Scoring seats for Redbird hoops shouldn't require a master's class in athletic administration. If you're studying on campus and want to catch the action at CEFCU Arena, securing admission comes down to knowing how the Red Alert Pass works, where the student section sits, and how to avoid game-day entry headaches.
Illinois State University students have direct access to regular-season home games through streamlined digital systems. Whether you're aiming for courtside proximity or just want to hang out with the band, grabbing your pass early sets you up for the entire basketball season without last-minute scrambling.
Securing Your Red Alert Pass
The core mechanism for getting into home games is the Red Alert Pass. This specialized pass covers regular-season admission for men's basketball and football.
Buying your pass happens entirely online through the My Illinois State portal.
- Log into your student portal account using your ULID and password.
- Navigate to the Student Life tab at the top of the page.
- Locate the Get Involved section and click on Athletics RedAlert Pass, which redirects you to the official ticketing platform.
- Complete the purchase prompt, which authorizes a non-refundable charge directly onto your student account bill.
If your student account hasn't been initialized in the ticketing system yet, you won't see the purchase option immediately. Contact the Redbird Ticket Office directly by phone or email to sync your student profile before trying to buy online.
Game Day Entry and Your Redbird ID
Once you complete your purchase, your ticket access links directly to your official university credentials.
Physical paper stubs and PDF printouts aren't used for student section admission. Instead, your ticket privileges load onto your physical Redbird ID card. When you arrive at CEFCU Arena for tip-off:
- Head to the designated student entrance doors, typically marked specifically for Red Alert Pass holders.
- Have your physical Redbird ID ready for the gate attendant.
- The staff will swipe your card through the terminal to confirm your active pass status and print or grant immediate entry.
Arriving at least thirty minutes before tip-off helps you beat the pre-game rush, especially for high-profile conference matchups against rival schools in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Finding the Student Section
Atmosphere makes college basketball worth attending in person, and the student section at CEFCU Arena delivers high energy.
Red Alert members occupy designated lower-bowl sections closest to the court, ensuring you're right on top of the action. Sitting here means joining the official student cheers, standing during key defensive possessions, and supporting the team alongside the pep band and mascot.
If you're attending with friends who didn't grab a Red Alert Pass, they will need to purchase individual single-game general admission tickets through the GoRedbirds ticketing portal. Keep in mind that non-student tickets sit outside the primary student sections, so plan accordingly if you want to sit together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned students run into minor hurdles on game nights. Avoiding these common pitfalls keeps your evening stress-free:
- Waiting until game day to buy: While passes remain available for large portions of the academic year, buying late risks missing out on priority seat allocations for marquee games.
- Forgetting your physical ID: Digital photos of your ID or mobile screenshots generally won't pass muster at the student gate. Bring your physical card every time.
- Ignoring account syncing issues: If you transferred to ISU recently or changed your name, your ticketing profile might throw an error. Resolve account mismatches with the ticket office days ahead, not five minutes before tip-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Red Alert Pass cover postseason tournament games?
No. The pass covers regular-season home games only. MVC tournament games or any postseason home matchups require separate ticket purchases, though student discounts or specific allocations are sometimes offered through athletic communications.
What happens if I lose my Redbird ID card mid-season?
If you misplace your physical card, you need to obtain a replacement ID from the normal campus ID processing centers. Once your new card prints, notify the ticket office so they can update the magnetic stripe data linked to your active athletic pass.
Can I lend my Red Alert Pass to a friend who isn't a student?
No. Passes are non-transferable and tied directly to individual student records. Gate attendants verify identity using student credentials, and unauthorized use can result in the forfeiture of your ticketing privileges.
Where can I check schedule changes or game time updates?
Game times occasionally shift for television broadcasts. Check the master schedule directly on the ISU Athletics website to verify times before walking over to the arena.
