Memorial Stadium, home of the Indiana Hoosiers football team, is a special place in Bloomington. I’ve been to many games there and always enjoy the atmosphere. The stadium opened in 1960 and has seen some upgrades over the years.
With a capacity of 52,929 fans, Memorial Stadium creates an exciting gameday experience for Hoosier faithful and visitors alike. I love the classic horseshoe shape and how the north end zone was enclosed to boost capacity. The synthetic turf field looks great too.
When I go to games, I like to get there early to soak in the pregame buzz. Fans are friendly, and there’s lots of Indiana University spirit on display. The view from the north end zone seats gives you a cool quarterback’s perspective of the action.
Key Takeaways
- Memorial Stadium offers a fun, intimate college football experience in Bloomington
- The horseshoe design and recent upgrades create an energetic atmosphere for 52,929 fans
- Arriving early lets you enjoy pregame activities and Indiana University spirit
Stadium Overview
Memorial Stadium, home of the Indiana Hoosiers football team, is a historic venue with modern amenities. I’ve visited this impressive stadium several times and want to share what I’ve learned about its history, layout, and features.
History and Renovations
Memorial Stadium opened its gates in 1960, giving the Hoosiers a proper home field. I was fascinated to learn it’s named in honor of Indiana University students who served in wars. The stadium has seen many upgrades over the years. A big change came in 2003 when they added a fancy press box tower on the west side.
The most recent major renovation happened from 2008 to 2010. This project enclosed the north end zone, boosting capacity and adding new facilities. I think it really improved the stadium’s look and feel.
Location and Access
I find Memorial Stadium’s location on the IU Bloomington campus very convenient. It’s nestled in the eastern part of campus, close to Assembly Hall where the basketball team plays.
Getting to the stadium is pretty easy. There’s parking available nearby, but I usually prefer to walk from campus. On game days, the atmosphere around the stadium is electric with fans streaming in from all directions.
Seating and Capacity
The stadium can hold 52,626 fans, which I think creates a great atmosphere without feeling too overwhelming. The seating bowl wraps around in a horseshoe shape, with the open end facing south.
I’ve sat in a few different areas, and the view is generally good from most seats. The west side stands out with its towering height – I counted 107 rows at its tallest point!
Here’s a quick breakdown of the seating areas:
- West Stand: Largest section, includes suites and press box
- East Stand: Opposite the west, good views
- North End Zone: Newest section, includes some premium seating
- South End Zone: Open area with a large scoreboard
Facilities and Amenities
The North End Zone complex is a hub of activity. It houses team facilities like locker rooms and training areas. For fans, there are concession stands and restrooms throughout the stadium.
I always enjoy checking out the Hall of Champions in the north end zone. It showcases IU’s football history and achievements. The stadium also has a huge HD video board in the south end zone, which adds to the gameday experience.
Suites and club areas offer a more upscale option for watching the game. While I haven’t splurged on those, they look pretty nice from the outside!
Game Day Experience
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Going to an IU football game is always exciting. The atmosphere around Memorial Stadium on game days is electric, with lots to see and do before, during, and after the game.
Tailgating and Pre-Game
I love arriving early to tailgate before IU football games. The fields and parking lots around Memorial Stadium fill up with fans grilling, playing games, and getting pumped for kickoff. I’ve seen some really impressive setups with big tents, TVs, and fancy grills.
Students tend to gather on the grass fields, while alumni often tailgate in the paved lots. There’s usually live music playing and the marching band comes through to get everyone fired up. The atmosphere is so fun, win or lose.
For pre-game drinks, I like to stop at Nick’s English Hut or Kilroy’s on Kirkwood. Both bars get packed on game days, especially when we’re playing Big Ten rivals like Ohio State or Michigan State.
Concessions and Merchandise
Inside the stadium, I’m always impressed by the variety of food options. Beyond typical stadium fare like hot dogs and nachos, they have local favorites like breaded pork tenderloins. Beer is also available throughout the stadium.
I usually grab an IU hat or t-shirt at the team store. The prices are a bit high, but the selection is great. They have special game day merchandise for big matchups.
My favorite concession stand is by section 20. The lines move quick and the staff is super friendly. Pro tip: the pretzels there are amazing!
Spectator View and Comfort
The view from most seats is pretty good. I prefer sitting in the lower bowl on the home side for the best sightlines. The student section in the north end zone gets really rowdy.
Seating capacity is around 53,000. It can feel a bit cramped in the bleacher sections, but there’s decent legroom in the chairback seats. I always bring a seat cushion for comfort.
The big video board is easy to see from anywhere. It shows lots of replays and stats. I love when they put fans up on the board between plays.
Photo opportunities are everywhere. My favorite spot is by the stadium entrance with the big IU logo. The field looks great for pics too, especially at sunset.
Fan Engagement
Memorial Stadium offers exciting ways for fans to get involved on game days. I’ve seen firsthand how the atmosphere comes alive with team spirit and interactive elements. Let’s look at some of the key features that make the fan experience special.
Team Support and Student Section
The student section at Memorial Stadium is electric! I love how it’s located in the North End Zone, giving students a prime view of the action. On game days, I see the stands packed with crimson-clad fans cheering on the Hoosiers.
The stadium staff does a great job pumping up the crowd. They lead chants and wave flags to keep energy high. I’ve noticed how the video board and sound system work together to create an immersive experience.
Indiana’s mascot also roams the sidelines, posing for photos and entertaining kids. It’s always fun to spot alumni and former players in attendance too.
Interactive Features
Memorial Stadium has some cool tech features I enjoy. The video board shows replays and player stats, helping me follow the game better. There’s also an app where I can order food or check wait times for concessions.
I like visiting the Hall of Champions to see Indiana’s football history. It’s a great spot to learn about past teams and players. The Excellence Academy showcases academic achievements of student-athletes.
For the 2024 season, I’m excited about the new team entryway. They’re also adding more outdoor suites, which should be a fun viewing option. Hep’s Rock is being moved to make it easier for fans to see up close.
Tickets and Visiting
Going to a game at Memorial Stadium is fun and easy. I’ll share what I’ve learned about getting tickets, finding help, and making sure everyone can enjoy the game.
Pricing and Availability
I’ve found that tickets for Indiana football games are pretty affordable. You can often get seats starting around $20. The north endzone sections are usually the cheapest.
For the best deals, I like to search early. The stadium holds 52,929 fans, so there’s usually good availability. But big games can sell out fast!
If you’re bringing the family, look for special ticket packages. They sometimes offer discounts for kids or student sections for a fun atmosphere.
Guest Services
The staff at Memorial Stadium are super friendly. I always feel welcome when I visit. They have info desks near Section 7 where you can get help or ask questions.
If you need anything during the game, just look for someone in a uniform. They’re happy to help!
Don’t forget to bring your ID if you want to buy alcohol. They check at the concession stands.
Accessibility
I’m glad to see Memorial Stadium takes accessibility seriously. They offer special parking areas close to the entrances for fans who need them.
Inside, there are elevators and ramps to help you get around. Wheelchair seating is available in different sections, so you can choose your view.
If you need any special accommodations, I recommend calling the ticket office ahead of time. They can help set things up for you.
The stadium is right on the IU campus, which is beautiful. It’s fun to walk around before or after the game if you’re able.
Visitor Reviews and Stories
I’ve heard some amazing stories from fans who’ve visited Memorial Stadium. Their experiences and memories really bring the place to life. Let me share a few highlights with you.
From Fans Perspective
I love hearing what other fans think about the stadium. Many say it has great views from any seat. That’s awesome! No bad seats is a big plus.
I’ve read that the staff is super friendly too. One fan mentioned the workers at the concession stands were fast and helpful. That’s so important on busy game days.
It’s cool that they now serve alcohol at games. But don’t forget your ID! They check everyone.
Parking can be tricky if you don’t have a pass. Plan ahead to find a good spot.
Memorable Game Highlights
I’ve come across some exciting stories about big games at Memorial Stadium. Fans love talking about matchups against rivals like Ohio State and Michigan State.
One person told me about an upset win over a ranked team. The crowd went wild! The energy in the stadium was electric.
Another fan described a last-second touchdown that won the game. Can you imagine how loud it must have been?
I heard the student section gets really rowdy for important games. Their enthusiasm helps fire up the whole crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
Indiana’s Memorial Stadium offers many amenities and options for fans on game days. I’ll cover some common questions about parking, food, arrival times, and more to help you plan your visit.
What are the top amenities offered at the Indiana Memorial Stadium?
Memorial Stadium has some great features for fans. The north end zone facility is a highlight, with premium seating options. There’s also a large video board to catch all the action.
The stadium has ample concession stands and restrooms throughout. I like that there’s a mix of bench and chair-back seating to choose from.
Can you tell me about the parking situation at Memorial Stadium for game days?
Parking can get busy on game days, so I recommend arriving early. There are several lots around the stadium, but they fill up fast.
I’ve found the lots near the north end zone to be convenient. Some farther lots offer shuttle service to the stadium. It’s a good idea to buy parking passes in advance if possible.
How early should I arrive at Memorial Stadium for an IU football game?
I usually aim to get to the stadium at least 90 minutes before kickoff. This gives me time to park, walk to the stadium, and find my seat without rushing.
If you want to enjoy pre-game activities or tailgating, arriving 2-3 hours early is even better. The atmosphere around the stadium really picks up as game time approaches.
What are some good food options inside Memorial Stadium?
Memorial Stadium has your typical stadium fare like hot dogs, popcorn, and nachos. I’ve enjoyed their bratwursts in the past.
Some concession stands offer local Indiana favorites too. Look for the pork tenderloin sandwiches – they’re a Hoosier classic! Bringing cash can help speed up your transactions at busy stands.
How can someone rent a suite at Memorial Stadium for an IU football game?
Suites at Memorial Stadium offer a premium gameday experience. To rent one, you’ll need to contact the IU athletic department directly.
These suites are located in the North End Zone facility. They typically include indoor and outdoor seating, TVs, and catering options. Availability can be limited, so book well in advance if possible.
What’s the policy on tailgating at Indiana Memorial Stadium?
Tailgating is a big part of the gameday experience at IU. Many parking lots around the stadium allow tailgating before the game.
I’ve seen fans set up grills, tents, and games in designated areas. Just be sure to clean up your area when you’re done. The university has specific rules about alcohol consumption, so check their website for current policies.
