Illinois State Women's Basketball Watch Party Draws Crowd to Normal's Pub II

Fans packed the local bar to cheer on the Redbirds in the Women's NIT championship game.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 1:03am

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Hundreds of Illinois State women's basketball fans gathered at Pub II in Normal, Illinois to watch the Redbirds take on Marshall in the Women's NIT championship game. The watch party has become an annual tradition, with the bar staff noting increased attendance and merchandise sales as the team's success has grown in recent years.

Why it matters

The packed watch party at Pub II highlights the growing popularity of Illinois State women's basketball within the local community. As the team has become more successful, fan engagement and support has risen, creating a vibrant atmosphere for big games and boosting business for a longtime community establishment.

The details

Pub II staff said they were expecting a large crowd for the watch party, noting that ISU sports in general have been a huge draw for the 52-year-old bar. Fans filled tables and settled in before the opening tip, cheering on made shots, groaning on misses, and reacting to every whistle as the game was played on Marshall's home court in West Virginia. Despite the Redbirds falling 66-41 to the Thundering Herd, the shared energy and camaraderie of the watch party made it the best place for fans to experience the game.

  • The watch party took place on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • The Women's NIT championship game was played on that same day.

The players

Pub II

A longtime bar and community gathering spot in Normal, Illinois that has hosted watch parties for Illinois State women's basketball games, especially during the team's recent success.

Illinois State Redbirds

The women's basketball team from Illinois State University, who advanced to the Women's NIT championship game in 2026.

Marshall Thundering Herd

The women's basketball team from Marshall University, who defeated Illinois State 66-41 in the 2026 Women's NIT championship game.

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What they’re saying

“Definitely expecting a large crowd. ISU sports in general have been a huge turnout for us. We have been around for 52 years, so we are kind of, I want to say one of the staples in Illinois State community. Women's basketball has definitely taken a large step as the team has become more successful.”

— Dan Taylor, Manager of Pub II

The takeaway

The packed watch party at Pub II demonstrates the growing passion and support for Illinois State women's basketball within the local community. As the team has found more success in recent years, fan engagement has risen, creating a vibrant atmosphere for big games and boosting business for a longtime community establishment like Pub II.