What Indiana Football is Doing for Bloomington’s Economy

Source: SOPA Images / Getty

BLOOMINGTON, Ind.–The Indiana Hoosier football team’s success this year has been a big help to tourism and Bloomington’s economy.

Visit Bloomington Executive Director Mike McAfee told Inside Indiana Business that lodging in October was up 19% over October 2023. McAfee says for the most recent game against Michigan earlier this month, lodging revenue was 30% higher than IU’s home game against Rutgers in late October 2023.

“Winning is like beer and bacon-it makes everything better. It’s driving demand, and high demand leads to more revenue,” said McAfee.

McAfee says IU playing eight home games this year certainly didn’t hurt things. He said even when the team isn’t winning, IU football still produces more economic impact than any other tourism event in Bloomington.

“The calendar in this town is set by the football schedule. Everybody in the hospitality industry waits until they release that football schedule,” said McAfee.

McAfee says he’ll always have fond memories of the Big Noon Kickoff and College GameDay coming to Bloomington.

David Pierce is the chair of the Tourism, Event & Sport Management Department at IU Indianapolis. He estimates that between 65% and 75% of ticket holders come from out of town, which yields about 45,000 more people who are visiting Bloomington this year than if the team was struggling or just average.

Pierce says visitors can often spend roughly $500 on their trips and that money quickly adds up.

“That’s between $21 and $25 million of direct spending in Bloomington that would not have happened,” said Pierce.

Not only are hotels and restaurants benefiting, he also predicts that IU’s athletic department will get more donations given the success of the football team.

Indiana is ranked #5 and #6 in the Associated Press and Coaches Poll respectively with a record of 10-0. They face 2nd ranked Ohio State November 23rd at Ohio Stadium.