Indiana football Saturdays have transformed into the main event in Bloomington following the Hoosiers' national championship run.
But with students limited to attending five of Indiana's eight home games through their season-ticket package in 2026, thousands of fans will have to find somewhere outside Memorial Stadium to watch the Hoosiers this fall.
Whether a game isn't included in a student's ticket package, Indiana is playing on the road or fans simply want to watch somewhere outside the stadium, Bloomington offers plenty of places to follow the Hoosiers.
Under 21 options
For students under 21, BuffaLouie's, 114 S. Indiana Ave., offers one of the closest options to campus. Located just outside Sample Gates, the restaurant features televisions throughout its dining area and walls covered in sports memorabilia. Known for its wings, BuffaLouie's gives younger students an all-ages gameday atmosphere just steps from campus.
Yogi's Bar & Grill, 302 N. Walnut St., offers another option for students under 21. Televisions surround the restaurant and bar, while its larger food menu and seating provide a traditional sports bar experience without requiring fans to be of drinking age.
Coaches Bar & Grill, 245 N. College Ave., provides a more relaxed downtown alternative. Located near the Hilton Garden Inn, Coaches offers plenty of televisions and seating, making it another option for younger students, families and fans visiting Bloomington for a football weekend.
Over 21 options
For students 21 and older seeking a more crowded game-day atmosphere, Kirkwood Avenue offers several of Bloomington's most popular options.
Kilroy's on Kirkwood, 502 E. Kirkwood Ave., and the Upstairs Pub, 430 E. Kirkwood Ave., sit next to each other and regularly draw large crowds of students. Both feature televisions throughout their spaces and can provide an atmosphere closer to the energy around Memorial Stadium on gameday.
Across the street, Nick's English Hut, 423 E. Kirkwood Ave., offers one of Bloomington's most recognizable IU gameday experiences. A longtime staple for students, alumni and fans, Nick's is filled with Indiana memorabilia and features its upstairs Hoosier Room with additional televisions and seating. The upstairs can fill up quickly during major games, while portions of the restaurant remain accessible to guests under 21.
Brothers Bar & Grill, 215 N. Walnut St., provides another option for fans 21 and older looking for a traditional sports bar environment. With televisions throughout the bar and a location just off Kirkwood Avenue, Brothers keeps fans near the center of Bloomington's gameday scene.
Other options
For fans less concerned with a traditional Bloomington gameday atmosphere, familiar sports bar chains can provide reliable alternatives farther from campus. Buffalo Wild Wings, 1350 W. Bloomfield Road, offers wall-to-wall televisions, wings and a traditional sports bar setup. Applebee's Grill and Bar, 2800 E. Third St., offers another all-ages option with televisions, food and a full bar for fans looking to avoid the downtown crowds.
Finding somewhere to watch can become a challenge of its own for Indiana's biggest games. Downtown bars filled quickly throughout the Hoosiers' championship run, making it important to arrive well before kickoff for fans hoping to secure a seat.
Memorial Stadium still remains the center of an Indiana football Saturday, but with students unable to attend every home game through their season-ticket package this fall, the rest of Bloomington will become an even larger part of the gameday experience.
This story was originally published in the Indiana Daily Student's Fall/Winter 2026 Source Campus Visitor's Guide.
