Making the Most of IU Football

Being an IU football fan is not always fun and games, but the games themselves are an excuse to make your own fun despite the final score. Here are some of my favorite tips on how to enjoy the games and feel like a true Hoosier.


Sit near the band. The Marching Hundred are sure to set the gameday spirit, and if you are unfamiliar with the chants, cheers, and dances, there are enthusiastic people surrounding you who you can learn from. There is no more collegiate feeling than the one you get from hearing the IU Fight Song played live, only a few rows of bleachers away.


Come prepared. Depending on the crazy Indiana weather, you might need anything from sunscreen and sunglasses to a sweater and a scarf. Eating and hydrating beforehand are good ideas too, especially if the weather is hot; avoid pricey stadium food by eating at your residence halls before the game (Gresham Food Court at Foster is conveniently on the way to the stadium from most residence halls!) It is always fun to see food courts packed with people in cream, crimson, and face paint on gamedays.


Show your spirit. Dressing up in IU gear sets the tone for the game; from a simple hat to painting yourself with logos and letters, the more enthusiastic and creative you get, the more fun the games become for you and those sitting around you. Some of my most memorable outfits from games include bright red and white striped pants, and the dresses two girls fashioned out of over-sized IU tees.


Go in a group. Getting your floormates together is a great way to make new friends. With your student IDs, tickets are only $5. Even if gameday does not match up to the fun you had together in game nights on your residence hall floors, they can be there for you to soften to blow should the score not play out so well or the referees make arguable calls.