BLOOMINGTON The Indiana Hoosiers football team is entering a new era of optimism after appearing in the College Football Playoff last year. Their new chapter will come with a new name for their home turf.

Their field is now known as Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium. The Carmel-based bank agreed to pay $50 million over 20 years for the field's naming rights.

"It's the largest gift we've ever given," said Merchants Bank CEO and IU alum Mike Petrie. "We're part of the IU brand and we want IU to win just like they do."

Petrie said he considered tying Merchants Bank's brand to Hoosier football for several years, but last year's 11-1 season under new coach Curt Cignetti solidified the decision to pursue naming rights.

"I'm a big IU fan, I want them to win," Petrie said. "Quite honest

See Full Page