Indiana high school basketball games shifted for IU Peach Bowl

Communities across Indiana adjusted their high school basketball schedules so local fans, students and families could attend or watch Indiana University’s College Football Playoff semifinal in the Peach Bowl. Athletic departments agreed to a mix of single-game moves and tournament reshuffles, including moving some matchups into a Thursday/Saturday format to avoid conflicting with the college game.

The most visible change came in southern Indiana, where the longtime New Albany-Jeffersonville rivalry — originally slated for a traditional Friday-night showing — was mutually rescheduled for Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. Schools notified fans through social media announcements and district channels, and the shift allowed both communities to support IU without forcing the rivalry crowd to choose between events.

Those same social posts showed a pattern: several tournaments condensed play days or shifted semifinals and championship rounds to accommodate Thursday game slots or Saturday finishes. Athletic directors cited travel concerns, ticketing logistics and the desire to preserve full student sections as reasons for the unusual scheduling changes. Local booster clubs and band programs reported scrambling to adjust travel and meal plans, but most expressed relief that fans could attend both marquee college football and high school basketball events.

For players and coaches, the changes had immediate effects on practice schedules, day-to-day academics and recovery windows. Officials and scheduling coordinators juggled availability while trying to keep competitive balance and fairness intact. Schools that moved games to Thursday noted an uptick in parent attendance at weekday contests and smaller, but committed, student sections that could make it despite the earlier start.

These moves are not common, especially during a key January stretch when teams are settling into conference play and tournaments. Still, the community-first approach won broad support from parents, administrators and local businesses that benefit from full crowds. Athletic departments emphasized that the decisions were made to put community needs first — allowing families to cheer on IU while not losing out on traditional high school rivalries and tournament experiences.

The takeaway? If you have a seat reservation, a bus ride to arrange or a volunteer shift at the concession stand, double-check school social feeds and athletic department posts before heading out. Our two cents? Treat school social channels like gameday as soon as kickoff times matter — that quick check can save a missed matchup and keep the student section loud.