The Indiana University football team is set to make its first appearance in the Big Ten Football Championship game on December 6 in Indianapolis. The game will kick off at 8 p.m. EST at Lucas Oil Stadium, but fans can expect a full weekend of activities leading up to the event.
On December 5, Dick’s Sporting Goods at Castleton Square Mall will host the Hoosier Fan Experience from 4 to 8 p.m. Fans can purchase IU merchandise, participate in interactive photo booths and games, create personalized trading cards, and win prizes. The university mascot, Hoosier the Bison, will be present from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Big Ten Fan Fest will take place at the Indiana Convention Center on December 5 from 3 to 9 p.m. and again on December 6 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free for those attending the championship game; others may purchase tickets online. The IU Marching Hundred and cheerleaders are scheduled to perform at Fan Fest at 5:15 p.m.
Fans interested in supporting other IU teams can attend the CareSource Invitational – Supporting Mental Health basketball game between Indiana and Louisville at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on December 6 at 2 p.m., with tickets available through the venue’s website.
Game ticket holders can pick up a complimentary rally towel outside Victory Field (501 W. Maryland St.) from 2 to 6 p.m. on game day by presenting their ticket while supplies last.
The IU Alumni Association has organized several pregame gatherings across downtown Indianapolis that do not require pre-registration:
– Kilroy’s (201 S. Meridian St.), from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
– Social Cantina (148 S. Illinois St.), from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
– The Tap (306 N. Delaware St.), from 3 to 8 p.m.
Additionally, the Big Red Warm Up event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on December 6 at the Indiana Convention Center, featuring food, music by IU’s official DJ, appearances by university spirit groups, and rally towels for attendees who purchase advance tickets for $85 per person.
For those unable to attend in person, the championship game will be broadcast nationwide on Fox starting at kickoff time. Fans can request a free Indiana football kit that includes printable banners and other materials for home watch parties.
Supporters are encouraged to follow @iubloomington and @iualumniassoc on Instagram and share photos using these handles for a chance to be featured during championship weekend.