Welsh-Ryan Arena Honored with One Final NU Loss

EVANSTON, IL - Recognizing the arena’s important role in Northwestern sports for the past 65 years, the men’s basketball team paid tribute to Welsh-Ryan and the teams it’s hosted with one final loss in a major sporting event. “It was really touching to have the players recognize our team’s history of letdowns and disappointments for the stadium’s last game,” said longtime-ticket holder and NU alum Nedson Aversmith, recounting all the incredible washouts he’d witnessed over the years as a longtime fan. “Things ended how they were supposed to: with a bang, from fans banging their heads against the concrete wall in frustration. That’s what it means to be a true fan.” During his final moments in Welsh-Ryan, Aversmith was seen staring teary-eyed at the empty trophy cases within the arena.