Indiana University Bloomington has a thriving sports scene. From major teams to smaller on-campus squads, sport runs through its heart. We discuss how to get involved in the article below.
The Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall is the focus of sporting activity at Indiana University Bloomington. This hallowed space is where the town gathers to witness its prized basketball team. Yet by no means is it the only activity that takes place. The campus is filled with fitness and competition. Below, we discuss where to play, compete and unwind.
Where to Play
There is a common phrase that basketball is a religion in Indiana, and after a few hours here you may soon come to believe it. At the center of this is the Indiana Hoosiers basketball team, which plays in the NCAA Division I. They are most famous for their red and white candy-striped pants used to warm up, which have been a staple of the team's identity since the seventies. This red-and-white theme is something you will see throughout the state.
At the time of writing, the new term has yet to begin. But for the forthcoming season, many of the best IN betting sites listed by betting.us have Indiana at +8000 odds to win the 2026 tournament. These sites are ranked by a range of factors, including customer service, welcome bonuses, and odds themselves. You can often get higher odds by placing ante bets before the season begins, so it may be worth placing your wagers at these sites in advance.
Alongside this, the women's basketball team has been rising in popularity and success. They are entering their ninth year with coach Teri Horen. In 2021 they reached their first Elite Eight placement in the NCAA Tournament and have had eight consecutive 20-win seasons. However, there are around 24 sports teams on campus, and it isn't all basketball. The football team kicks off at the start of September, and they play in the Big Ten Conference.
Where to Compete
If you are looking to get into sports yourself, you don't have to be in the big leagues. In fact, there are plenty of ways to keep yourself fit and healthy, while indulging in some friendly competition. The campus recreation team organizes intramural sports, and you can sign up for the leagues with a $50 per semester fee. This gives you access to the Jaguar Campus recreation facilities. If you live on campus, this is included in your housing fee so you don't need to pay.
The sports available are small but varied, allowing access to a wide range of events. They have competitive eSports, with titles like Overwatch 2 and Rocket League. If you want something more physical you can try pickleball, flag football, 3x3 basketball, and a host of others. Added to this is a range of club sports, and practice sessions are open to anyone for almost all disciplines. This offers a much wider range, from rowing to ultimate frisbee.
Of course, you can just stay fit in private. The campus has gym facilities, you can hire swim lanes for yourself and there are plenty of fitness classes. These range from yoga to Zumba and cycling.
Where to Unwind
There are plenty of happenings around the big games themselves that will let you unwind. On game days you will see the parking lots around Memorial Stadium filled with revelers. There are activities and parties galore, all taking part on matchdays of Friday and Saturday so no one has to be up for work or study the next day. Tickets for the games are plentiful, and if you get season tickets at a student discount they can be extremely cheap. You can get a combined one for basketball and football, which while slightly more expensive, is still a great deal at just over $400.
The University Campus itself is home to some fantastic places to hang out, be it socially, or just to grab a few moments of still and calm to yourself. As well as its fantastic sports facilities, it also has a thriving arts scene which centers on the Musical Arts Centre. It has the second-largest stage area in the country, making any performance a grand sight to behold. For those who want to indulge in the visual arts, the Eskenazi Museum of Art is a must-visit. The architect was I.M. Pei, who also created the Louvre Pyramid in Paris. It houses everything from Monet to Pollock.
However, most students' first stop is the Indiana Memorial Union. It has a beautiful, multi-level facade that looks like something from a fantasy movie. Literally, everything you need is here, from coffee shops to restaurants and movie theatres.
There is so much going on on campus, it can be hard to keep up with it all. However, as you form bonds and friendships through spectating, playing or just hanging at the gym, you will come to be more connected. Soon, you will have the spirit of Indiana in your blood. You may even become the next star player for the Hoosiers.
This post is provided by a third party who may receive compensation from the products or services they mention.
