Indiana University Athletics
Football Gameday Traditions
Marching Hundred & RedSteppers
Make sure you’re there when the famed 300-member Marching Hundred takes the field for their pregame band show. The Marching Hundred, affiliated with IU’s world-class Jacobs School of Music, combines marching precision and musical brilliance. The RedSteppers dance team adds an element of sparkle with show-stopping routines and dazzling high kicks!
Cheerleaders
Everyone knows IU cheerleaders support the team and cheer the Hoosiers onto championship moments. However, IU cheerleaders are also champions in their own right. The IU cheerleading program has claimed the Division I National Championship six times! Catch the squad in action on Saturdays this fall.
Indiana Football Runout & Fireworks
When the Marching Hundred forms the vintage block-I formation on the field, get ready as the football Hoosiers are set to take the field (complete with a pyrotechnic blast towering more than 150 ft. in the air). Lock arms with fellow Hoosiers around you and sway with the team before the Indiana takes the field.
Hoosier Nation Student Section
The student section of Hoosier Nation stands steadfast every home game in support of Indiana Football! More than 10,000 students purchase student season tickets every year to Football games, helping to make the Hoosier student section one of the largest student sections in the nation.
Big Jake
After every Indiana score, listen for the thundering boom of cannon-fire from “Big Jake” – IU Football’s vintage 75mm pack howitzer gun located behind the north end zone. Members of IU’s Army ROTC Bison Battalion oversee the scoring-cannon and celebrate every IU score with push-ups and a salute from Big Jake!
SAB Hoosier Hype Crew
With an arsenal of t-shirt guns, prize giveaways, and yes…even a long-range hot dog shooter, the Hoosier Hype Crew, powered by members of IU’s Student Athletic Board, perform high energy and sometimes-zany routines throughout game-day to keep Hoosier fans energized! Be on the lookout for these energetic ambassadors-of-fun!
Back Home Again in Indiana
Before the game, sing-along with fellow Hoosier fans as the Marching Hundred plays Back Home Again in Indiana. Every home game features a different volunteer group who display an oversized State of Indiana flag spanning nearly half the football field.
Victory Flag
When Indiana Football wins, watch the official Victory Flag go up over Memorial Stadium! Measuring 30 ft. X 50 ft. and setting atop a flagpole standing 160 ft., IU Football boasts the largest and highest-flying victory flag in college football! Long may the flag wave!
Student Athletic Board
The Student Athletic Board – The Spirit Behind IU Sports – is a student-led spirit group responsible for encouraging student involvement and support of all 24 IU varsity sports. Founded in 1956, SAB oversees the official football student section activities for Hoosier Nation, and facilitates a variety of IU-sports centered, philanthropic, and student leadership development events throughout the year.
Hep's Rock
Located outside of the east entrance, Hep’s Rock symbolizes immovable strength, team unity, and pays homage to southern Indiana’s notable limestone industry. Former head coach Terry Hoeppner, who tragically passed away in 2007, had the limestone boulder installed inside the stadium in 2005. Each home game, Indiana Football players and coaches touch the rock on their way into the stadium on the gameday walk.
USS Indiana Memorial
The prow, mainmast, and two guns of the USS Indiana battleship are prominently displayed on the west side of Memorial Stadium in honor of the sailors and marines who served on the ship from 1942-47. The battleship saw extensive service during World War II, taking part in several notable Pacific campaigns and invasions.
