Indiana (Bloomington, In)

Distance from Stadium: 50 miles
Address: 7800 Col. H. Weir Cook Memorial Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46241
Airlines: Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country, and United

Distance from Stadium: 95 miles
Address: 600 Terminal Drive, Louisville, KY 40209
Airlines: Allegiant, American, Breeze, Delta, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country, United.

Located steps from Kirkwood Avenue, this boutique hotel captures IU’s collegiate charm with nostalgic décor and Hoosier memorabilia. It’s walkable to bars, restaurants, and campus — perfect for game weekends.

Situated in the Indiana Memorial Union on campus, this hotel offers comfort and convenience right in the middle of it all. Rooms book fast during football season, but the location can’t be beat.

Scout Notes:

• Downtown and near the B-Line Trail, Hyatt Place is a great pick for those wanting modern amenities and proximity to both campus and the city’s nightlife.

• Start early at The Tailgate Fields. Located just north of Memorial Stadium, these lots are packed with tents, grills, and music by mid-morning. Hoosier fans bring serious tailgate setups — and visiting fans are always welcome.

• Don’t miss the Marching Hundred. Indiana’s marching band parades through campus before kickoff, building energy as crowds follow them toward the stadium.

• Plan for parking. Memorial Stadium sits on the north edge of campus, and nearby lots fill quickly. Arriving 3–4 hours before kickoff is ideal, or consider rideshare to avoid postgame traffic.

• Hit Kirkwood Avenue pregame. The bars and restaurants here are the heart of Bloomington’s social scene. It’s where alumni meet up, students rally, and the energy builds hours before kickoff.

• Stick around after the game. Win or lose, fans often head back downtown to keep the night going. Many local bars feature live music on weekends — Bloomington has a strong indie music scene.

• Bring layers. Early games can be warm, but by November, temperatures drop fast once the sun sets behind the hills.

Indiana University Memorial Stadium is located at  701 E 17th St, Bloomington, IN 47408

St. Elmo Steak House
Located about an hour north in downtown Indianapolis, St. Elmo Steak House is worth the short trip if you’re staying the weekend. A true Indiana institution since 1902, it’s famous for its perfectly aged steaks and its fire-breathing shrimp cocktail — an experience every Hoosier fan should try at least once. The old-school charm, white-tablecloth service, and photos of sports legends on the walls make it a must-visit for any serious foodie or Big Ten traveler.

Nick’s English Hut
The most famous Hoosier hangout on Kirkwood Avenue, Nick’s is a Bloomington icon. Grab a Stromboli, a local beer, and join the crowd playing “Sink the Biz” — the bar’s legendary drinking game. It’s a must-stop for any IU fan or visitor.

Mother Bear’s Pizza
A Bloomington tradition since 1973, Mother Bear’s serves thick, cheesy pies covered with local flavor. The cozy, wood-paneled interior makes it a perfect postgame stop for families or groups.

The Tap
Known for its massive craft beer selection (over 50 on tap) and pub fare, The Tap is one of the liveliest downtown spots on gameday. With TVs everywhere and a fun atmosphere, it’s ideal for catching other Big Ten matchups after the Hoosiers play.

55 Southern Stone
For a more upscale experience, Southern Stone offers refined Southern comfort food in a relaxed setting. Their shrimp and grits and bourbon cocktails make for an excellent alumni dinner spot.

Big Woods Bloomington
Part brewery, part restaurant, Big Woods features local craft beer and hearty dishes like BBQ nachos and burgers. It’s located right on the Square, making it a popular pre- and postgame meeting spot.

Village Deli
A Kirkwood breakfast staple that’s been serving Hoosiers for decades. Expect massive pancakes, omelets, and lines out the door on Saturday mornings — the best way to start a football day.

One of the most beautiful campuses in the Big Ten, IU is known for its limestone buildings, wooded trails, and scenic quads. Take a walk along Dunn Meadow or through Sample Gates for the quintessential Bloomington photo op.

Located at the corner of Kirkwood Avenue and Indiana Avenue, this arched limestone gateway serves as the symbolic entrance to IU. It’s a must-see landmark (and a popular postgame meeting spot).

Made famous by Jack Hanna, the zoo consistently ranks among the best in the nation. Located about 25 minutes from Ohio Stadium, it’s home to diverse exhibits and conservation programs, making it a perfect day trip for visitors.

Right next to Memorial Stadium, Assembly Hall is sacred ground for basketball fans. It’s one of the loudest, most iconic arenas in college hoops, with banners honoring IU’s five national championships hanging from the rafters. Even outside of basketball season, you can visit the lobby to see trophies, memorabilia, and photos of Hoosier legends.