Since I was covering both games at Purcell Pavilion this past weekend, my wife and I spent two nights just off the Notre Dame campus. In between a pair of Irish losses, we made the most of our time. We attended Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, and we caught the national tour production of “Fiddler on the Roof”, which happened to be in South Bend for the weekend. But I also found entertainment in a way I didn’t expect, specifically the halftime entertainment for the two basketball games.
For some time now, I have seen basketball reporters on Twitter make a fuss whenever Red Panda has been the halftime entertainment at games. If she had performed at any games I had attended in the past, I have no idea because I typically get up and go to the bathroom during halftime. But during a first-half timeout during Saturday’s men’s game, a graphic on the video board said Red Panda would be performing during halftime. No longer wanting to be among the uninitiated, I chose to stay at my spot on press row.
As our wonderful editor Nick Shepkowski told me later, you never forget your first time with Red Panda. I was blown away by the things the acrobat could do. Doing only one of riding a tall unicycle or balancing and then flipping bowls perfectly onto the top of your head would be difficult for most people. But she’s been doing this for a long time now, and fans stay in their seats just to watch her.
When I returned to Purcell Pavilion for the women’s game the next day, it occurred to me that Red Panda might appear again. Sure enough, she was announced as the halftime entertainment. This time, I figured I should record the performance for my wife as well as you lovely readers. And so, ladies and gentlemen, I give you Red Panda:
One interesting fact about this past weekend is that she needed three attempts to nail the final flip during her first performance. She didn’t need any redos for her second show, so I’m glad I captured this particular one. Even a professional juggler will drop things once in a while, so I guess she’s entitled to a few imperfections of her own.
Hopefully, you’re lucky enough to be at a basketball game with Red Panda at some point in the future. Resist the urge to hit the restroom or the concession stand if you know she’s going to perform. Believe me when I say that sticking around for her is totally worth it. Here’s to her continuing to thrill basketball crowds for many years to come.
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Follow Geoffrey on Twitter: @gfclark89