Bloomington Renames Highway for Bob Knight
A stretch of State Road 45/46 is now officially known as Bob Knight Memorial Way.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Basketball
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Indiana officials have renamed a portion of State Road 45/46 in Bloomington to Bob Knight Memorial Way to honor the coach. The highway section sits near Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, the home court where he led the team for nearly three decades.
Why it matters
The renaming serves as a tribute to the lasting legacy of Bob Knight, who significantly impacted both Indiana University athletics and the state of Indiana during his long tenure.
Coach Knight led the men's basketball team to 3 national championships throughout his career. This include an undefeated season during the 1975-76 campaign.
The players
Bob Knight
He was the influential head coach of the Indiana University men's basketball team who secured three national titles.
Eric Koch
He is an Indiana state senator who sponsored the legislation to rename the highway.
Indiana Department of Transportation
This state agency is responsible for the planning and operation of Indiana's transportation infrastructure.
The details
The renaming follows the passage of House Concurrent Resolution 4, sponsored by Senator Eric Koch during the 2026 legislative session. The Indiana Department of Transportation was tasked with the official renaming process for this stretch of road.
Timeline
Bob Knight served as head coach from 1971 to 2000.
The men's basketball team achieved an undefeated season in 1975-1976.
Senator Eric Koch sponsored the resolution during the 2026 legislative session.
Season Trajectory
The renaming honors the coach behind the 1975-76 undefeated Indiana University men's basketball season. It marks a moment of historical reflection for a program that remains defined by the championships won during the Knight era.
Commuters in Bloomington will now navigate a roadway that serves as a permanent landmark to the university's basketball success. The change updates local signage near the Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall vicinity.
The takeaway
Naming public infrastructure for legendary coaches creates a lasting cultural touchstone for residents and visitors alike. Locals can visit the new memorial road near the stadium to see the updated signage.
Further reading
For more on the local team's history and current status, visit the Basketball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBIW.
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