Fans Evacuated At Indiana, Wisconsin College Hoops In Bizarre Scene

Indiana and Wisconsin fans witnessed a bizarre scene during a CBB battle at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Tuesday night. Fans in attendance were abruptly instructed to evacuate the venue with ten minutes left in the second half and the score tied at 54-54. People on the ground reiterated the ‘weird’ feeling of halting the game without explanation.

FOX59's Max Lewis relayed that the Bloomington Fire Department, "determined that a smoke detector near an elevator was activated and that's what set off the fire alarms in Assembly Hall."

"A spokesperson for IU Police says the department is investigating what caused the activation," Lewis added.

The action eventually resumed at Simon Skjodt around 8:40 p.m. ET, following a brief warm-up period for both teams. Footage of fans waiting outside the assembly hall popped up on social media. Fans were welcomed back minutes later. 

BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 27:  Payton Sparks #24 of the Indiana Hoosiers and Steven Crowl #22 of the Wisconsin Badgers battle for a rebound in the first halfat Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on February 27, 2024 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Indiana Basketball's social media account posted an update during the event, noting that a fire alarm went off during the game, prompting the immediate evacuation.

Social media had their conspiracies about the emergency evac, with some online sleuths claiming Indiana and Mike Woodson needed a break amid a surging attack from the Badgers and resorted to pulling the fire alarm. The ‘covert’ operation worked for Indiana (15-13), edging the Badgers (18-10), 74-70.

"Momentum completely shifted to WI. Hmmm. Convenient," one X user remarked.

"Attempted arson is definitely a way to try and stop the 2023-2024 Wisconsin Badgers," another stated.

All eyes were on Indiana behind the fire alarm. "Funny how Wisconsin was making a big run and all of a sudden they stop the game for a phantom fire.. Indiana was completely spent too. Pulling fire alarm will replace court storming for the new college basketball thing to do."

"It’s definitely not because the Hoosiers shooting is on fire."

Wisconsin coach Greg Gard didn't shy away from highlighting those ‘momentum killer’ theories. "I thought it was a great timeout from whoever from Indiana pulled the fire alarm," Gard said after the game.

Follow along on X:@AlejandroAveela