Parking for IU football games includes options at the stadium lots, nearby parking garages, and designated off-campus locations with shuttle services.
Game day in Bloomington is electric, but navigating the crowds can be tricky. Knowing where to park for IU football games makes the experience much smoother. Finding that perfect spot can feel like winning before the game even starts!
Let’s make sure your focus remains on the action, not on circling for parking spots. We’ll give you the lowdown on the best options.
Where to Park for IU Football Games
Getting ready for a big IU football game at Memorial Stadium? Awesome! But before you cheer on the Hoosiers, you’ve got to figure out where to park. Don’t worry, it can feel a little confusing, but we’re here to help. This guide will walk you through all your parking options, so you can get to the game easily and have a great time. Let’s dive in and find the perfect spot for you!
Understanding IU Football Parking Zones
First things first, let’s talk about the different areas around Memorial Stadium where you can park. IU uses a color-coded system to help organize things. Each color means something different about who can park there, and when. Knowing the zones will help you avoid parking tickets and find the best spot.
The Cream and Crimson Lots: Reserved for Donors
These are the prime spots, the closest to the stadium. You’ll see them marked with the colors cream and crimson. These parking lots are usually reserved for people who have donated money to the IU athletic program, or those who are members of the Indiana University Alumni Association and purchased special season parking passes. If you have one of these passes, you’re in for a treat! You’ll get a very convenient location with a shorter walk to the gates.
- Access: Requires a special parking pass tied to donations or membership.
- Proximity: Super close to the stadium – the best you can get.
- Benefits: Quickest walk to the game, typically avoids the longest wait times before and after the game.
The Green Lots: General Public Parking
If you don’t have a special pass, don’t worry! The green lots are for you. These are general public parking areas. They’re usually a bit further from the stadium than the cream and crimson lots, but they’re still a good option. These lots often fill up quickly, so arriving early is key. Be ready for a little walk, and maybe some friendly chatter with other fans on the way.
- Access: Open to the general public on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Proximity: Generally a moderate walk to the stadium.
- Benefits: Readily available, usually less expensive than some premium parking, and you get to be part of the overall fan experience walking with others.
The Gray Lots: Overflow and Additional Options
Sometimes the green lots fill up fast, so IU also has Gray lots as an option. They usually open to the public when the green lots are full. You will probably have the longest walk to the stadium from these parking areas, but when all else fails, these will be your lifesavers. Check the parking instructions before you go to make sure you know where these lots are, and be ready for a longer walk.
- Access: Typically opened when the green lots are full.
- Proximity: Longest walk to the stadium from these locations.
- Benefits: Can help if you’re running late. Will offer parking if other options are full.
Where Are These Lots Located?
Knowing the colors is important, but knowing where they actually are is even more useful. Here’s a breakdown of the main parking areas and their locations:
Near the Stadium: The Cream and Crimson Spots
These premium parking spots are primarily located right around Memorial Stadium. You’ll find them on the east, south, and west sides of the stadium. Specifically, you’ll see them in lots surrounding the stadium and along the main roads leading up to it. The exact lots change year to year based on construction or other needs, so it’s important to always check the latest parking map from the official IU Athletics website.
Green Lots Around Campus
The green lots are spread out a little further from the stadium. They are mostly found along 17th Street and around the surrounding areas on the main campus of IU. You might find some near the IMU (Indiana Memorial Union) and other areas of campus, but you might also need to walk for 10-20 minutes depending on which lot you get. They are designed to accommodate a large volume of cars, but as stated before, they still fill up, so you want to plan accordingly.
Gray Lots: The Farthest Options
The Gray lots are found on the outer areas of campus, sometimes closer to the edges of campus or even slightly off-campus. They might be near places like the IU Research Park or the various parking garages. The exact location can change, so double checking the parking map is always important, especially when you are considering parking in the Gray area. They are furthest from the stadium, so bring good walking shoes!
Game Day Parking Strategies
Okay, so you know the zones. Now let’s talk about some actual strategies to help make game day parking as smooth as possible.
Arrive Early
This one might seem obvious, but it’s crucial. The closer you get to game time, the more crowded the parking lots will be. If you arrive early, you will have a wider choice of parking spots and it will also help you to avoid the stress of trying to get to the stadium when parking lots are completely full. Arriving at least two hours before game time is a good rule of thumb. This gives you time to find a spot, get into the stadium, and maybe even grab some food before kickoff.
Plan Your Route
Don’t just drive to Bloomington and hope for the best! Look at a parking map ahead of time. These maps are usually available on the official IU Athletics website. Pick a few parking lots you are interested in, in case one is already full. Understanding the traffic flow will also help you avoid getting stuck in long lines. Consider using a GPS app to help you choose a route that avoids construction or closures, as they often are present on game days.
Consider a Tailgate
Tailgating is a big part of IU game day culture. If you plan to tailgate, you might want to choose a specific parking area that allows it. Most of the surface lots allow tailgating. Make sure you check the rules about how early you can arrive to setup your tailgate, because often the surface lots open before the parking garages. Arriving early will help you pick the best tailgating spot.
Carpool When Possible
Carpooling is great for a number of reasons! First, it’s environmentally friendly, so you’re doing your part to help the planet. It can also make parking easier because fewer cars will be driving separately to the game. Plus, you can split the cost of gas and parking. It is fun to arrive with all your friends and then all walk into the stadium together! You will all get to enjoy the experience with each other.
Have a Backup Plan
Even with the best plans, things can still go wrong. Sometimes a parking lot fills up, or traffic can get bad. It’s a good idea to have a backup plan. Maybe you have a second parking lot in mind or know where the nearest off-campus parking is. Thinking about these things in advance will help you avoid stress and get to the game on time!
Accessible Parking
IU is committed to making sure everyone can enjoy the games. They provide accessible parking spaces for people with disabilities. To use these spots, you’ll need a valid disability parking permit or license plate. These parking locations are usually located closer to the stadium and are generally easier to get to. Make sure to always have your permit displayed, and know that these spaces are on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early can help secure a spot.
Transportation Options Beyond Parking
Maybe you don’t want to drive at all. That’s okay! There are other ways to get to the game.
Shuttle Services
IU often provides shuttle services on game days. These shuttles can take you from various points on campus or in town to the stadium. This is a great option if you’re staying further from the stadium or if you don’t want to worry about finding a parking space. Make sure to check the official IU Athletics website for shuttle routes and schedules before the game.
Biking to the Game
If the weather is nice, consider biking to the game! Bloomington is a bike-friendly town, and IU has lots of bike racks near the stadium. Biking can be a fun way to get some exercise, avoid the traffic, and get you right up to the stadium!
Walking
If you live close enough, walking to the game is a fantastic idea! It is a great way to soak in the game day atmosphere. If you are near campus, you might also be able to walk to the stadium. This can be a pleasant walk and allows you to take part in all the buzz and excitement around IU Football.
Tips For a Smooth Parking Experience
Here are a few extra tips to make sure your parking experience is a good one:
- Cash: Some parking lots might only accept cash, so keep some on hand, especially if you don’t plan to pay online.
- Check the Weather: Weather can affect parking, so check it ahead of time and dress appropriately. Consider the amount of walking you might have to do in rain or cold.
- Follow Directions: Be sure to follow the instructions of parking attendants and traffic officers. They are there to help you and keep traffic moving.
- Be Patient: Parking can be crowded and frustrating. It will help to remain calm and be patient. Everyone is just trying to get to the game and enjoy it, so a little patience goes a long way.
- Download a Map: It will be helpful to have a copy of the parking map on your phone, so that you can easily access it when you arrive at the game.
- Stay Updated: Things can change quickly on game day, so stay up-to-date on the latest information from IU Athletics. They will post parking changes or updates on their social media or website.
Parking for an IU football game might seem a little tricky, but with a little planning, you can make it a smooth process. Understanding the different parking zones, having some strategies, and considering other ways to get to the stadium can really help. Now you are ready to get parked, and cheer on the Hoosiers!
Parking for IU football game
Final Thoughts
Plan your game day parking wisely. Options include the Indiana University parking garages and designated surface lots. Always check IU Athletics’ website for specific details and possible changes before heading to the game.
Consider arriving early to secure your desired spot. Tailgating is permitted in certain lots, adding to the fun. Remember, knowing where to park for IU football games makes your experience more enjoyable.
