BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Anticipation is mounting in Bloomington as the Indiana Hoosiers football team prepares to showcase their talent during the annual Spring Football Game set for Thursday, April 17, at Memorial Stadium. The scrimmage, which signals the close of spring practice sessions, is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m., providing fans their first look at the 2025 roster in action.
Admission and parking for the event are completely free, with stadium gates opening at 7 p.m. Fans will enter through Gates E2 and E4, and seating will be located exclusively on the east side of the stadium. IU Athletics has advised fans to adhere to the clear bag policy typically enforced on gamedays to streamline entry.
Parking lots surrounding Memorial Stadium will be accessible starting at 5 p.m., with general parking available through Gates 2, 4, and 12. Special accommodations, including RV and ADA parking, will also be provided at designated gates to ensure all fans enjoy comfortable access to the venue.
Indiana Football’s marketing team is planning an exciting fan experience, kicking off at 7 p.m. at the east concourse. Fans arriving early will receive rally towels and can pick up official team schedule posters, cards, and magnets. Photo opportunities with IU’s beloved Bubba, The Rock, and the popular B1G Inflatable will also add to the gameday atmosphere.
Entertainment starts early, with performances by the IU Marching Hundred Pep Band and IU Cheerleaders scheduled for 7:15 p.m. Additionally, fans eager to secure their spot for next season can purchase season tickets on-site.
Hungry fans will find plenty to enjoy, with Indiana Sausage Haus, Victory Flag BBQ, and Market Grab & Go stands open throughout the event. Those looking to gear up for the upcoming season can visit merchandise booths at Gate E3, the east concourse, and the west lobby of nearby Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.
The unique scoring system for the spring game will pit the offense directly against the defense. Points will be awarded traditionally for touchdowns, extra points, and field goals, but defenses will earn points for turnovers, forced punts, and safeties—ensuring fierce competition on both sides of the ball.
Head Coach Curt Cignetti, now guiding the team through his first spring at the helm, provided valuable insights after a recent practice. Reflecting candidly, Cignetti described the spring sessions as a critical time for growth and evaluation.
“It’s a race to improve as much as possible,” Cignetti remarked. “We’ve had solid days of progress, but consistency remains key. Today, I saw too much inconsistency, too many lapses in detail and preparation. This is where we measure our progress—day to day.”
Cignetti, known for his straightforward approach, emphasized the difference between good and great players: “Good players accept coaching, great players crave it. They always want more. It’s critical that we cultivate that mentality here.”
When asked about the first scrimmage, Cignetti noted typical early-season challenges, including penalties and turnovers, but saw positive competition emerging across the roster. “We want cleaner execution across all three phases,” he said. “The ultimate goal is consistency and discipline on every play.”
Discussing Thursday’s event, Cignetti stressed the importance of experiencing game-like conditions. “We’re going to play essentially half a game, offense versus defense. For us, it’s a valuable opportunity to assess our players in realistic scenarios. It’s our only full-contact tackling practice this spring,” he explained.
Special teams also drew attention from Cignetti, specifically praising the running backs and their steady improvement. “The running backs are coming along nicely, becoming more decisive in runs and reliable in pass protection. Khobe Martin is showing he has significant potential,” Cignetti highlighted.
The special teams unit was also well-represented by senior punter Mitch McCarthy and veteran long snapper Mark Langston, who both spoke enthusiastically about the upcoming season. Langston, who honed his skills through dedication and mentoring, emphasized the importance of chemistry and unity among specialists.
“Spring is about getting everyone on the same page,” Langston shared. “We’re learning each other’s movements, tendencies, and developing that critical chemistry we need heading into the fall.”
McCarthy, who joined IU through ProKick Australia after transferring from UCF, expressed his excitement about becoming part of Hoosier tradition. “Indiana stood out because of its growing football profile and my connection through ProKick,” McCarthy explained. “Coming from a basketball background, the Hoosiers’ reputation made this decision even more thrilling.”
McCarthy praised the rigorous preparation he underwent with ProKick, which prepared him for Bloomington’s sometimes challenging conditions. “The training was intense, but it perfectly suits environments like Indiana—windy, cold, and demanding. I feel fully prepared,” he said.
Sophomore kicker Nicolas Radicic rounded out the special teams commentary by highlighting the mental aspects crucial for success. Returning from surgery, Radicic emphasized the importance of earning his coaches’ trust by delivering consistently under pressure.
“Kicking is 70% mental,” Radicic explained. “You can have all the strength in the world, but without the right mindset, you can’t succeed consistently. My goal is to perform well in high-pressure situations to build trust and prove I’m ready for those critical kicks.”
Thursday night’s event promises to be more than just a practice—it’s a celebration of Hoosier football, showcasing both seasoned players and new talent eager to make their mark. Coach Cignetti’s disciplined approach, combined with the players’ dedication and enthusiasm, sets a promising tone for the upcoming season.
Indiana Football invites all fans, alumni, and community members to come out, enjoy the festivities, and cheer on the Hoosiers. Gates open at 7 p.m., with kickoff at 8 p.m. Let’s fill Memorial Stadium and set the stage for an unforgettable 2025 season!
#NeverDaunted
