Know before you go: Downtown Bloomington on Championship Night

This Monday, January 19 brings a big game and a lot of shared energy downtown as students and longtime residents, families and fans, workers and neighbors, alumni and visitors gather to watch the Indiana Hoosiers vs. the Miami Hurricanes College Football National Championship. If you’re heading downtown—or planning to pass through—here’s what to expect.

• Street closures may shift. E. Kirkwood Avenue may close to vehicle traffic Monday evening as pedestrian volumes increase. Timing will depend on crowd conditions.
• No parking in key areas. No parking will be allowed all day in the 400–500 blocks of E. Kirkwood Avenue and the 100 blocks of N. and S. Dunn Street.
• Rideshare has a home base. Uber and Lyft pickups and drop-offs will be located on 4th Street.
• Community-centered policing in action. Bloomington Police Department will have increased staffing before, during, and after the game. You may notice a larger presence downtown and in other gathering areas. Officers will be out in the same spaces as everyone else—available for questions or assistance, and focused on awareness, calm, and care as the city celebrates together.
• Yes, those trucks are supposed to be there. Large buses and sanitation trucks will be used to block roadways to prevent vehicles from driving into closed areas.
• Plan for crowds (and cold). Downtown restaurants and bars are expected to be very busy. Be prepared for time outdoors and dress for single-digit temperatures.
• Support is always available. If you or someone nearby needs immediate mental health or substance use support, the Stride Center is available 24/7. Call 1-866-StrideTeam for help right away.
• Take care of each other and the place we share. Be patient, be kind, and please use trash and recycling bins (or pack it out) to help keep downtown welcoming for everyone.

Big moments like this belong to the whole city. Whether you’re downtown, watching from home, or just passing through, this is one of those nights that reminds us what community can look like—being present, looking out for one another, and enjoying the simple fact of being part of the same place at the same time. Be safe and let's go Hoosiers!