Bloomington adds free CFP title-game watch party after MLK Day program; police plan road closures, extra staffing amid cold forecast

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Staff report

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – January 16, 2026

The City of Bloomington has added a free, optional College Football Playoff National Championship watch party at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater following the city’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemoration on Monday, Jan. 19.

City officials said the viewing opportunity is intended for attendees who want to stay after the MLK program, as well as for other community members who wish to attend. Kickoff for Indiana’s title-game matchup against Miami is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Eastern.

The MLK Day commemoration remains the primary event of the evening and is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Buskirk-Chumley, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave. The city said the earlier start time was set to account for scheduling and availability considerations tied to the championship game, and that the added watch party is meant to provide an additional opportunity for community togetherness rather than replace or alter the MLK program.

Both the MLK program and the game viewing are free and open to the public. Seating is first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved, with the theater’s capacity listed at 600. Attendees of the MLK program may remain in their seats for the viewing if they choose, and concessions will be available for purchase in the lobby.

This year’s MLK commemoration theme is “Soul, Spirit & Sacrifice: Honoring the Legacy of Coretta Scott King and the Women Who Faced America to Save Us.” The program will include keynote speaker Dr. Traci Parker, musical performances, and presentation of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award, according to the city.

The city also announced a program change: scheduled performer Marietta Simpson is no longer able to participate due to travel commitments related to the game. In her place, three students from the African American Choral Ensemble will perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Separately, the Bloomington Police Department said it is preparing for large crowds and increased call volume on Monday, with significant staffing increases before, during and after the game and coordination with state and local law enforcement partners. Indiana State Police will also increase its presence within the city, police said.

Police said portions of East Kirkwood Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic on game day, and rideshare drop-offs and pickups will be directed to Fourth Street. No parking will be allowed in the 400 and 500 blocks of East Kirkwood Avenue, and buses and dump trucks will be used to block roadways and alleyways to prevent vehicles from entering closed areas, according to the department.

Captain Ryan Pedigo urged fans to “celebrate responsibly,” encouraging people attending watch parties or gathering downtown to plan ahead, look out for one another and make smart choices, particularly regarding alcohol consumption.

Police also advised residents and visitors to dress for dangerous cold, noting frigid conditions are expected. The National Weather Service forecast for Bloomington calls for a high near 17°F and a low near 8°F on Monday, Jan. 19.

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