Sports

Indiana Football Fans Brave Freezing Temps In 24-Hour Campout To Witness Miami Takeover

#Indiana Hoosiers
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iStockphoto / © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images


The Indiana football team will play for a national championship against Miami in South Florida on Monday. Many will be in attendance to root the Hoosiers on.

Those not lucky enough to secure title tickets will watch from home. In order to lock in their preferred viewing spots, Hoosier Nation camped out in downtown Bloomington.

Droves of Indiana fans flooded local streets in order to be first in line to restaurants and pubs. The tailgating started at 4 am for many, and earlier for a brave few!

The Upstairs Pub appeared to be a popular spot, so much so, that the establishment issued a safety warning to those planning their overnight stays.

While we understand and appreciate the undeniable excitement for tomorrow’s National Championship game, we do ask that people put their safety first this evening… Tonight’s temps are going to be dangerously cold over-night. Those conditions will put people who choose to try and camp at risk for exposure.

Because of that fact, we are asking that you please not camp out overnight. We would ask that you please go home, get warm and start the queue no earlier than 7am tomorrow.

–Upstairs Pub / X

That warning, nor the freezing temperatures, prevented football supporters from setting up shop.

Indiana football fans want to witness history.

The school has never won a national championship in the sport. They’ve previously been best known as one of college football’s biggest losers. The script has quickly been flipped by head coach Curt Cignetti.

The Hoosiers are a perfect 15-0 in his second season. They now boast a Heisman winner under center and their first conference title in six decades.

Indiana fans have been waiting for the opportunity to cheer. They’ve now gotten it and haven’t disappointed.

The fanbase has taken over previous playoff games, including their most recent in the Peach Bowl. Atlanta was described as being a “sea of red” during the CFP contest.

“I had to find out if the fan base was dead or on life support,” Cignetti said ahead of the national championship matchup. He has his answer.

Most expect the fanbase to again show out for the final game.

Can Indiana take over Miami?

The university has the nation’s largest living alumni community with more than 805k grads worldwide. Many will be in South Florida to watch the national championship game in person.

Those planning to attend have taken in the pregame festivities in the lead up to the matchup. They hope to outnumber the Hurricanes despite it being a quasi-home game.

Indiana has invaded Miami. Fans hope to see history made in the national title game.

If it happens, coach Curt Cignetti will enjoy a cold beer with Hoosier Nation, though he’d likely be a few drinks behind his supporters tailgating back in Bloomington.