There’s nothing quite like game day at Memorial Stadium. Picture this. You’re walking toward the stadium on a crisp fall Saturday morning. The smell of grilling burgers hits you first. Then you hear it—the distant roar of 52,000 fans ready to watch the Hoosiers battle it out on the field.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a lifelong fan, IU football stadium offers an experience you won’t forget. But here’s the thing. Knowing what to expect makes your visit so much better.
This guide covers everything you need to know before you go. From seating capacity to bag policies, parking to traditions—we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in.
What is IU Football Stadium?
IU football stadium is officially called Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium. It sits at 701 E 17th Street in Bloomington, Indiana.
The stadium opened its gates in 1960. It replaced the original Memorial Stadium built back in 1925.
Here’s what makes this place special. It’s not just a stadium. It’s the heart of Indiana University football.
Quick Facts About Memorial Stadium:
Detailed Information Opened 1960 Location Bloomington, Indiana Field Surface Field Turf Current Capacity 52,626 Conference Big Ten Address 701 E 17th Street, Bloomington, IN 47408
In August 2025, the stadium got a new name. Merchants Bank signed a 20-year deal worth $50 million to rename the playing surface. The stadium itself still honors Indiana’s military veterans as Memorial Stadium.
The stadium sits at the northeast corner of 17th Street and North Dunn Street. You can’t miss it on game day.
IU Football Stadium Seating Capacity
So how many fans can pack into Memorial Stadium?
Memorial Stadium’s capacity currently sits at 52,626
That makes it one of the more intimate Big Ten venues. And honestly? That’s part of its charm.
You’re not lost in a crowd of 100,000 people. Every seat feels close to the action.
How Does It Compare?
Here’s the reality. IU football stadium isn’t the biggest in the Big Ten. But size isn’t everything.
Ohio Stadium holds over 102,000 fans. Michigan Stadium seats more than 107,000. Penn State’s Beaver Stadium? 106,000.
Memorial Stadium offers something different. A tight, energetic atmosphere where you feel every play.
Capacity Evolution
The stadium’s capacity has changed over the decades. After many renovations, the current stadium’s seating capacity holds 52,692 (slight variations exist in official counts).
The 2025 season has seen record ticket sales. IU’s Big Ten opener against Illinois is already sold out, as is all IU Athletics complex parking.
Translation? Get your tickets early. Popular games sell out fast.
IU Football Stadium Seating Chart: Finding Your Perfect Spot
Understanding the seating chart helps you pick the best seats for your budget and preferences.
Main Seating Sections
North End Zone: This is where you’ll find newer additions. The North End Zone houses training facilities, staff and administrative offices, position meeting rooms, a team auditorium and an underground walkway to practice fields.
Student sections often fill this area. The energy here is electric.
South End Zone: A 36-by-91-foot HD scoreboard from Daktronics was added to the South End Zone for the 2010 season Help | Despegar. Great views of the massive screen from these seats.
East Side (Home Side): This is where most season ticket holders sit. You’ll be cheering alongside the most dedicated Hoosier fans.
West Side (Visitor Side): Still great views. Often more affordable ticket options.
Best Seats by Fan Type
For Families: Look for mid-level sections on the East side. Close to restrooms and concessions. Not too high up for kids to see.
For Die-Hard Fans: Lower sections near the 50-yard line. You’ll be close enough to hear the hits.
For Budget-Conscious Fans: Upper sections or end zones offer the best value. You still get the full game day atmosphere.
For First-Timers: Mid-level seats between the 30-yard lines. Perfect balance of view and price.
Insider Seating Tips
The sun matters. East side gets afternoon sun. West side offers more shade during day games.
In front of the entrance to the North End Zone, George Taliaferro Plaza features brick pavers. Enter through here for a special pre-game experience.
Sections closer to gates mean easier access to food and facilities. But you’ll deal with more foot traffic.
IU Football Stadium Bag Policy: What You Can Actually Bring
Nobody wants to get turned away at the gate. Know the bag policy before you leave home.
The Clear Bag Rule
Like most college stadiums, Memorial Stadium enforces a clear bag policy.
✅ What’s Allowed:
- Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags (12″ x 6″ x 12″ or smaller)
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc-style)
- Small clutch purses (no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″)
- Medically necessary items (after inspection)
- Binoculars and cameras (reasonable size)
❌ What’s Not Allowed:
- Backpacks of any kind
- Large purses or tote bags
- Coolers and outside food
- Outside beverages (including water bottles)
- Umbrellas
- Professional camera equipment
- Bags with multiple compartments
Smart Packing Strategy
Keep it simple. Bring just what you need.
Your wallet, phone, and keys should fit in your pockets or a small clear bag. Sunscreen and lip balm? Toss them in a clear freezer bag.
Ladies, a small wristlet works perfectly. It stays under the size limit.
The stadium has no bag storage. If you bring a non-compliant bag, you’ll have to take it back to your car.
Why This Policy Exists
Security. Plain and simple.
Clear bags speed up entry. Everyone gets through gates faster. You spend less time in line and more time enjoying pre-game festivities.
Inside IU Football Stadium: Facilities That Make a Difference
Modern amenities enhance your game day experience.
Training and Team Facilities
Memorial Stadium boasts training facilities, staff and administrative offices, position meeting rooms, a team auditorium and an underground walkway to practice fields.
These aren’t just for show. They represent IU’s commitment to player development.
In 2019, the $8.5 million Terry Tallen Indiana Football Complex opened, including an expanded and renovated locker room area, training room and sports lounge Help | Despegar.
John Mellencamp Pavilion
Named after Indiana’s rock legend, this indoor practice facility connects to the stadium.
Mellencamp Pavilion, which opens onto the practice fields, gives the team a place to practice during inclement weather.
It features artificial turf for year-round training.
Fan Amenities
Concessions: You’ll find food stands throughout the stadium. Standard stadium fare plus local favorites.
New for 2025: Buffalouie’s, which will be selling wings at B-Town Boulevard.
Restrooms: Located on each concourse level. Lines move reasonably fast, but go before halftime if possible.
Accessibility: ADA Parking is available for purchase in Gate 12 (Green Lot) which is located to the East of Memorial Stadium and immediately North of Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.
The stadium offers accessible seating in all sections. Elevators provide access to upper levels.
Video Board: The massive Daktronics screen displays replays, stats, and keeps fans informed. No bad angles for watching key plays again.
Your Complete IU Football Game Day Guide
Game day at Memorial Stadium starts hours before kickoff.
Arrival and Parking
Plan to arrive early. Like, really early.
The stadium gates open 90 minutes before kickoff, and the IU Athletics complex parking lots will open at 8 a.m.
Parking Options:
Bad news first. All IU Athletics complex parking is sold out.
Good news? Alternatives exist.
Other convenient, on-campus parking is available within one mile of Memorial Stadium. Fans can purchase that parking in advance for $50 per game.
Parking passes will continue to be a benefit reserved only for full season ticket holders.
Single-game parking passes sell separately. They sell out too, so buy early.
Traffic Strategy
With IU football ticket sales on a record-setting pace for 2025, ticket holders should expect more people, vehicles and traffic and are encouraged to arrive early.
Give yourself an extra 30-45 minutes on top of your normal drive time.
Rideshare services offer an alternative. Drop-off zones exist near the stadium.
B-Town Boulevard: The Pre-Game Party
The lawn south of Memorial Stadium will again be transformed into the festival-like B-Town Boulevard. The space, which will open 2 1/2 hours before kickoff, is open to all ticket holders and the public.
What’s there?
- Live bands
- Food trucks
- Outdoor bar
- Family-friendly games
- IU-themed attractions
Buffalouie’s will be selling wings. You can also buy a special Food Package Ticket.
This is where the party starts. Grab a drink, listen to music, and soak in the atmosphere.
IMU Pre-Game Tailgate
Prefer an indoor option?
IU Dining and Hospitality will relaunch its pre-game tailgate from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the main level of the Indiana Memorial Union.
The $15 entry fee covers all food, which includes hot dogs, appetizers, snacks, a grazing table, desserts and soft drinks. A cash bar offering beer and wine will be available for guests 21 and older.
It’s open to everyone. Show up and enjoy.
“The Walk” Tradition
“The Walk,” will now take place two hours and 25 minutes before kickoff, a 10-minute change from past years.
The team walks from the practice facility to the stadium. Fans line the route, cheering them on.
It’s a simple tradition. But it connects players and fans in a powerful way.
For the season opener, it will begin at 12:05 p.m.
Meet Hoosier the Bison
IU Bloomington’s new official mascot, Hoosier the Bison, will make its first public appearance during the pre-game Marching Hundred show.
Kids love mascots. Adults love them too (admit it).
Stadium gates will open at 1 p.m., and fans are encouraged to enter early so they don’t miss Hoosier’s debut.
Game Day Timeline
Here’s how your day should flow:
8:00 AM – Parking lots open 10:30 AM – IMU tailgate begins 11:00 AM – B-Town Boulevard opens (2.5 hours before kickoff) 12:05 PM – “The Walk” begins (times vary by game) 1:00 PM – Stadium gates open (90 minutes before kickoff) 1:30 PM – Pre-game entertainment and Marching Hundred 2:30 PM – Kickoff (times vary)
Adjust these times based on your specific game’s kickoff.
Beyond Football: Indiana Stadium and Basketball
Let’s clear up confusion.
Memorial Stadium is for football only. Basketball happens elsewhere.
Assembly Hall: The Basketball Home
Indiana basketball plays at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. It’s located near Memorial Stadium but is a separate venue.
Assembly Hall seats about 17,000 fans for basketball. It’s one of the most iconic college basketball venues in America.
The atmosphere there rivals any arena in the country. But that’s a different guide.
Multi-Sport Weekend
Smart fans make a weekend of it. Catch a football game Saturday afternoon. Watch basketball another day.
Bloomington offers plenty to do between games. Campus tours, restaurants, local breweries—you won’t get bored.
IU Football Stadium History: Six Decades of Hoosier Pride
Memorial Stadium has served as a model for football stadium construction since its opening game in 1960 How does Traveloka.com profit by giving the app’s users the lowest rates plus discounts? – Quora.
The Original Memorial Stadium
The first Memorial Stadium opened in 1925. It served IU football for 35 years.
By the late 1950s, the university needed something bigger and better.
1960: A New Era Begins
The current stadium opened in 1960. It represented a massive upgrade in capacity and facilities.
The design was forward-thinking for its time. Other schools studied it when planning their own stadiums.
Major Renovations Through the Years
1986: A significant renovation improved fan amenities and modernized facilities.
1988: Lights were installed. The home turf for football fans was built in the early 1960s in Bloomington. Changes have been made over the years.
Night games became possible. The atmosphere under the lights? Unforgettable.
2008: Memorial Stadium features a FieldTurf surface that was replaced during the summer of 2008.
The new turf improved playability and reduced injuries.
2010: A 36-by-91-foot HD scoreboard from Daktronics was added to the South End Zone for the 2010 season.
The massive screen enhanced the fan experience dramatically.
2019: The $8.5 million Terry Tallen Indiana Football Complex opened, including an expanded and renovated locker room area, training room and sports lounge, to allow players to get acquainted with video games on 98″ televisions Help | Despegar.
Modern players expect modern facilities. IU delivered.
2025: Indiana Athletics announced a new long-term deal with Merchants Bank that includes the renaming of the playing surface inside Memorial Stadium. The deal will provide $50 million to IU over 20 years Hotel Business Center Bogota | Hotels in Despegar.
This investment funds future improvements and program growth.
George Taliaferro Plaza
George Taliaferro Plaza features brick pavers that can be personalized with individual and company names, dates and special messages Despegar Extranet: Login for hotels | SiteMinder.
Taliaferro broke barriers as IU’s first Black football player. He went on to become the first Black player drafted by an NFL team.
His legacy lives on at the stadium entrance.
Historic Moments
Every stadium has its stories. Memorial Stadium has seen:
- Upset victories over ranked opponents
- Record-breaking individual performances
- Homecoming celebrations spanning generations
- The evolution of Big Ten football
The 2025 season might add new chapters. Sellout crowds suggest something special is happening.
First Time at IU Football Stadium? Here’s What You Need to Know
Best Games to Attend
Rivalry Games: Old Oaken Bucket game vs. Purdue. The oldest trophy game in FBS football.
Homecoming: The campus comes alive. Alumni return. The energy is special.
Big Ten Matchups: Games against Michigan, Ohio State, or Penn State bring national attention.
Night Games: Nothing beats Memorial Stadium under the lights. The atmosphere hits different.
Weather Considerations
Indiana weather is unpredictable in fall.
September: Usually warm. Bring sunscreen. Wear light layers.
October: Perfect football weather. Jeans and a sweatshirt work great.
November: Can be cold. Really cold. Dress in warm layers. Bring gloves and a hat.
Rain happens. The stadium doesn’t have a roof. Bring a poncho (umbrellas aren’t allowed).
What to Wear
Show your Hoosier pride. Crimson and cream are the colors.
Comfortable shoes matter. You’ll walk a lot. From parking to your seats, back for concessions, to the restrooms.
Layer up. Stadium temps can drop as the sun goes down.
Where to Eat
Before the Game:
Bloomington has great local restaurants. Hit up Kirkwood Avenue for options.
- Nick’s English Hut (local institution)
- Upland Brewing Company (craft beer and food)
- Mother Bear’s Pizza (IU tradition)
- The Tap (American comfort food)
Get there early. Popular spots fill up on game day.
At the Stadium:
Standard concessions plus local vendors. Prices are typical stadium rates.
B-Town Boulevard offers food trucks with more variety.
After the Game:
Celebrate or commiserate at local bars. Kilroy’s Bar N’ Grill is always packed post-game.
Campus Must-Sees
Make time to explore IU’s beautiful campus.
- Sample Gates (iconic limestone arches)
- Dunn Meadow (perfect for pre-game picnics)
- IU Art Museum
- Campus walking tours
The limestone architecture makes IU one of America’s prettiest campuses.
Hotels for Out-of-Town Fans
Book early. Hotels fill up fast on game weekends.
Options range from budget chains to boutique properties. Most are within 10-15 minutes of the stadium.
Many offer shuttle services on game day. Ask when booking.
How to Get IU Football Stadium Tickets
Official Ticket Sources
Buy directly from IU Athletics. It’s the safest option.
Visit iuhoosiers.com for single-game and season tickets.
Season Tickets
New season tickets for adults start at $280, or just $40 per game and go up to $476 per seat ($68 per game) What does each price include? – Traveloka Help Center.
Season tickets include parking benefits. Parking passes will continue to be a benefit reserved only for full season ticket holders What does each price include? – Traveloka Help Center.
With sellouts happening, season tickets offer the best value and guarantee.
Single-Game Tickets
Availability varies by opponent.
Big games sell out. Non-conference games usually have tickets available.
Additional sellouts are expected Booking.com fees: Complete guide for hosts – SiteMinder throughout the 2025 season.
Student Tickets
IU students get discounted rates. Check with the student union for details.
Student sections create the loudest atmosphere. If you’re a student, don’t miss out.
Avoiding Ticket Scams
Fraud reports have been linked to the online purchasing of athletic event tickets.
Protect yourself:
- Request proof before sending money
- Use secure payment services
- Never wire money to strangers
- If it seems too good to be true, it probably is
Slow down. Scammers use pressure and time constraints to rush you into giving them money.
Buy from authorized sellers only. IU Athletics, StubHub, and SeatGeek are legitimate.
Random people on Facebook Marketplace? Risky.
Resale Market
Can’t find face-value tickets? Resale sites offer options.
Prices fluctuate based on demand. Check multiple sites. Compare prices.
Make sure tickets transfer digitally through official channels. Screenshot tickets aren’t valid.
IU Football Stadium FAQs
What is the seating capacity of IU football stadium?
Memorial Stadium’s capacity currently sits at 52,626
Where can I find the IU football stadium seating chart?
Visit iuhoosiers.com for an interactive seating chart. It shows all sections, pricing, and availability.
What is the bag policy at Memorial Stadium?
Clear bags only. Maximum size 12″ x 6″ x 12″. Small clutches under 4.5″ x 6.5″ are allowed. No backpacks or large purses.
Where is IU football stadium located?
Memorial Stadium is located at the northeast corner of 17th Street and North Dunn Street.
The address is 701 E 17th Street, Bloomington, IN 47408.
Does IU have a basketball stadium at the same location?
No. Basketball games happen at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. It’s nearby but separate from Memorial Stadium.
When do stadium gates open?
The stadium gates open 90 minutes before kickoff Booking.com fees: Complete guide for hosts – SiteMinder.
Arrive early to catch pre-game entertainment and avoid lines.
Is parking included with tickets?
Parking passes are a benefit reserved only for full season ticket holders What does each price include? – Traveloka Help Center.
Single-game buyers purchase parking separately for $50.
Can I bring food into the stadium?
No. Outside food and beverages aren’t permitted.
The stadium has plenty of concession options.
Is Memorial Stadium accessible for disabled fans?
Yes. ADA Parking is available for purchase in Gate 12 (Green Lot). Cost is $50 per game. Patrons must possess a valid state issued ADA placard or license plate Traveloka – Terms and Conditions.
Accessible seating exists throughout the stadium. Elevators provide access to all levels.
What’s the best way to avoid traffic?
Arrive 2-3 hours early. Use rideshare services. Consider staying within walking distance.
Ticket holders should expect more people, vehicles and traffic and are encouraged to arrive early.
Ready for Your IU Football Stadium Experience?
Memorial Stadium offers more than just football. It offers tradition, community, and memories that last forever.
From the moment you arrive at B-Town Boulevard to the final whistle, you’re part of something bigger. Fifty-two thousand fans united in crimson and cream. All cheering for the Hoosiers.
The bag policy keeps everyone safe. The seating chart helps you find your perfect spot. The parking situation? Yeah, it’s tight. But manageable with planning.
Whether you’re watching from the student section or bringing your family to their first game, Memorial Stadium delivers.
Here’s your game plan:
Buy tickets early. Book parking in advance. Pack light with a clear bag. Arrive hours before kickoff. Explore B-Town Boulevard. Watch “The Walk.” Find your seats. Stand for every third down. Cheer until you’re hoarse.
That’s the IU football stadium experience.
The Hoosiers need you in those stands. The team feeds off home-field energy.
So grab your crimson gear. Round up your crew. Make the trip to Bloomington.
Memorial Stadium is waiting. And trust me—there’s nothing quite like game day in Indiana.
Go Hoosiers.
