Extended Weekend Getaways Indiana University football is having one of its most exciting seasons in years — and Bloomington is the perfect place to experience it. With the arrival of Hoosier the Bison, IU’s newest mascot, the energy is electric.
But here’s the secret: Bloomington isn’t just for home games. Even on away-game weekends, this charming college town turns into the ultimate football getaway, blending sports traditions with world-class dining, craft beer, live music and game-day watch parties that keep the Hoosier spirit alive all season long.
Here are 5 ways to do Bloomington like a Hoosier fan — no matter where the team is playing:
1. Football Feasts
The college football experience doesn’t start or end with the game. Before heading to the stands, fans can indulge in a pre-game feast at Nick’s English Hut, a local institution since 1927. Nick’s is filled with IU memorabilia and is a Hoosier sports staple. Here, guests enjoy a classic Nick’s Submarine paired with their famous Sink the Biz fries, all while engaging in the restaurant’s legendary drinking game “Sink the Biz” that adds to the fun.
Once the final whistle blows, a visit to BuffaLouie’s is a must. Located near IU’s Sample Gates, BuffaLouie’s is known for its award-winning wings, where the owner, Ed Schwartzman, often greets guests, ensuring an authentic Hoosier welcome. From traditional wings in medium buffalo sauce to teriyaki, BuffaLouie’s is the perfect spot to celebrate a victory with football favorite dishes. The restaurant currently offers a special Mendoza Bros. Burger, named after the famous IU quarterbacks to help raise funds for the MS Society in the fight against 
Multiple Sclerosis, in honor of Alberto & Fernando’s mother.
Popular bagel spot, Gables Bagels, also owned by Schwartzman, offers a bagel named after the Mendoza Brothers. Gables Bagels is also running a special Mendoza Bros Cubano sandwich with 20% of proceeds donated to support MS research in honor of their mother.
2. Away-Game Watch Parties
Catch the action at The Tap or Upstairs Pub, two of Bloomington’s favorite sports bars. And toast the team with Hoosier Gameday Lager, brewed locally by Upland Brewery Co.
3. Game Day Gear
No trip to Bloomington is complete without snagging some game day gear. Treat yourself to a B-Town souvenir by visiting one of many IU shops. For vintage apparel, check out SLCT Stock just north of The Square. The IU Bookstore and Indiana Hoosiers Team Store are perfect for classic IU gear, plus, while Homefield designs clothes for more than 200 colleges across the US, they chose Bloomington as its brick and mortar location since IU is where its founders began the company. For those seeking something unique, Homefield at Tracks usually offers limited edition apparel tailored for each game. Plus, the Indiana Shop often has great sales, making it a fantastic option for families looking to stock up on Hoosier gear without breaking the bank.
4. Where to Stay
Choose from fan-friendly stays near Memorial Stadium like Hampton Inn and Home2 Suites, or soak in the IU spirit at The Graduate Bloomington. The Graduate’s Poindexter restaurant also offers a special cocktail menu featuring IU-themed drinks with names such as the Crimson Kickback, but also recently added a Bison Blitz to its list as a nod to the new Hoosiers mascot. The new POSH on Kirkwood boutique hotel even plans to honor legendary coach 
Curt Cignetti with its Cignetti Room.
For a warm and cozy stay, look no further than the Indiana Memorial Union Biddle Hotel & Conference Center. With its inviting atmosphere, massive fireplace, and central location, it’s the perfect base for your fall B-Town excursion. It is located right on the Indiana University College Campus and has an amazing restaurant, The Tuder Room. located inside the Indiana Memorial Union. The Tudor Room is more than your typical college dining hall. Students, staff and visitors can all dine in style! Bask in the true glory of old IU as you enjoy their exquisite buffet options in this pinnacle of collegiate gothic architecture.
5. Beyond the End Zone
As the home of Indiana University, there are a multitude of live entertainment events scheduled each week. From opera to jazz, or country to rock music there is sure to be something for every interest. Want to get into the act? Look for an open mic night.
Round out the weekend with Bloomington’s global dining scene, museums and live music festivals — the perfect balance of culture and college-town fun. Other not-to-miss attractions at the college campus are: The WonderLab science museum has hands-on kids’ exhibits, plus insects and reptiles. Indiana University’s Eskenazi Museum of Art has paintings, sculptures and decorative arts from around the world. The 1835 Wylie House is now a museum with period furnishings and an heirloom garden. Southeast, trails lace Hoosier National Forest’s Charles C. Deam Wilderness.
Bloomington is where game day traditions meet full-weekend experiences — whether you’re celebrating a home win or cheering from afar. You can find IU’s football schedule and more game-day info at Visit Bloomington’s website.
