Hilton Magic

[Havs]

The phrase "Hilton Magic" has lost its luster. When I hear the phrase "let the magic begin" before starting lineups from the PA announcer, or the students chanting "Hilton Magic" in a game vs Stonehill College, the phrase has lost all meaning. Hilton Magic hasn't always been an overused marketing ploy, it was something we knew was happening when we felt it (and caused it) and didn't have to say a word about it. We knew what it was, but it was too loud in there to even utter the words.

Hilton Magic isn't just "oooh, Hilton is loud when we're good and up 20." Its being down 20 points in the second half vs Iowa or Oklahoma in 2015, or BYU in 2024, and the crowd willing a team to victory from almost guaranteed defeat. Its being down six with 50 seconds left against Oklahoma State in 2012 and winning by three in regulation. Its Barry Stevens hitting a game winner against #3 Missouri in 1983 when the program had barely registered a pulse for decades prior.

When every marketing piece has "Hilton Magic" scribbled all over it, when the videoboard has a sign that says it, when the PA guy proclaims it every pregame as though we need it to beat bad teams... its lost its meaning. Hilton Magic is a great thing when we actually know what it is, and what it isn't.

 

[Mr Janny]

The phrase "Hilton Magic" has lost its luster. When I hear the phrase "let the magic begin" before starting lineups from the PA announcer, or the students chanting "Hilton Magic" in a game vs Stonehill College, the phrase has lost all meaning. Hilton Magic hasn't always been an overused marketing ploy, it was something we knew was happening when we felt it (and caused it) and didn't have to say a word about it. We knew what it was, but it was too loud in there to even utter the words.

Hilton Magic isn't just "oooh, Hilton is loud when we're good and up 20." Its being down 20 points in the second half vs Iowa or Oklahoma in 2015, or BYU in 2024, and the crowd willing a team to victory from almost guaranteed defeat. Its being down six with 50 seconds left against Oklahoma State in 2012 and winning by three in regulation. Its Barry Stevens hitting a game winner against #3 Missouri in 1983 when the program had barely registered a pulse for decades prior.

When every marketing piece has "Hilton Magic" scribbled all over it, when the videoboard has a sign that says it, when the PA guy proclaims it every pregame as though we need it to beat bad teams... its lost its meaning. Hilton Magic is a great thing when we actually know what it is, and what it isn't.

Does it really matter? It's something unique to Iowa State. They'd be silly not to market the hell out of it. Any school can have a great crowd, but only one has Hilton Magic. The more ubiquitous it becomes, the more Iowa State basketball becomes a household name.

In Durham, North Carolina, they still call them the Cameron Crazies, even in a non conference, low stakes game.

 

[Cyballz]

 

[3TrueFans]

 

[Clonefan32]

What if the real Hilton Magic was just the friends we made along the way?

 

[Cyched]

You’re a wizard Harry

 

[DesertClone1]

You're gonna get flamed, but you're absolutely correct.

 

[SayMyName]

Would you rather: Carver Cadavers???

 

[TopCy]

I'm a little unclear what your complaint is. Do you think we don't have the same home court advantage we used to because they've made things too corporate? Or that we lack the ability we used to have to go on runs in big games? Or is it more of superstitious thing, like talking about a no-hitter?
Since you used an example from 2024, I assume you mean it's changed just this year, but I don't know how you could even judge that based on 3 blowouts so far.

 

[KennyPratt42]

You're correct the 'magic' is during big comebacks in conference play or when the team needs a defensive stop or two to win a big game or when we get hot in transition/shooting the 3 and go on a run in a big game. But it doesn't only need to be referenced when those things are happening/just happened. Its the same as the Cameron Crazies or Beware of the Phog, its a reminder of the history of the building/fans and how difficult is to play there.

Having said that, I have been really pleased with how the football program has used the Jack Trice stripes. When they first were being used I was worried we would over do it and put them on everything, but they have done a nice job of finding the balance between it having a consistent presence but not being overdone. To your point the basketball program could take a lesson, because Hilton Magic has gotten a lot closer to overdone vs finding that balance.

 

[Helser 83]

I've thought of this from time to time, but I think those feelings come from being around it from its very beginnings when it really did mean something more. As time goes on the shine and luster of it starts to dwindle. But it's still an awesome thing when you know that you've just seen or are watching one of those real Hilton Magic moments. Those rare occasions still give me goosebumps.

 

[Koala]

Isn't Cameron Crazies just the name of the student section at Duke? Not really comparable to Hilton Magic which is a vibe and one of those "you know it when you see it" kind of things.

 

[BWRhasnoAC]

Meh. We know what it is. The rest of the country just needs a way to remember us.

 

[JM4CY]

Meh. We know what it is. The rest of the country just needs a way to remember us.

 

[KennyPratt42]

Isn't Cameron Crazies just the name of the student section at Duke? Not really comparable to Hilton Magic which is a vibe and one of those "you know it when you see it" kind of things.

There was a point where Beware of the Phog went from just a banner to a motto, Cameron Crazies went from being the name of a student section to a symbol of a program, and Hilton Magic went from the description of an energy/specific event to a description of a fanbase/program. They have all taken on more general, larger picture meaning over the years.

 

[madguy30]

Shoulder shrug girl is in the top 5 of 'what are they doing now'?

 

[BWRhasnoAC]

Man, that red head...

 

[BoxsterCy]

So, apparently Hilton Magic is like Fight Club and OP's #1 rule is "We don't talk about Hilton Magic".

Fans never cease to impress me with the things they ***** about.

 

[Cyrealist]

The "real" Hilton magic was Johhny Orr coming out to "Here's Johnny" and an Iowa State team overmatched on talent beating the top teams in the league. Under Eustachy and Otz, we're more of a grind it out team less susceptible to huge momentum swings but basketball will always be about emotion, momentum and confidence. We have intelligent fans who know how to do their part to help the team. So Hilton Magic lives even if it's a little different than the Orr days.

 

[crs8975]

Until we lose to the EA Sports Allstars again at home, I'd say the magic still means something.