Indiana Hoosiers Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Mike Woodson

Team Mascot: No Mascot

Year Opened: 1971

Capacity: 17222

City / State: Bloomington / Indiana

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Indiana vs Illinois

Rival Team: Illinois Fighting Illini

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.

Things to check out

Assembly Hall

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.

play Watch video

Banners

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.

Mop Lady

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.

play Watch video

William Tell Overture

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.

play Watch video

Crimson Guard

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.

play Watch video

Candy Striped Pants

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.

play Watch video

Jerseys

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

  1. 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.!

  2. 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.

  3. 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!

Indiana Hoosiers Bars & Restaurants

  1. Trojan Horse

    Trojan Horse

    Kitschy tavern known for its menu of Greek & American entrees, pub grub, milkshakes & cocktails.

    100 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$

  2. The Tap

    beer glass

    The Tap is a brewery and craft beer bar in Bloomington boasting one of Indiana’s largest selections of small-batch craft beer.

    101 N College Ave, Bloomington, IN 47404, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. The Alley

    Owlz Pub Sand Trap Scorpions Bar Grill

    American bistro with upscale food & wine served in a relaxed setting with exposed wood beams.

    210 W Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47404, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. Bear’s Place

    Tap

    Full service bar offers a great selectio nof craft beers for you to indulge in.

    1316 E 3rd St, Bloomington, IN 47401, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Nick’s English Hut

    bar drinks

    Bi-level sports bar mainstay offers market-driven American eats & a hopping post-dinner crowd.

    423 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  6. Irish Lion

    Tap

    Vintage decor sets a cozy yet busy stage for Irish-American pub grub paired with pints & scotch.

    212 W Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47404, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$

  7. Crazy Horse

    Crazy Horse

    Old-timey American eatery & bar in an 1880s hotel offers a sizable beer list & daily drink specials.

    214 W Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47404, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Kilroy’s Sports Bar

    beer Billy Jacks Wing Draft Shack Roost Great American Pub

    Always a memorable place to experience.

    319 N Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47404, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  9. Kilroy’s Bar and Grill

    Criterion beer Mazzys Brewballs Cogans Deli Sports Pub Kamikazes Libbys Bar Grill Knot Pub Cara Irish Mess Hall

    Jumping area nightspot with sports on TV, outdoor seating, classic pub grub & a range of events.

    502 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  10. Hinkle’s Hamburgers

    Hinkles Hamburgers

    Come see us and find out for yourself why people still travel back here to eat the best hamburgers in Bloomington!

    206 S Adams St, Bloomington, IN 47404, USA

    812-339-3335

    Bar website

    american - $

  11. Smokin’ Jack’s Rib Shack

    Smokin Jacks Bloomington

    Unpretentious restaurant featuring down-home, Southern-style BBQ & classic sides.

    505 W 17th St, Bloomington, IN 47404, USA

    812-332-7427

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  12. Pizza X

    Pizza X Bloomington

    Try our Delicious and Unique Specialty Pizzas.

    877 S College Mall Rd, Bloomington, IN 47401, USA

    812-339-7737

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  13. Uptown Cafe

    Uptown Cafe Bloomington

    Lively fixture serving American eats with a Cajun-Creole bent all day, plus full bar & soccer on TV.

    102 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408, USA

    812-339-0900

    Bar website

    american - $

  14. Janko’s Little Zagreb

    steak

    This institution serves hearty steak & seafood dinners & fine wines in an old-fashioned dining room.

    223 W 6th St, Bloomington, IN 47404, USA

    812-332-0694

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$

  15. The Village Deli

    Village Deli Bloomington

    The Village Deli has been a weekend breakfast tradition for many Bloomington residents and scores of IU students.

    409 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408, USA

    812-336-2303

    Bar website

    american - $$

  16. Malibu Grill

    Malibu Grill Bloomington

    The innovative menu features hand cut steaks, fresh seafood, unique pastas, wood fired pizzas, and many more.

    106 N Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47404, USA

    812-332-4334

    Bar website

    american - $$

  17. Bloomington Bagel Company

    Bloomington Bagel Co

    Fueling your HOLE college experience with from-scratch bagels and more!

    113 N Dunn St, Bloomington, IN 47408, USA

    812-333-4653

    Bar website

    american - $

  18. Lennie’s

    Lennies Bloomington

    Easygoing tavern serving local craft beers & a wide-ranging menu of eats, including gourmet pizzas.

    514 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408, USA

    812-323-2112

    Bar website

    pizza - $$