Ten BIG reasons to join Downtown for the game!
Downtown Indianapolis will be bustling the weekend of Dec. 2 -4 for the inaugural Big Ten Football Championship! Whether you have a ticket to the game or not, there are several ways to join in on the excitement!

Prepare, park and play!
Plan ahead before coming Downtown. With over 70,000 parking spaces, Downtown parking is affordable, convenient and abundant! Print out a Downtown map and bring it with you. Be sure to select a couple of parking alternatives before you leave home. Parking information and Downtown maps can be found by logging on to www.indydt.com/parking.cfm. 

1.Tailgating Downtown
Don’t miss the first major event to be hosted on the recently-renovated Georgia Street! The west block of the Street will be transformed into a Tailgate Party Dec. 3 starting at 10 a.m. leading up to the game. The Party will feature food and beverages, a beer garden, college football action, merchandise, and much more! Bundle up and join the fun!

2. Big Ten Fan Fest presented by Dr Pepper®
More than 200,000 square feet of the Indiana Convention Center will become the Big Ten Fan Fest presented by Dr Pepper Dec. 3. The exhibit will feature interactive games, entertainment, including special guest appearances and mascots, performances by participating teams’ bands, giveaways and food and beverages.

3. Youth Clinics
Who said the fun was just for college students? Bring the kiddos Downtown for youth clinics hosted by The Big Ten Conference, Indiana Sports Corporation and USA Football at the Indiana Convention Center Dec. 3 (2 p.m. & 3:45 p.m.). Additional clinics will be offered at the University of Indianapolis Dec. 3.

4. Happy Camper
Big Ten RV Nation will set up camp at the corner of South and Pennsylvania Streets. RV Nation will feature games, music, local entertainment, activities and special giveaways. Those interested in purchasing RV passes can buy on-site Friday night from 7-10 p.m. and Saturday beginning at 6 a.m.

5. Legends and Leaders
Eat, drink and be merry with your team’s fans at dedicated Legends and Leaders restaurant locations. Restaurants include, but are not limited to Slippery Noodle Inn, Scotty’s Brewhouse and Harry & Izzy’s.

6. The Big Game
The two teams will face off Dec. 3 for the inaugural Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium.  Snatch a ticket, pick a side, and join in on the fun!

7. Crash Downtown
In between all the cheering and excitement, crash at one of Downtown’s hotels and bed and breakfasts! Several Downtown accommodations will be offering special championship packages including Nestle Inn Bed & Breakfast, Omni Severin Hotel and Indianapolis Marriott Downtown.

8. Succumb to beer pressure Downtown
Gather your tailgating supplies from Downtown’s award-winning breweries, including Sun King Brewery, Ram Restaurant & Brewery, Rock Bottom Brewery and more! Not sure what you like? Kahn’s Fine Wines & Spirits to the rescue! Samples and specials will be available at Kahn’s Tailgate Testers Dec. 3.

9. Holiday Spirit
In addition to all the sports action available Downtown, there will also be an abundance of holiday-related events, exhibits and more! Take a break from tailgating for IDADA First Fridays on Mass Ave Dec. 2! The shops, galleries, restaurants and theatres will be hopping! While on the Avenue, drop in to The Rathskeller for drinks and entertainment at Boogie Woogie Holidays. Additional holiday events and exhibits can be found by visiting: www.indydt.com/holidaymedia.cfm  

10. Let the good times roll
Why limit the fun to football activities? There are several special events Downtown Dec. 2 – 4 including the Ringling Bros. & Barnum Bailey: Fully Charged circus at Conseco Fieldhouse, Indy Winter Farmers Market Saturday morning at Indianapolis City Market and three Indiana Ice hockey games at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.  For a complete listing of events, visit www.indydt.com/eventsearch.cfm.

 Visit indydt.com for more information including Downtown parking and maps, as well as a complete calendar of Downtown Indianapolis events.

For more information about any of these events or IDI programs, please contact Brittany at 237.2218, brittany@indydt.com or Jennifer at 237.2202, jhanson@indydt.com.