Indiana football sees surge in fan enthusiasm under coach Curt Cignetti
Indiana University's football program has attracted increased attendance and local business activity as the team prepares to host Ohio State, reflecting a shift in campus sports culture.
Bloomington’s downtown venues reported higher patronage on Friday as students and alumni gathered ahead of Indiana’s football game against Ohio State. The increased activity follows the Hoosiers’ recent success, including a College Football Playoff title last season and a 22-game winning streak entering the matchup.
The game will feature No. 4 Ohio State visiting No. 5 Indiana, marking the first top-five meeting at Memorial Stadium since 1960. Indiana’s victory over Ohio State in the 2024 Big Ten championship was the program’s first win against the Buckeyes in Bloomington since 1988.
"We're a football school now, and I hate to say that about the basketball program," said Edward, a fan from near Indianapolis. "We spent years hoping for a revival of college football within this fan base, and we finally have it."
Longtime season-ticket holder Thomas told a local outlet that he had never witnessed such excitement at games, adding that fans now expect to win.
Athletic directors at other universities have noted Indiana’s rapid improvement, with some citing the program’s turnaround as a model for rebuilding efforts.
The heightened enthusiasm has also benefited local businesses, with apparel stores reporting lines for team merchandise and restaurants seeing early crowds.
The upcoming contest is expected to draw a large crowd, reflecting the broader cultural shift on campus toward football.