College basketball fans break silence, storm the court as part of unique Christmas tradition

Date:

It’s a tradition like no other. 

Since 1997, the Taylor University Trojans created an official Christmas celebration which has come to be known as “Silent Night.” 

Taylor University fans cheer at the 27th annual “Silent Night” game at Odle Arena on Dec. 6, 2024.  (Mallory Dotson/ Taylor University Athletics )

The tradition, meant to celebrate the holiday season and the end of the semester, involves a typically sold out basketball game where fans dress up in costumes and remain utterly silent until Taylor scores its 10th point of the game. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Fans then break the silence by storming the court at Odle Arena. 

Friday marked the annual game, this time against Moody Bible Institute. And fans didn’t have to keep quiet for too long. 

Just 90 seconds into the game, junior Nate Paarlberg broke free down court, dunking the ball for the Trojan’s 10th point. Fans stormed the court in unison celebrating and, to avoid a technical, a media timeout is always called. 

Nate Paarlberg

Junior Nate Paarlberg (3) scored Taylor’s 10th point, officially breaking the silence at Odle Arena. (Mallory Dotson/ Taylor University Athletics )

LOYOLA CHICAGO MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM FINDS CREATIVE WAY TO APOLOGIZE TO SISTER JEAN AFTER VIRAL SNUB VIDEO

The traditions continued in the final minute of the game as the crowd, arm-in-arm, began to sing “Silent Night.”

Taylor walked away with a 107-59 and improved to 26-1 all-time in “Silent Night” games. 

Taylor University fans

Taylor University fans storm the court at the 27th annual “Silent Night” game at Odle Arena on Dec. 6, 2024.  (Mallory Dotson/ Taylor University Athletics )

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

According to the school’s website, Taylor is an “interdenominational liberal arts university of evangelical faith” in Upland, Indiana. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Share post:

Popular

More like this
Related

49ers hope re-signing Greenlaw is team’s top offseason priority

49ers hope re-signing Greenlaw is team's top offseason priority...

Report – Italy Superstar Didn’t Train With Rest Of Inter Milan Squad – Medical Examinations Tomorrow

Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella trained separately from the...

Former Liberty QB Kaidon Salter commits to Colorado for final season of eligibility

Colorado has added a top QB through the transfer...