They got to spend one night as senior sleeping outside Assembly Hall, but at around 5 p.m. today, Camp Crean was shut down by IU Athletics and the students were asked to pack up, but were given vouchers to allow them to be the first ones inside Assembly Hall on Saturday.

Per IU Athletics:

BLOOMINGTON, IND - Student season ticket holders who have been standing outside Assembly Hall since Tuesday afternoon were given vouchers late this afternoon (Dec. 7) that will allow them to enter first in order when doors open Saturday at 3:45 p.m. for the men's basketball game against top-ranked Kentucky.

These students were then asked to leave the area outside Assembly Hall, and no other students will be allowed to spend the night outside Assembly Hall. Students who have season tickets in the general admission seating area for the IU-Kentucky game may begin lining up at 7:00 a.m. Saturday, and no additional vouchers will be distributed before then.

The decision was made in order to ensure the safety of the students who would be staying outside in cold, and possible inclement, weather for an extended period, and in recognition of the fact that this week is "dead week" on the campus, during which time students are preparing for final exams next week.

In consultation the university administration, IUPD and student leaders, the Athletics Department has adopted a policy that will allow students to stand in line for general admission seating beginning at 7 a.m. on the day of an event moving forward.

"This was an overwhelming show of support by these students whose passion and excitement for the Hoosiers is shared by many," said Deputy Director of Athletics Scott Dolson. "We can't wait for Saturday, but in the meantime, we want their focus to be on their academics and we want their safety and well being to be at the forefront."

"We expect a terrific student crowd on Saturday with the Red Out and a national television audience and we want everyone to be at their best," added Dolson. "The rest of this week and next week are so critical academically for so many that we do not want to take anything away from their ultimate goal, which is to graduate with a degree from Indiana University."

IU Bloomington's student body president applauded the decision.

"I believe we have all worked together to create a win-win situation for everyone, said IUSA President Justin Kingsolver. "With this demonstrated passion, I know Saturday's game will have the most enthusiastic student section we've seen this year."

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