The Marching Hundred is the product of tradition dating back to the organization of the first band at Indiana University in 1896, which was founded to provide recreation for interested students.

Toward the end of each season, the Marching Hundred holds an annual Showcase Concert in Indiana University's Assembly Hall.

The name "Marching Hundred" traces its origins to the 1927 season, when the band traveled to Boston for a game against Harvard University.

[4] The name given by the radio broadcasters became popular, and starting in 1928, the Indiana University Band began formally branding itself as the "Marching Hundred" in announcements and publications.

[citation needed] On Saturday, February 5, 2012, the Marching Hundred performed a five-minute pregame show at Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis, Indiana.