IU Indianapolis Brings Back the Metros: A Throwback to the Program’s Forgotten Identity

Marc Viquez
Jan 22
3 min read

Updated: Feb 9

Sometimes, the best moments in sports come as a surprise.

I arrived on campus expecting to attend an IU Indianapolis Jaguars basketball game at The Jungle. But the moment I stepped through the gymnasium doors, something felt different. There had been no cancellation, no last-minute opponent change, and no scheduling confusion. Instead, the players warming up on the court were wearing a name that hadn’t represented the school in nearly three decades.

The Jaguars were gone. In their place, the Metros had returned.

The Return of the Metros

IU Indianapolis recently brought back its Metros identity as part of a throwback uniform night, marking the second time the team has worn the retro design and the first this season. The uniforms were faithful reproductions of those worn during the mid-1980s, complete with the distinctive gold coloring and vintage lettering that defined the program’s early years.

For longtime fans and alumni, the Metros name represents the foundation of IU Indianapolis athletics. For newer fans, it offered a glimpse into a lesser-known chapter of the university’s basketball history.

The reaction inside the gym was immediate. The gold uniforms stood out, offering a visual contrast to the familiar Jaguars branding that has defined the program since the late 1990s.

Origins of the Metros Name

When the university opened in 1969, it adopted the Metros nickname to reflect its identity as an urban campus located in downtown Indianapolis. The name symbolized the school’s connection to the city and its role as a metropolitan institution serving central Indiana.

The basketball program began varsity competition in 1972 as an independent before joining the NAIA in 1978. By 1980, the team recorded its first winning season, and in 1993, the program advanced to NCAA Division II competition.

The Metros brand featured unique visual elements. The school’s crimson and gold color scheme paid tribute to Indiana University and Purdue University, while logos often incorporated the Indianapolis skyline, reinforcing the university’s urban identity.

Despite its creative origins, the nickname created confusion.

“Students didn’t know if it was a bus or whether it was a city,” student Jacob Manaloor told The Indianapolis Star in 1998. “It’s catchy. It’s eye appealing.”

The Transition to Jaguars

The Metros name officially retired at the start of the 1998–99 academic year, coinciding with the university’s transition from Division II to Division I and its entry into the Mid-Continent Conference.

University leadership believed the athletic program needed a stronger and more recognizable identity to compete at a higher level.

A student panel helped evaluate potential nicknames, including Hawks and Riverhawks, before ultimately selecting Jaguars. University officials believed the jaguar symbolized strength, speed, and confidence—qualities they wanted associated with the growing institution.

“Jaguars are powerful, swift, and confident, an appropriate symbol for a campus rapidly moving to the forefront of urban higher education,” said Chancellor Gerald L. Bepko at the time.

While the Jaguars nickname aligned with traditional collegiate branding, it also placed the university among many schools nationwide using similar animal mascots. The Metros name, while unconventional, had been unique.

A Legacy Rediscovered

Today, nearly 30 years later, the university—now known as IU Indianapolis following its 2024 rebranding—has embraced elements of its past. With enrollment approaching 30,000 students, the school continues to grow its identity while acknowledging its history.

Throwback Metros merchandise has become increasingly popular among students, alumni, and collectors. What was once viewed as vague or uninspiring has gained new appreciation as a distinctive and nostalgic brand.

“They’ve been incredibly well received, both from the players and fans,” said Senior Associate Athletic Director Ed Holdaway. “Obviously, the yellow/gold really pops and provides a nostalgic look at one of the most successful teams in program history.”

The university previously honored the Metros identity in 2010 with gold throwback uniforms featuring a script logo. The latest version more closely resembles the uniforms worn during the program’s formative years.

Honoring the Past While Looking Ahead

Holdaway indicated that throwback uniforms could return in future seasons, though no official plans have been announced. As IU Indianapolis continues building its athletic identity in Division I, honoring the Metros era provides a meaningful connection to the program’s origins.

For one night, the Metros lived again—not just as a uniform, but as a reminder of where IU Indianapolis basketball began.

For fans in attendance, it was more than a nostalgic gesture. It was a celebration of a forgotten identity that helped shape the program’s journey to where it stands today.