Indiana University Homecoming is this weekend and it’s one of Bloomington’s busiest times of the year. Students are out partying, alumni come back to reminisce and Hoosier football and basketball overlap.
What does this mean for safety?
Indiana University Police Department (IUPD) Deputy Chief Shannon Bunger said Bloomington residents and visitors should be extra cautious this weekend.
“I just want everybody to be alert to what's going on around them,” Bunger said. “And anytime you add more people to the mix, the possibility of something happening is there. And then we throw in alcohol, which never mixes well with people and their temper sometimes when they've had too much to drink.”
Read more: Homecoming, basketball and football make for big IU sports weekend
Bunger said it's important to stay hydrated, especially when drinking alcohol. In addition to that, there are a few things people can do to prepare for this busy weekend.
“Use the buddy system, if you're going to a party with four or five people come home with those four or five people…” Bunger said. “When you are using Uber or Lyft make sure you're getting in the right Uber…”
He said one of the most important things to remember is to call law enforcement if something does not feel right. Even if it seems minor, it could be something major to police, Bunger said.
The IUPD will be at Friday’s homecoming parade, which will kick off at 5:30 p.m. on Woodlawn Avenue. Officers will also be at Hoosier Hysteria, an event kicking off the men’s basketball season, at 7:30 p.m. at Assembly Hall. Bunger said officers will likely be directing traffic outside, as Hoosier Hysteria is expecting about 10,000 people.
The Homecoming football game against Rutgers starts at noon Saturday.
