Official Announcement:IU basketball’s Hoosier Hysteria is changing, maybe for good. Here’s why.
BLOOMINGTON – On Friday, IU announced a date for Hoosier Hysteria, and a schedule of events that will mean the event bears scant resemblance to what it has become over the past 20 years. What’s more, the change could prove permanent.
It serves as a new reminder of how collegiate athletics is adapting to its evolving environment. With so many supporters in town, Indiana will once again host Hoosier Hysteria on Friday night of homecoming weekend, October 18, in an effort to maximize alumni visibility. As always, attendees are urged to bring canned items for the Hoosier Hills Food Bank.
The frills are mostly gone, though, unlike previous years. IU will announce its players and have a brief scrimmage, with the women’s team playing first, followed by the men’s team.
For many years, Hoosier Hysteria and related incidents followed a similar pattern. For the sake of creating hype, there may be pyrotechnics, loud music, and light displays. As the event developed, it became a significant occasion on the basketball calendar (the season is almost here!) and the recruiting calendar (see who is in town!). It was a pep rally on anabolic steroids.
The news release announcing Hoosier Hysteria states that fans can purchase access “for an opportunity to meet the team, takes photos, and get signatures from their favorite Hoosiers.” Hoosiers Connect, IU’s official NIL collective partner, will host the event. If you would prefer a less glamorous option, would it be worth eliminating three jobs inside the department? There is even a plan to transform the evening into something financially progressive — this year’s Hysteria will include a NIL fundraiser inside Cook Hall the
