The start of the 2026-27 college basketball season is still several months away from starting up, but anticipation is already building in Bloomington.
Indiana's full schedule has yet to be released, but conference opponents are finalized and a handful of non-conference opponents are known. Along with playing mid-majors such as Bowling Green, Bellarmine, and Eastern Illinois, IU's non-conference slate also features marquee matchups against Kentucky and Syracuse.
However, the venue choices for those big-time matchups aren't sitting well with Indiana basketball fans.
Neutral site venues chosen for Indiana's biggest non-conference games
Unfortunately, neutral site non-conference matchups have become commonplace in today's age of college basketball. That trend has continued with Indiana's matchups against Kentucky and Syracuse.
Both games will take place in the state of Indiana, but both will be in downtown Indianapolis instead of on campus in Bloomington.
Darian DeVries, Indiana face tougher road after Big Ten stars skip NBA Draft
The Hoosiers will battle the Orange on Monday, November 9 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the NBA's Indiana Pacers. A few weeks later, Indiana will take on Kentucky on Friday, November 20 at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts.
Those choices in venue take massive home court advantage away from the Cream and Crimson.
Indiana misses out on home court advantage in premier non-conference matchups
It's a shame to see these matchups not taking place in Bloomington. Assembly Hall is among the most iconic venues in all of college basketball. Big games have been played there since 1971, and the venue creates one of the best environments in sports. The intimate setting creates a raucous atmosphere that makes it among the toughest places to play for visiting teams.
The move to neutral site venues like Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil Stadium create the opportunity for more ticket sales and corporate revenue, but at what cost? Moving these types of games away from college campuses takes away the charm and essence of what makes college basketball so great.
Even if these were away games for Indiana and took place at either Rupp Arena in Lexington or JMA Wireless Dome (formerly the Carrier Dome) in Syracuse, it would still feel like college basketball. Moving games to NBA arenas and NFL stadiums take away the lore of the sport.
Nonetheless, Indiana fans are at least glad that these games will take place In The Hoosier State, so hopefully the Hoosier faithful can still create a home court advantage.
The matchups against Kentucky and Syracuse in the non-conference slate give DeVries and the Hoosiers a solid chance to make a significant impression. Indiana's transfer portal moves and talented incoming class have fans expecting a much better season in Year 2 of the Darian DeVries era. The Hoosiers went 18-14 overall with a 9-11 mark in Big Ten play in DeVries' first season and ultimately missed out on the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google