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Bloomington Fans Camp Outside Bars in Subfreezing Cold Hours Before Indiana’s Title Game

City officials boosted police presence to manage crowds in dangerous cold.

Overview

  • Students and local fans lined up with tents and chairs outside downtown bars, including The Upstairs Pub, despite temperatures near 11 degrees.
  • The Upstairs Pub urged people not to camp overnight due to exposure risk and asked that lines start at 7 a.m., with doors opening at 11 a.m.
  • Bloomington Police increased staffing as Captain Ryan Pedigo advised residents to expect busy establishments and to celebrate responsibly.
  • City measures included positioning buses and dump trucks to block vehicle access, potential closure of East Kirkwood Avenue, parking restrictions, and ride-share pickups shifted to Fourth Street.
  • The national championship between No. 1 Indiana and No. 10 Miami kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET in Miami Gardens, with SeatGeek reporting surging prices including a $26,000 ticket sale.