Indiana State Sycamores Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Division I FCS

Head Coach: Curt Mallory

Team Mascot: Sycamore Sam

Year Opened: 1924

Capacity: 12764

City / State: Terre Haute / Indiana

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

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Blue Key Victory Bell

Rival Team: Ball State Cardinals

You won’t want to miss it when Indiana State and Ball State get together. The rivalry between the Sycamores and Cardinals dates back to 1924 and is one of the best football rivalries in the state of Indiana. The winner of the matchup takes home the Victory Bell as well as bragging rights, so don’t miss it when these two longtime rivals meet next.

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Indiana State vs Illinois State

Rival Team: Illinois State Redbirds

The Redbirds and Sycamores have met on the gridiron every year since 1969 creating an intense rivalry between these two Missouri Valley Conference schools. The Redbirds hold a slim lead in the all-time series 36-30-2, but you won’t want to miss it when the Sycamores try to narrow the gap this season.

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Indiana State vs Southern Illinois

Rival Team: Southern Illinois Salukis

It’s always a big matchup when the Sycamores and Salukis square off. However, no match between the two was bigger than their meeting in the 1949 Shrine Bowl. While the Salukis may have won that matchup, there are always a lot of bragging rights on the line when these two rivals meet making every Indiana State-Southern Illinois game a must-see.

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Indiana State vs Eastern Illinois

Rival Team: Eastern Illinois Panthers

Fans of both the Panthers and Sycamores travel well to the away games for this rivalry as the schools are only 50 miles apart. The Eastern Illinois-Indiana State rivalry was renewed in 2017, and the two schools will play a home and home series until 2020, so make sure to get your tickets when the Panthers come to town.

Indiana State Sycamores Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

If you want to tailgate at Indiana State and can only make it to one game, then make sure to attend the homecoming game. Homecoming is hands down the biggest event of the year at Indiana State making it the perfect time to tailgate and attend a Sycamores game.

Homecoming features several traditions you won’t get to take part in otherwise including The Walk and Tent City. The Walk is a pub crawl from downtown to the stadium and is an excellent way to party before the homecoming game. If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxed, don’t’ worry as Tent City is another good pre-game option before the homecoming game.

Finally, no matter what game you’re attending make sure to check out the Memorial Stadium Arch before the game. The arch is a must-see for anyone attending a Sycamores game, and it shows off the gorgeous architecture of the original Memorial Stadium.

You won’t want to miss tailgating before the homecoming game, which is one of the best experiences you’ll find in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.

Indiana State Syamores tailgate
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Indiana State Sycamores tailgate
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Indiana State Sycamores tailgate
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Traditions

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Memorial Arch

Make sure to take a minute to appreciate Memorial Stadium’s original arch when entering the venue. The arch is a gorgeous piece of architecture and is one of the few remaining pieces of the original stadium, so don’t miss it during your trip to Terre Haute.

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The Walk

If you’re attending the homecoming game and want to get rowdy before the game, then take part in The Walk. The Walk is a pub crawl from downtown to the stadium and is a favorite homecoming tradition among students, alumni, and locals.

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Tent City

When attending the homecoming game at Indiana State, make sure to check out Tent City. Tent City is where you can find the majority of the tailgating action and is an excellent place to tailgate before the homecoming football game.

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Where to tailgate

Indiana State Sycamores Stadium Guide

In Game

An Indiana State Sycamores football game is a great experience for anyone in the Terre Haute area looking to enjoy a day of college football action. The Sycamores spirit squads put on fantastic performances, and the intimate small school atmosphere of Memorial Stadium provides an enjoyable game day experience.

The Marching Sycamores put on an incredible show at the game, and you can feel their presence throughout the game making them one of the best parts of any Indiana State football games. You’ll also get to enjoy the performances of the Sparkettes, cheerleaders, and Sycamore Sam during the game as well creating a fun collegiate feel at every game.

A Sycamores game is a good time for anyone who loves college football, so get your tickets to an Indiana State football game today.

Indiana State Sycamores football
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Indiana State Sycamores football
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Indiana State Sycamores football
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Things to check out

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Grassy Hill

The grassy hill on the north side of the stadium allows fans to enjoy a Sycamores game in a unique fashion. Those of you who want to enjoy a picnic with the game or sit in the grass will have a fantastic time taking in the game from the hill.

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Sycamore Sam

Keep an eye out for the Indiana State mascot Sycamore Sam. Sycamore Sam gets into all kinds of antics at the game and is a must-see part of any Indiana State football game.

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Indiana State University Marching Sycamores

Enjoy the music provided by the Indiana State Marching Sycamores throughout the game. The Marching Sycamores do a fantastic job of energizing the crowd with their tunes, and their pregame and halftime shows are also top-notch.

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Indiana State Sycamores Sparkettes Image Source

Sparkettes

Don’t leave your seat when you see the Sparkettes take the field. The Sparkettes will dazzle you with their dance routines and are a fun party of any Sycamores sporting event.

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Cheerleaders

The cheerleaders will pump you and the rest of the crowd throughout the game. Get loud and join in the cheerleaders’ cheers and chants to give the Sycamores as much of a home field advantage as possible.

Fight Songs

  1. March On! (You Fighting Sycamores)

    March on! March on, you fighting Sycamores, Sycamores,
    March on, you Statesmen tried and true.
    March on! March on, to glorious vic-to-ry.
    Raise that flag of Royal Blue!
    March on! March on, you fighting Sycamores, Sycamores,
    Shout out the victory song!
    Onward, ever onward to the goal,
    as you march, on and on!

  2. Indiana State Alma Mater

    Out upon the swelling breezes,
    let our voices ring
    As to thee, our Alma Mater,
    heartfelt praise we sing.
    Though the years to come may part us,
    Friends and comrades true,
    ISU, our Alma Mater,
    here’s our pledge to you.

Indiana State Sycamores Bars & Restaurants

  1. T’s Lounge

    Skewers Bar Grill Ts Lounge

    A nice place to go to regularly for awesome drinks!

    1612 S 7th St, Terre Haute, IN 47802, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  2. Show-Me’s Sports Bar & Grill

    Show Mes Sports Bar Grill

    Show-Me's restaurants are wing, burger, and seafood establishments -- an all around casual atmosphere.

    2324 S 3rd St, Terre Haute, IN 47802, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Sonka Irish Pub

    Sonka Irish Pub

    The Sonka Irish Pub & Cafe continues to be a Terre Haute tradition for many lovers of good beer, good food and a place to meet good friends.

    1366 Wabash Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47807, USA

    Bar website

    american

  4. Big Shooters

    Big Shooters Clubhouse Sports Bar Billiards

    Cool atmosphere, great drinks, and friendly service.

    2938 N 16th St, Terre Haute, IN 47804, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  5. Tollys Bar and Grill

    Tollys Bar and Grill

    Live music, karaoke, trivia, pool leagues, comedy shows, wrestling, DJs, wine and canvas and much more!

    2341 Maple Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47804, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  6. Bandanas Bar-B-Q

    Bandanas BBQ

    The best Southern Style BAR-B-Q, with exceptionally quick service, in a friendly, family atmosphere.

    3060 S US Hwy 41, Terre Haute, IN 47802, USA

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$

  7. M. Moggers Restaurant & Pub

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

    Rustic-chic saloon with a spacious deck delivers American pub fare, 170 beers & live music.

    908 Poplar St, Terre Haute, IN 47807, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Coffee Cup Family Restaurant

    Coffee Cup Family Restaurant

    Coffee Cup Family restaurant provides good food and friendly service as well as family oriented comfortable environment.

    1512 Lafayette Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47804, USA

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $

  9. La Isla Mexican Restaurant

    La Isla mexican El Toro Bar Grill

    Delicious Mexican food and excellent service!

    1559 Fort Harrison Rd, Terre Haute, IN 47804, USA

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  10. Charlie’s Pub & Grub

    Charlies Pub Grub

    Charlie's is a destination restaurant and pub for hungry patrons that are traveling through the area, and a little piece of home for the locals that have been coming here since the 70's.

    1608 Crawford St, Terre Haute, IN 47807, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  11. Fifi’s Lunch Box

    Fifis Lunch Box

    Freshly-prepared, made-from-scratch, high-quality, tasty burgers!

    2918 Wabash Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47803, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  12. Piloni’s Italian Restaurant

    Pilonis Italian Restaurant

    Piloni's brings big-city quality, Italian food to the friendly footprint of Terre Haute, Indiana.

    1733 Lafayette Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47804, USA

    Bar website

    italian - $$

  13. Bev’s Restaurant

    TJs Fish Chicken Breakfast McLeans Restaurant Breakfast Bundy Hill KC Diner Breakfast The Harbour Diner Breakfast Mr Breakfast Restaurant Breakfast

    Home style dishes with daily specials.

    1303 S 25th St, Terre Haute, IN 47803, USA

    Bar website

    american - $