Visit Bloomington Partners with Indiana University’s Office of First Year Experience Programs for Beyond the Gates

BLOOMINGTON – Visit Bloomington is partnering with IU’s Office of First Year Experience Programs for another year of Beyond the Gates. The initiative encourages new students to explore the Bloomington community beyond the Sample Gates during Welcome Week on Saturday, August 21 and Sunday, August 22.

Students can take advantage of several deals from participating local businesses, including discounts, raffles, and giveaways. Nearly 50 local restaurants, shops, and attractions are taking part in the weekend event – students can look for the Beyond the Gates poster in storefront windows or visit the Beyond the Gates page on Visit Bloomington’s website for a full list of specials.

Beyond the Gates offers new students a fun and exciting opportunity to explore their home for the next four years and to discover their favorite places in Bloomington off of the university campus. 

Erin White

“The partnership between Visit Bloomington and First Year Experience Programs is a perfect way to connect students to the restaurants, shops, and attractions that make Bloomington so unique and vibrant.  We are thrilled for students to explore the Beyond the Gates webpage, plan their visits to participating businesses, and support local businesses throughout their four years in our community,” said Erin White, Visit Bloomington’s Leisure Marketing Director.

Melanie Payne

“We view this event as a wonderful opportunity to remind new Hoosiers that they are also a part of the Bloomington community. We are excited to offer them a great start in their exploration of their new home,” said Melanie Payne, Director of IU’s Office of First Year Experience Programs.”

About Visit Bloomington

Visit Bloomington is the official destination marketing organization for Bloomington and Monroe County, Indiana. Its mission is to increase visitor spending by marketing the area as an ideal location for meetings, leisure travel, and youth sports. For more information, explore VisitBloomington.com.

About Indiana University’s Office of First Year Experience Programs

IU’s Office of First Year Experience Programs offers new students various programs, resources, and services to help shape the best university education and experience possible for each individual during their first year at Indiana University.