’s upset of Bo Schembechler’s favored Michigan team in Ann Arbor; South Carolina’s entrance into the SEC in 1992 and Lou Holtz’s memorable tenure as Gamecocks head coach before Spurrier arrived in Columbia; and profiles of memorable Gamecocks figures such as Joe Morrison, Rogers, Dietzel, Jim Carlen, and recent stars Marcus Lattimore and Jadeveon Clowney. Die-hard fans from the days of George Rogers as well as new supporters of head coach Spurrier’s squad will enjoy this guide to everything Gamecocks fans should know, see, and do in their lifetime.

This guidebook to all things Gators reveals the most critical moments and important facts about past and present players, coaches, and teams that are part of the storied history that is Florida football. Throughout the pages, readers will find pep talks, records, and Gators lore to test their knowledge, including Steve Spurrier’s 1966 Heisman Trophy season and how the quarterback-turned-head coach returned to build one of the nation’s elite programs in the 1990s; the teams’ unforgettable 1996 championship season, when Spurrier and quarterback Danny Wuerffel led one of the most prolific offenses in college football history; and the Gators’ return to the top in 2006 and 2008 behind head coach Urban Meyer and legendary quarterback Tim Tebow. Die-hard fans from the days of Spurrier behind center and new supporters of head coach Will Muschamp’s squad alike will appreciate this book that contains everything University of Florida fans should know, see, and do in their lifetime.