This Thanksgiving, not only friends and family will be coming to Bloomington — college football fans will be, too.
Indiana University will host Purdue to fight it out for the Old Oaken Bucket Saturday.
Executive director of Visit Bloomington Mike McAfee said the game is a huge draw for tourism in Bloomington on Thanksgiving weekend.
Read more: Bloomington wins big in IU football’s historic run
“When we're hosting them on that weekend, in the hotel business, we're anywhere from about 60 to 70 percent occupied,” McAfee said. “When we're not, we're at 40 to 50 percent occupied.”
IU Head Coach Curt Cignetti said the team has been focused on preparing for the game against Purdue. Now, it’s up to the fans.
“Obviously big game, Saturday night, 7:00, Thanksgiving weekend,” Cignetti said. “Really need to get the students back. Need to pack the stadium. It's got to be loud. It's got to be a winning edge for us.”
This is the Hoosiers’ last game of the regular season. If the Hoosiers win, they will finish the season 11-1 and be in a strong position to make the first College Football Playoff, which will begin Dec. 20.
Read more: Buckeyes overpower IU, giving Hoosiers first loss of season
