Hilton Coliseum - Hilton Magic

Hilton Magic

“Hilton Magic,” the power of the Coliseum faithful to produce unexpected victories, was first recognized by Des Moines Register sportswriter Buck Turnbull. On a Feb. 14, 1989, showdown with the No. 3 Missouri Tigers, the Cyclones conjured up the spirit of the Hilton crowd to produce a stunning 82-75 victory. The following day’s headline read “Hilton Magic Spells ‘Upset’ One More Time.”

In the article, Turnbull called for more “Hilton Magic” in the Cyclones’ upcoming bout with the Oklahoma State Cowboys, which had pummeled ISU, 102-74, just three weeks earlier. On cue, “Hilton Magic” displayed its powers, as the Cyclones defeated the Cowboys, 90-81, marking a 37-point reversal from the season’s prior meeting.

Hilton Coliseum was specifically built to hold in sound with a solid concrete structure, steel doors, and a crowd that sits just a few feet from the court. With a fan base that frequently ranks among the nations largest crowds, players from opposing teams, as well as Iowa State, have said that the floor has shaken due to the loudness of the crowd.

More than two decades old, the term “Hilton Magic” is still applicable today. This reality was never more apparent than ISU’s school-record 39-game homecourt winning streak that ended during the 2001-02 season. The streak, which spanned four different basketball seasons, was the second-longest in the nation at the time. In 2003-04, Iowa State went 17-1 in Hilton, recording the second-best single-season home win total in school history. In 2011-12, Iowa State went 16-2 with 2nd year head coach and Iowa State legend, "The Mayor" Fred Hoiberg. The return of Fred and the rebirth of "Hilton Magic" is a story for the ages. Entering the 2012-13 season, Iowa State holds an active streak of seven consecutive home victories.