Ireland’s History

Ireland's Pub was named after George Ireland - the coach that led Loyola to victory in 1963 known as the 'Game of Change'. In 1963, Loyola became the first Illinois team to win the NCAA basketball championship. The team made history, but not just for their NCAA victory. The game, now recognized as the 'Game of Change' almost never happened at all. At the time, Loyola had four African American players in their lineup. Given the extreme racial tension of the time, this was seen a problem to the all-white Mississippi State team that Loyola was schedule to play. The Mississippi State team had to travel beyond state lines in order to play the game. The teams were able to meet, and the revolutionary game took place in East Lansing, Michigan. It was under George Ireland that Loyola was able to participate in an event that made civil rights and college basketball history. The 'Game of Change' broke down racial barriers and molded our Ramblers into NCAA champions.