BYU Basketball Fans Dixie and Penny Bring Joy to Marriott Center

The 88-year-old and 85-year-old sisters have been attending games together for decades, inspiring fellow fans to lend a helping hand.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 7:15pm

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Dixie Grimmett, 88, and her sister Penny Spresser, 85, are beloved BYU basketball fans who have been attending games together for years. Dixie, a former women's volleyball coach, and Penny, a retired marketing manager, inherited their tickets from their parents and continue to cheer on the Cougars with enthusiasm. Despite their advancing age, the sisters remain active, traveling, attending concerts, and visiting the BYU Creamery. Their presence at the Marriott Center brings out the best in fellow fans, who eagerly assist the sisters to their seats and ensure they can enjoy the game comfortably.

Why it matters

The story of Dixie and Penny highlights the power of sports to bring people together and foster a sense of community. Their lifelong dedication to BYU basketball has inspired those around them, demonstrating how a shared passion can transcend age and mobility challenges. The sisters' story also underscores the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in sports, as the Marriott Center community has gone out of its way to accommodate their needs.

The details

Dixie and Penny have been attending BYU basketball games together for decades, inheriting their tickets from their parents who had them since the Marriott Center opened. Dixie, a former women's volleyball coach at Long Beach State, and Penny, a retired marketing manager, have remained active in their retirement, enjoying activities like going to movies, concerts, and the BYU Creamery. Despite their advancing age and some mobility challenges, the sisters are beloved by their fellow fans, who eagerly assist them to their seats and ensure they can enjoy the game comfortably.

  • Dixie Grimmett, 88, and Penny Spresser, 85, have been attending BYU basketball games together for years.
  • The sisters inherited their tickets from their parents, who had them since the Marriott Center first opened.

The players

Dixie Grimmett

An 88-year-old former women's volleyball coach at Long Beach State, where she won two national championships and was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame. Dixie received her bachelor's and doctoral degrees from BYU.

Penny Spresser

Dixie's 85-year-old sister, who worked in marketing research and as a manager at Procter & Gamble before retiring and moving back to Utah to be closer to family.

Kalani Sitake

The head coach of the BYU football team, who has been seen helping Dixie and Penny get to their seats at basketball games.

Korey Larsen

A fan who has had seats next to Dixie and Penny for years, and who has helped the sisters by buying them water during games.

Kim

Penny's daughter, who helps her aunts attend basketball games and other activities.

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What they’re saying

“We love their energy; they cheer as much as anyone.”

— Korey Larsen, Fan with seats next to Dixie and Penny

“I think it brings out the best in everybody. Everybody wants to help. I think it helps everybody to want to help another person.”

— Kim, Penny's daughter

“They're the sweetest people to sit by.”

— Korey Larsen, Fan with seats next to Dixie and Penny

“The reason why I do that is gravity is her friend at this point.”

— Kim, Penny's daughter

“It was a fun game. The crowd got crazy. We had fun.”

— Dixie Grimmett

What’s next

The sisters plan to continue attending BYU basketball games as long as they are able, with the support of their family and the Marriott Center community.

The takeaway

Dixie and Penny's lifelong dedication to BYU basketball has inspired those around them, demonstrating how a shared passion can bring people together and foster a sense of community, even in the face of age and mobility challenges. Their story underscores the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in sports, as the Marriott Center community has gone out of its way to accommodate their needs and ensure they can continue to enjoy the games they love.