IU football kicks off their 2017 campaign hosting the number two Ohio State Buckeyes in a Thursday night contest at Memorial Stadium.
Head Coach Tom Allen says he has high expectations for their defense, wanting to break into the top 25 defensive teams of the country this season.
"This opener is kind of one that's very unique for sure, but very exciting and I know our players are in the build-up mode," Allen says.
Indiana is opening the season on a Thursday night for the fifth time in eight years and the fourth time in Memorial Stadium history. IU has won all five, but this week's game will be the first time IU has hosted a season opener against a ranked team.
Allen says that despite the game day build-up, the players are focusing on game preparations.
"You don't let the game be bigger than the season, the moment, all that," Allen says. "You just want your guys to be at their best."
Kickoff to the game is set for 8 p.m. on Thursday in front of an ESPN national TV audience.
New Security Measures
IU is implementing new security measures at Memorial Stadium this season, which include banning seat cushions and almost all bags.
The athletic department plans to provide fans with free clear bags at Thursday's game.
Getting To Bloomington: Avoid SR-37 Traffic
Construction along State Road 37 is likely to cause significant delays as crews work to convert the section between Bloomington and Martinsville into Interstate 69 Section 5.
IU and the Indiana Department of Transportation are encouraging fans to plan extra time for travel and #GetHereEarly.
Here are four ways to avoid the worst section of SR-37 construction traffic:
Navigating Bloomington: Altered Traffic Patterns
Temporary one-way traffic patterns will be implemented at least two hours prior to kickoff:
After the game, traffic patterns will adjust again until traffic dies down:
Parking
Parking lots near Memorial Stadium are already sold out, so IU Athletics is offering a shuttle lot at 45/46 and North Curry Pike.
Regular campus bus services will be disrupted all day on Thursday, and three parking areas near College Mall have been designated for parking from Aug. 30 to Sep. 1. A special shuttle will run stops from Third Street on campus to these areas.