School
University
Stadium
Memorial Stadium
Capacity
52,646
Conference
Big Ten
The neighborhoods where Bloomington fans drink before, during, and after the game. Each district has its own vibe — here's where to find your crowd.
The main bar and restaurant strip near campus, packed with Hoosier fans on gamedays
Notable Bars
Downtown Bloomington's vibrant core with local bars, breweries, and restaurants
Notable Bars
Indiana University campus area with additional bars and tailgate spots near the stadium
Notable Bars
Plan your game day around the University Indiana Hoosiers home schedule
Sep 5
Sep 12
Sep 19
Sep 26
Oct 3
Oct 10
Oct 17
Oct 24
Oct 31
Nov 14
Nov 21
Nov 28
* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.
Bloomington enjoys mild Indiana fall weather — warm and sunny in September, pleasantly crisp in October, and cold by November. The rolling hills and fall foliage make October the most scenic month to visit Memorial Stadium.
77°
High
54°
Low
63°
High
43°
Low
50°
High
35°
Low
These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to Memorial Stadium.
Pack extra layers and check the forecast before you go. Indoor bars are your best friend on cold game days.
The definitive guide to Bloomington's college bar scene — where fans drink, what to order, and what makes each spot worth visiting on game day.
0.8 miles from Memorial Stadium
Atmosphere
Legendary IU bar since 1927 — the oldest bar in Bloomington with iconic Hoosier atmosphere
Known For
0.9 miles from Memorial Stadium
Atmosphere
Iconic live music venue and bar with a rich history and energetic gameday crowd
Known For
0.7 miles from Memorial Stadium
Atmosphere
Multi-level sports bar with great food, tons of TVs, and a packed gameday scene
Known For
0.6 miles from Memorial Stadium
Atmosphere
Bloomington's premier craft beer destination with 100+ taps and a welcoming atmosphere
Known For
1.1 miles from Memorial Stadium
Atmosphere
Award-winning local brewery with house-brewed beers and a great outdoor patio
Known For
0.5 miles from Memorial Stadium
Atmosphere
Classic Bloomington sports bar with a loyal Hoosier following and great gameday energy
Known For
What makes Indiana Hoosiers game day unique — the rituals, chants, and moments every fan lives for.
Since 1927, Nick's English Hut on Kirkwood Avenue has been the spiritual home of Indiana Hoosiers football. Generations of IU fans have started their gameday here, ordering a Stroh's beer and soaking in nearly a century of Hoosier history. The walls are covered in memorabilia, and the bar fills to capacity hours before kickoff. It's the oldest continuously operating college bar in Indiana.
Indiana's "Marching Hundred" is one of the most respected marching bands in the Big Ten. Before every home game, the band performs outside Memorial Stadium, drawing large crowds of fans who gather to watch the pre-game show. The band's precision and musicianship are a point of immense pride for the IU community, and their performance of "Indiana, Our Indiana" sends chills through the crowd.
Kirkwood Avenue is the beating heart of Bloomington's gameday scene. The street transforms into a massive outdoor party on game days, with bar patios overflowing onto the sidewalk and crimson-and-cream fans filling every inch of space. The walk from Kirkwood to Memorial Stadium — through the heart of IU's beautiful campus — is one of the most scenic gameday walks in college football.
The annual Indiana–Purdue game is played for the Old Oaken Bucket, one of the oldest and most unique rivalry trophies in college football. The bucket — an actual wooden bucket found near a farm in 1925 — has an "I" and "P" link chain attached for each year's result. The game is always the final regular-season matchup, and the entire state of Indiana stops to watch.
After every home game — win or lose — thousands of Hoosiers fans make the pilgrimage to Upland Brewing Company for post-game craft beers. Upland's award-winning brews and spacious outdoor patio make it the perfect place to decompress, celebrate, or commiserate. The brewery releases special Hoosiers-themed beers for home game weekends that sell out quickly.
Top spots to eat before or after the game — ranked by proximity, quality, and game day vibes.
Bar & Grill · 0.8 miles from stadium
Indiana's most legendary gameday institution since 1927. The kitchen serves classic bar food alongside the famous Stroh's beer. Generations of Hoosiers have fueled up here before heading to Memorial Stadium — the burgers and wings are the go-to gameday meal.
Sports Bar & Grill · 0.7 miles from stadium
The ultimate Hoosier sports bar with three levels of gameday food and drink. The wings are legendary — crispy, saucy, and perfect for sharing. Order a bucket of beer and a platter of wings and you're set for the entire pre-game.
Craft Brewery & Kitchen · 1.1 miles from stadium
Bloomington's most beloved brewery serves elevated pub food alongside award-winning Indiana craft beers. The Upland Burger — topped with house-made pickles and Upland beer cheese — is the definitive gameday meal. The outdoor patio is packed with crimson-and-cream fans before every home game.
Pizza & Craft Beer · 1.3 miles from stadium
A Bloomington institution since 1989, Lennie's is famous for its wood-fired pizzas and house-brewed beers. The 'Crimson & Cream' pizza — topped with roasted red peppers, fresh mozzarella, and basil — is a gameday staple. The outdoor beer garden fills with Hoosiers fans hours before kickoff.
Steakhouse · 1.5 miles from stadium
Bloomington's legendary steakhouse has been feeding Hoosiers fans since 1963. The hand-cut steaks are cooked over an open flame and served with house-made sides. A pre-game dinner here is a rite of passage for Indiana alumni — book a table well in advance for rivalry game weekends.
Breakfast & Brunch Cafe · 1.2 miles from stadium
The best breakfast spot in Bloomington and a gameday morning ritual for early-arriving fans. The Hoosier Hash — a massive skillet of eggs, potatoes, and house-made sausage — is the perfect fuel for a full day of tailgating. Arrive early; the line forms before the doors open on gamedays.
The top districts in Bloomington for game day bar crawls and nightlife.
The main bar and restaurant strip near campus, packed with Hoosier fans on gamedays
Downtown Bloomington's vibrant core with local bars, breweries, and restaurants
Indiana University campus area with additional bars and tailgate spots near the stadium
Turn your love of Indiana Hoosiers football into income. Organize bar crawls on game days, build your crew, and get paid doing what you love.
Everything you need to know before you arrive at Memorial Stadium
Rideshare Drop-off
Fee Lane & 17th St
Shuttle Service
Bloomington Transit provides shuttle service from select parking areas to Memorial Stadium starting 3 hours before kickoff on home gamedays
Top hotels near Memorial Stadium for game day weekend
Everything you need to know about Bloomington game day bar crawls
Explore every bar district, find the best spots near Memorial Stadium, and discover where Indiana Hoosiers fans drink on game day.