BLOOMINGTON — Kristen Gillespie has visited Illinois Wesleyan's Shirk Center several times as a spectator.
On Thursday, the Illinois State women's basketball coach will have a front row, courtside seat.
Because of a scheduling conflict at ISU's CEFCU Arena, Gillespie and the Redbirds will be the host team at their home away from home when Abilene Christian provides the opposition for a 6:30 p.m. Super Sixteen game of the Women's National Invitation Tournament at Shirk Center.
"It's exciting. It's an opportunity to play in our hometown. That's what we're looking at," Gillespie said. "We are not having to travel, not having to get on a plane or a bus.