Hoosiers Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Tom Allen

Team Mascot: none

Year Opened: 1960

Capacity: 52656

City / State: Bloomington / Indiana

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Old Oaken Bucket

Rival Team: Purdue Boilermakers

These two schools are the largest in Indiana, and their proximity makes for an intense inter-state rivalry. IU and Purdue have been competing for the Old Oaken Bucket (the trophy awarded to the winner of the matchup) in football since 1925. Because the schools are close, the respective fan bases often frequent the game regardless of the location, making this one of the most exciting games (and biggest parties) during the football season.

Indiana vs Illinois

Rival Team: Illinois Fighting Illini

The Hoosiers and Illini have a longstanding border battle that isn’t only played out on the hardcourt, but also the gridiron. Illinois holds a 45-23-2 all-time lead, but the Hoosiers will look to narrow that lead soon.

The Old Brass Spittoon

Rival Team: Michigan State Spartans

Indiana and Michigan State have been battling for the Old Brass Spittoon since 1950. You’ll always find a good crowd when the Spartans are in town, so don’t miss it when Michigan State comes to town.

Hoosiers Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

The tailgate at Memorial Stadium on game days is an unforgettable experience. If you want to get the most out of your Hoosier game day, then you’ll want to start tailgating early as the lots open up a minimum of five hours before kickoff.  The Hoosiers are the pride of the state – outside of the section surrounding Purdue, which means there is an excited atmosphere around Indian football games.  The entire state loves to make a weekend trip to Bloomington and with them comes the RV’s, tents, cases of beer, and the undying support of Hoosier nation.  

Tailgating has become a big part of the culture at Indiana University, and many fans attend games specifically to tailgate and party before the game. The Hoosier ffan base is a lively, spirited bunch despite what happens on the field and the atmosphere around Memorial Stadium speaks to that. The unique thing about Bloomington is there is the option for the traditional tailgating experience as well as a good bar scene if that’s what you prefer. Regardless of what you choose to do before a game at Memorial Stadium, you’ll have a great time preparing to cheer on the Hoosiers.

Traditions

The Walk

One of the exciting Hoosier game day traditions is The Walk. Approximately two hours before kickoff the Hoosiers make their pre-game walk to the stadium as fans gather and cheer them on. During The Walk, the Marching Hundred and cheerleaders lead the fans in the singing of "Indiana, Our Indiana" and "Indiana Fight!” If you want a chance to get up close and personal with the Hoosiers before the game make sure to check out The Walk.

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The Knothole Club

The Knothole Club for Hoosier fans 13 and younger gives young fans a chance to show their Indiana spirit. The club gives away freebies to youngsters every game, and if you attend every Hoosier home game, then you’ll receive a Knothole All-American t-shirt. The Knothole Club is an excellent way to get young fans indoctrinated into Hoosier football and helps creates a fun atmosphere for the whole family

Kirkwood Avenue

If the traditional tailgate isn’t your scene, head over to Kirkwood Avenue which is lined with a ton of bars that fill with fans and locals on game day. Hoosier staples such as Crazy Horse and the Irish Lion offer a great pre-game atmosphere for those who prefer heading to the bar on game day.

Glory Plaza

The front entrance to the north end zone named Glory Plaza offers Hoosier fans the unique opportunity to be a part of Memorial Stadium. Brick pavers inside the plaza can be bought by fans and are used to honor and commemorate the Hoosier nation and their support for the crimson and cream.

Where to tailgate

Hoosiers Stadium Guide

In Game

Known as The Rock to locals and fans, Memorial Stadium is the home of the Indiana Hoosiers. When attending an Indiana football game you’ll be in a stadium filled with over 50,000 fellow Hoosiers. One of the great things about attending a Hoosiers game is you’ll get the chance to participate in plenty of fun promotions throughout the season. From Pink rally towels to Elvis glasses, you are sure to get a little something extra at any game you decide to attend.

In 2010, the student section at Memorial Stadium was named “The Quarry.” This is where you’ll see most of the school on game days as attending football games at Indiana are a big tradition. These students get rowdy and love cheering their school on to victory, so join in on the fun to get the most out of a crisp, beautiful fall day in Bloomington.

The leading Indiana chant is the Hoo-Hoo-Hoo-Hoosiers chant, which is something you may have heard if you’ve ever watched the Hoosiers compete in basketball on ESPN. The chant is also a staple at football games as well and is most notably done following a timeout in the fourth quarter when the game is on the line. Fans here love the jumping and screaming Hoo-Hoo-Hoo-Hoosiers chant and you will too as it is a fun chant to take part in.

Things to check out

Hep’s Rock

In 2005, head coach Terry Hoeppner had a limestone boulder (that he found) nicknamed “The Rock” installed in the north end zone of the stadium. In a tradition that continues today, IU football players and coaches would touch the Rock before running out onto the field. With the unfortunate passing of Coach Hoeppner, the Rock was renamed Hep’s Rock to commemorate the influence Hoeppner had on the football program at Indiana University

North End Zone Complex

Renovations to the home of the Hoosiers were completed in 2009 and revamped the stadium. The reconstruction of the north end zone included space for classrooms, a weight/training room, Hall of Fame, and expanded seating capacity inside the stadium.

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Knothole Park

This replica turf field is located in the south end zone of Memorial Stadium and is open to all Hoosier fans thirteen and below. This interactive young fan area also offers freebies for every game attended at Memorial Stadium

R-O-C-K In the USA

Indiana University’s Marching Hundred honors Bloomington native John Mellencamp by performing this hit at the end of the first quarter.

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Fight Songs

  1. Indiana, our Indiana

    Indiana, Our Indiana
    Indiana, we’re all for you
    We will fight for the Cream & 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!

  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!

Hoosiers Bars & Restaurants

  1. Butch’s Grillacatessen & Eatzeria

    Custom Pizza Co Pizza Elizabeths Pizza Pizza Colonnade PIzza Restaurant Pizza

    Butch's deli in Bloomington, Indiana uses only the freshest and highest quality ingredients, receiving produce orders 5 days a week.

    120 E 7th St, Bloomington, IN 47408, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. 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 - $$

  3. 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 - $$

  4. 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 - $

  5. 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 - $$

  6. 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 - $$

  7. 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 - $$

  8. 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 - $$

  9. 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 - $

  10. 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 - $$

  11. 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 - $

  12. 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 - $$

  13. 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 - $$

  14. 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 - $

  15. 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 - $$$

  16. BuffaLouie’s

    Buffa Louies Bloomington

    Sporty counter-serve eatery for wings, sandwiches & beer in a space decked out in IU gear & TVs.

    114 S Indiana Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408, USA

    (812) 333-3030

    Bar website

    american - $$

  17. Mother Bear’s Pizza

    Mother Bears Pizza

    Deep-dish pizzas & American snacks, plus beer & wine, at a local landmark resembling a rustic cabin.

    1428 E 3rd St, Bloomington, IN 47401, USA

    (812) 332-4495

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  18. 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 - $$

  19. 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 - $$

  20. 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 - $

  21. 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 - $$