Sights of Bloomington

From my first trip to Bloomington in 1992 until 2008 the Iowa Football team would stay at a resort just to the south of town near Lake Monroe. In 2008 the team moved closer to the stadium, only a block away. But this last trip the Hawkeyes stayed just off the downtown square at a Hilton Garden Hotel.

It was definitely an eye opening experience to see what the downtown square had to offer. And it is a sqaure much similar to one found in many Iowa small towns. Walking around I wouldn't know if I was in this college town or Oskaloosa, Iowa. At the center of the square is the county court house, reminiscent to the courthouse seen in Back to the Future.

Many college towns are known for their lively art scene. The Indiana Theatre is just off the square but home to many smaller productions and muscial acts. Surrounding the theatre are many coffee shops, speicalty food shops and book stores. 

On the square are different clothing store options for all ages, sexes and  attire. Many different restaurant options are available. Italian, sandwich, and family restaurants are also shared by the many small bars and pubs.

But the college atmosphere isn't far away. Only a few blocks away is Nick's English Hut, one of our destinations in 2008. It is the oldest bar in Bloomington and the center of the student crowd.

Night Out on the Town

For the first time in almost twenty years of travelling to Indiana we stayed within the city limits of Bloomington. This allowed us our first opportunity to experience some of this Big Ten city's nightlife. One place we stumbled upon was Nick's English Hut.

Upon arrival we were told the upstairs was currently closed by the Fire Marshall. We weren't sure why as the downstairs, which upon first look resembled a 50's pizzeria, was close to empty. We ventured to the back of the establishment. It looked more like an old neighborhood pub with tight quarters and a small bar area. There were all types of people as well as what appeared to be a local group who follow politics that met to discuss the latest topics. It is here we witnessed a new drinking game.

Now I'm not a proponent of drinking games and have rarely taken part in any, but this was a specialty of the house. A pail of beer held an empty 8oz drinking glass. One by one each member would poor more and more beer into the glass. The person who put the last drop of beer which submerged the glass had to drink the entire glass. Once again, don't try this at home.

After watching a couple of rounds of the game we went upstairs to find more of the same. However, off to the side was a set of doors which opened to a larger, more modern bar area, typical of what you would find on a college campus. Music, televisions and a place to hang out.

People of all ages could be found at Nick's. There is a spot for you somewhere within.

Images from Game Day in Bloomington

Inside Assembly Hall is Indiana's Athletics Hall of Fame. Among those are Dick Enberg, former Iowa Basketball Coach Steve Alford, and current Iowa Softball Coach Gayle Blevins.

Indiana's Mens Basketball Locker Room. Access to the Assembly Hall court was restricted.

Tailgators outside Memorial Stadium
"The Walk" for the football team originates in Assembly Hall, through the parking lots to Memorial Stadium. This was started by former IU Football Coach, Terry Heppner.
Beyond the parking lots of Memorial Stadium is the IU Campus
Contrary to popular belief, this picture was not taken at kick off. There were only a few more fans at that time. Assembly Hall is behind the stadium.
The Iowa Marching Band made the trip to Bloomington. Here they are performing prior to the Big Ten Football game.
The IU Dance Team performs along the IU Marching 100.