When it comes to basketball, the Indiana’s biggest rivals are the Illinois Fighting Illini. The two schools are located only 153 miles apart and for years have been trying to recruit the same players creating one of the fiercest Big Ten basketball rivalries. The Hoosiers and Illini first met in 1906 when Illinois downed the Hoosiers 27-24, and the rivalry has been going strong ever since. If you want to see the Indiana crowd at a fever pitch, then make sure to be in attendance when the Illini come to town.
Indiana vs Purdue
Rival Team: Purdue Boilermakers
These two schools are the largest in Indiana creating an intense intra-state rivalry. IU and Purdue have been competing on the hardcourt since 1901, and the rivalry has produced many memorable moments over the years. One of the most famous moments in the rivalry occurred on February 23, 1985, when Hoosiers head coach Bob Knight famously threw a chair across the court after receiving a technical foul. You’ll always be in for a good show when these two meet, so don’t miss your chance to see this intense rivalry in person.
Indiana vs Kentucky
Rival Team: Kentucky Wildcats
The rivalry between Indiana and Kentucky began with a football game in 1893, however, over the years the basketball rivalry between these two powerhouses has overshadowed the football one. The two schools are two of the most decorated programs in college basketball with the Hoosiers having won five national championships and the Wildcats claiming eight. The rivalry hasn’t been a regular fixture since 2011, so you’ll want to be there when these two get together next.
Indiana Hoosiers Stadium Guide
In Game
The word to sum up attending a game at Assembly Hall is tradition. Tradition is the most important aspect of a Hoosiers basketball game, which you can see the moment you step foot into the hallowed halls of Assembly Hall. Everything from the in-game entertainment to the team’s uniform to the arena itself are traditional.
At Indiana, basketball is the primary focus of everyone in the arena, which you can tell by the lineup and play attitude on display. You won’t find any gimmicks here. There are no t-shirt cannons or mascots, and to put it simply you don’t need them in the basketball cathedral that is Assembly Hall. The game itself and the atmosphere it produces stands on its own and creates one of the most enjoyable experiences in college basketball.
Fans all over the state live and die with the Hoosiers basketball team, and as a result, the crowd is one of the most enthusiastic in the nation. You’ll hear cheers and chants throughout the game even when the Hoosiers are down. You’ll also have no problem starting a conversation with fellow fans as Hoosiers fans are among the nicest in the country and love to talk basketball.
Assembly Hall may not be as flashy as some other arenas, but that doesn’t mean you won’t experience one of the best atmospheres in college basketball when attending a Hoosiers game.
Assembly Hall itself is a must see for college basketball fans everywhere. There are few more historic and beloved venues than Assembly Hall, so arrive early and take it all in when attending a Hoosiers basketball game.
Hanging at the ends of Assembly Hall are banners commemorating the Hoosiers five national championships. Take a peek at these banners to remember all of the greatest players and teams in Indiana history, including the undefeated 1976 team.
Indiana’s mop lady tradition dates back to the mid-1970s when State Farm Indiana Legends created an ad featuring a woman sweeping the floor of Assembly Hall. The ad quickly became a part of the Hoosiers pregame ritual, and today you can see the mop lady in action right before the Hoosiers take the court. Don’t miss this tradition when attending a game at Assembly Hall.
The Indiana pep band plays the William Tell Overture during the third time-out of the second half of every game. While the band plays, the cheer squad runs around with flags creating quite the sight to behold. Stay in your seat during the third time-out of the second half and take in this incredible tradition.
Despite the Hoosiers incredible basketball history, Indiana was one of the last school in the Big Ten to have a designated student section. In 2009, when Tom Crean arrived he created the Crimson Guard, which has quickly become one of the most raucous student sections in the nation.
Over the years, Indiana’s candy striped pants have become a part of the team’s signature look. The team has been wearing this style of warm up pants since the 1970s so take a minute to enjoy Indiana’s classic look.
Another uniform related tradition for the Hoosiers is the fact the team wears plain jerseys with no name on the back. Similar to the team’s candy striped pants, this iconic look is a big part the Indiana basketball look.
Fight Songs
Indiana, our Indiana
Indiana, our Indiana
Indiana, we’re all for you!
We will fight for the cream and crimson
For the glory of old IU
Never daunted, we cannot falter
In the battle, we’re tried and true
Indiana, our Indiana,
Indiana we’re all for you! I-U!
“Indiana Fight”
Fight for the Cream and Crimson,
Loyal sons of our old I. U.
Fight for your Alma Mater,
and the school you love so true.
Fight for old Indiana,
See her victories safely through,
GO! I.U! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!
For the glory of old I. U.!
Indiana Fight
Fight for the Cream and Crimson,
Loyal sons of our old IU
Fight for your Alma Mater,
and the school you love so true.
Fight for old Indiana,
See her victories safely through,
GO! IU! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!
For the glory of old IU.
Hail to Old IU
Come and join in song together,
Shout with might and main;
Our beloved Alma Mater,
Sound her praise again.
Gloriana Frangipana, E’er to her be true.
She’s the pride of Indiana,
Hail to Old IU!
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