Indiana basketball doubling court-side seating for students; here’s why

TL;DR

Indiana basketball is doubling court-side seating for students in the 2026-27 season, increasing seats to 1,200. The change allows students to occupy both north and south court-level bleachers, previously reserved for general public season ticket holders.

Key points

Indiana basketball is doubling student court-side seating
1,200 seats will be available for students in 2026-27
North and south court-level bleachers will be designated for students
Previous seating was reserved for general public season ticket holders
Coach Darian DeVries emphasizes the importance of student support

Mentioned in this story

Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall

Indiana basketball

Indiana basketball doubling court-side seating for students; here’s why

BLOOMINGTON — Indiana basketball announced a change to its student section seating for the 2026-27 season on Friday.

Students will now occupy the north and south court-level bleachers, a move that will nearly double the number of court-level seats for students (1,200). Previously, the north courtside bleachers were reserved for general public season ticket holders.

“We are excited to continue making Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall the toughest road environment in all of college basketball,” IU basketball coach Darian DeVries said in a release. “We appreciate all the support we have received from Hoosier Nation and look forward to seeing you all this season.”

More: Machine behind the scenes of Indiana basketball roster makeover well oiled

According to the release announcing the change, Indiana made the move in response to feedback from students.

“IU students are the heartbeat of this campus, and they are a huge part of what makes gamedays special at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall,” IU Vice President and Director of Athletics Scott Dolson said. “This change recognizes and celebrates that by giving our students a huge percentage of the best seats at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.”

Indiana basketball went 18-14 (9-11 Big Ten) in DeVries' first season as coach and missed out on the NCAA Tournament for a third straight year. He remade much of his roster in recent weeks by signing six players out of the transfer portal. Notre Dame's Markus Burton and Alabama's Aiden Sherrell headline a transfer haul ranked No. 3 in the country, according to 247 Sports.

The Hooisers will bring back just one scholarship player (Trent Sisley) back from last year's team .

Michael Niziolek is the Indiana beat reporter for The Bloomington Herald-Times. You can follow him on X @michaelniziolek and read all his coverage by clicking here.

Q&A

Why is Indiana basketball increasing court-side seating for students?

The increase aims to enhance the student experience and create a more challenging environment for visiting teams at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.

How many court-side seats will students have at Indiana basketball games?

Students will have a total of 1,200 court-side seats in the 2026-27 season, nearly doubling the previous capacity.

What changes are being made to the seating arrangement at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall?

The north and south court-level bleachers will now be occupied by students, as opposed to the previous arrangement where the north bleachers were reserved for public season ticket holders.