Dominique Ball said Bob Knight is the biggest name in the history of Indiana sports, and that’s why he’s bringing him to Carmel.
Knight – a Hall of Fame basketball coach who won three national championships leading the Indiana Hoosiers – will come to Authentic Sports Collectibles at Carmel City Center Jan. 14. ASC opened Nov. 1 at 715 Hanover Place, and Ball said he has been working on bringing Knight to the store for more than a month.
“I wanted to go big and who’s bigger than Bob Knight?” he said.
The signing is open to members of the public who purchase one of the 500 tickets available. Tickets can be purchased at the store from now until the day of the event, but Ball said waiting until the 14th may leave some without a ticket, as he expects media coverage – including an appearance by Knight on The Bob and Tom Show scheduled for next week – to put the tickets in high demand.
Ball said ASC’s contract with Knight prohibits him from publicly disclosing the price of each ticket but added that, in his experience, attending autograph sessions offers the best prices on signed memorabilia.
“To come witness the guy sign it, that’s the cheapest way to buy it,” he said. “It’s cheaper than buying it retail.”
Attendees are allowed to bring one item per purchased ticket, and Ball said there are very few limitations on what can be presented to Knight to sign. Traditionally, Knight has politely refused to sign two editions of Sports Illustrated covering his firing at IU as well as copies of A Season on the Brink. Aside from that, Ball said, nearly anything is fair game.
“He’ll even sign a chair if you want to bring that,” he said.
Ball said he has many other signings planned for 2012, including appearances by “Mean Joe” Greene, Johnny Bench, Pete Rose, Gale Sayers, Mike Alstott and more. Ball said those seeking more information or to purchase tickets can call him directly at 554-9906.