As the Indiana Hoosiers gear up for their highly anticipated matchup in the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday night, enthusiastic fans are either heading to Miami for the game or choosing to stay in Bloomington for the festivities. In the heart of the excitement, local photographers from the Indiana Daily Student are diligently capturing the vibrant scenes leading up to the championship event.
In the early hours of January 19, 2026, students and alumni alike are embracing the chilly atmosphere, with many preparing for a night of camaraderie and excitement. Fifth-year senior Tre Candelaria and alumna Meleena Strukel were spotted engaging in a game of Battleship outside Brothers Bar & Grill at 1:42 a.m., having opted to camp out there after noticing the lines forming outside their original choice, the Upstairs Pub.
Others joined the late-night celebration by lining up outside Nick’s English Hut on Kirkwood Avenue shortly after 1 a.m. While many planned to arrive early in the morning, reports of fellow fans arriving sooner spurred excitement and urgency, leading to a rush to secure prime spots.
As the dawn approached, the remnants of the festivities began to show. At 9:32 a.m., empty bottles and coffee cups marked the ground outside Nick’s, with drinks having frozen into slush due to the below-freezing temperatures. Amidst the hustle, IU senior Todd Freifeld shared a laugh with friends at 9:25 a.m. outside the Upstairs Pub, showcasing the spirit of togetherness and anticipation. He and his friends arrived the previous night and took turns resting, embodying the dedicated fan culture surrounding Hoosier football.
The atmosphere in Bloomington is electric, blending enthusiasm for the impending game with the warmth of community, reflecting the deep-seated passion that Indiana fans have for their team. As game day unfolds, fans in Bloomington continue to celebrate and support the Hoosiers, demonstrating the unyielding spirit of college football.