School
University
Stadium
Memorial Stadium
Capacity
52,646
Conference
Big Ten
Official University Indiana Hoosiers home & away games
* 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.
Late-season games can be cold and unpredictable. Dress in warm layers and check the forecast before heading out.
The top neighborhoods to celebrate in Bloomington on game day
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
The best spots near Memorial Stadium for Indiana Hoosiers fans
The ultimate walking route between the top game day bars near Memorial Stadium — follow the stops in order for the best experience
Total Distance
1.2 miles
Estimated Time
4 hours
Bar Stops
6 Stops
Route Type
Walking Route
Start Here
Kirkwood Avenue & Indiana Ave
423 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408
402 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408
319 N Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47404
216 N Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47404
350 W 11th St, Bloomington, IN 47404
519 E 10th St, Bloomington, IN 47408
End Point
Yogi's Grill & Bar
Nick's English Hut
Stop 1 of 6
Start your gameday at Nick's — it's been an IU institution since 1927. Order a Stroh's beer (the traditional choice) and soak in nearly 100 years of Hoosier history. The walls are covered in IU memorabilia.
Wear your Indiana Hoosiers gear and meet fellow fans at every stop along the route!
Skip the planning — book a guided bar crawl and we'll lead you through every stop
Book Your SpotThe rituals, chants, and moments that make University Indiana Hoosiers game day unlike anywhere else
3–4 hours before kickoff on Kirkwood Avenue
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.
90 minutes before kickoff outside Memorial Stadium
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.
4–5 hours before kickoff on Kirkwood Avenue
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.
Final regular season game — late November every year
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 at Upland Brewing Company
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.
Join our guided bar crawl and we'll make sure you don't miss a single Indiana Hoosiers ritual
Fuel up before kickoff at these local favorites near Memorial Stadium
Bar & Grill · $
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 · $
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 · $$
Bloomington's most beloved brewery serves elevated pub food alongside award-winning Indiana craft beers. The Upland Burger — topped with house-made pickles and Upland beer cheese — is the definitive gameday meal. The outdoor patio is packed with crimson-and-cream fans before every home game.
Pizza & Craft Beer · $$
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 · $$$
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 · $
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.
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
Book your University Indiana Hoosiers game day bar crawl and experience Bloomington nightlife like never before!