Indianapolis continues to grow as a Midwestern meetings mecca, and this is prominently reflected in its gamut of event-friendly venues. Planners can pick from world-famous sporting locales, one-of-a-kind attractions unique to the city and handsome and historic performance art palaces—and that’s just the tip of the Indy iceberg.
Here’s a look at seven of the very best venues on tap in the Hoosier State capital and what makes them appealing choices for a group outing or event.
LUCAS OIL STADIUM
www.lucasoilstadium.com
“Lucas Oil Stadium is home of the Indianapolis Colts and Super Bowl XLVI, but it is open year-round for a variety of events and conventions due to its state-of-the-art retractable roof, 183,000 square feet of exhibit space and 63,000 seats,” says Lisa Wallace, communications manager, conventions and meetings, for Visit Indy, adding that the stadium is also conveniently connected to the convention center.
Even if the timing is off for taking in a Colts’ NFL game, the impressive structure should be considered for a group agenda. Behind-the-scenes tours are presented several times each Tuesday and Wednesday, and groups can also call in advance for a private excursion through the stadium. Guests can go on the field, into a locker room and through the press box, checking out areas that are normally off-limits to the public. Numerous event spaces are also available, from snazzy suites to spacious plazas and club lounges.
Adding to the appeal is the adjoining Indiana Convention Center, conveniently connected via an enclosed pedestrian walkway.
INDIANAPOLIS ZOO AND WHITE RIVER GARDENS
www.indyzoo.com
Supposedly the first attraction triple-accredited as zoo, aquarium and botanical garden, this enclave of flora and fauna serves as an exotic escape that boasts a number of memorable experiences.
On the possible docket for excitement-seeking attendees are in-water dolphin adventures where visitors can splash about with the compelling creatures and even feed them some fish; actually geting your hands on some sharks in the nation’s largest shark touch tank; or staying on dry land and partaking in an elephant art adventure, where a pachyderm plays Picasso by painting a take-home art souvenir.
The 3.3-acre botanical gardens provide a serene and seductive setting perfect for a mellow group meander, and intriguing event venues abound in both the zoo and gardens. Among the most dazzling are the Dolphin Adventure Gallery, offering special access to the world’s only underwater dolphin dome and boasting room for up to 250 seated guests, and the Hulman Riverhouse, which shows off a fine view of the downtown skyline and can be rented in conjunction with the lush Hilbert Conservatory. PageBreak
HILBERT CIRCLE THEATRE
www.hilbertcircletheatre.com
When it comes to elegant performing arts settings in the Midwest, it’s tough to top this venerable venue, which got its start as the state’s first “movie palace” upon its 1916 opening.
“The historic Hilbert Circle Theatre is a beautiful performance and event space right in the heart of downtown on Monument Circle,” says Visit Indy’s Wallace. “It is within walking distance of many hotels and dining options, and a perfect place to see the Indianapolis Symphony perform.”
The Indianapolis Symphony itself is a longtime local institution dating back to 1930 and is now the state’s largest performing arts organization. The venue has also played host to countless corporate and special events, including an appearance from Jimmy Fallon preceding the 2012 Super Bowl.
Tours of the elegant edifice are available, and the theater also showcases some austere and eye-catching event spaces for rental—including the Grand Auditorium itself, seating 1,786 and offering a unique setting for a seated banquet of 80 right on the stage.
NCAA HALL OF CHAMPIONS
www.ncaahallofchampions.com
This recent addition to the Indy scene is a high-tech, hands-on haven of sporting fun, paying tribute to some of the greatest teams and athletes in our nation’s college sporting history.
The exhibits are divided into two-levels of inspiring and interactive offerings. The first level, Arena, shows off all 23 of the NCAA’s official sports through intriguing artifacts, current sports rankings, fun trivia quizzes and plenty of action-packed video highlights. On the second floor, Play serves up nonstop hands-on fun, seven TVs showcasing live sports action and even a throwback 1930s basketball gym.
The hall’s 90-minute group tours are also popular, and planners will also have plenty of options when it comes to event hosting, from ballrooms and grand halls to board and meeting rooms. PageBreak
Georgia Street
www.indydt.com
Making its debut as the “Village” for the 2012 Super Bowl, Georgia Street is a lively pedestrian promenade connecting the Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium with Bankers Life Fieldhouse—home to the NBA’s Pacers.
Perfect for people-watching or just hanging out and having fun, the plaza-like setting is rich with retailers, cool night spots and plenty of public artwork. More than half-a-dozen eateries offer outdoor dining, and Second Thursdays—essentially a large, free outdoor party—are becoming a popular Indy pastime on the promenade.
Planners can even arrange their own large-scale doings at the hip hub, with a capacity for more than 25,000 guests when leasing the entire venue.
INDianapolis MOTOR SPEEDWAY
www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com
“Indianapolis is known as the ‘Racing Capital of the World,’ and the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway is recognized internationally,” Visit Indy’s Wallace says. “The 2.5-mile oval that opened in 1909 hosts the world’s largest single-day sporting event each May, the Indy 500, which brings over 300,000 visitors to the city.”
In addition to the Indy 500, the famous track hosts two other major racing events—the Brickyard 400 in July and the Red Bull Indianapolis GP in August. But groups don’t have to show up for one of the big races to have a superb experience.
Grounds Tours run from March through November and provide 90-minute, behind-the-scenes explorations into areas normally reserved for drivers and race officials. The tours include a stop at the facility’s popular gift shop, and culminate in a bus ride around the famed oval. Groups should call ahead, as the popular tours do tend to sell out. Special arrangements and scheduling can be made for groups of 20 or more.
For more adventurous attendees, the Indy Racing Experience provides the electrifying opportunity to ride in a two-seat race car or take the wheel yourself in a one-seater.
INDIANA STATE MUSEUM
www.indianamuseum.org
Nestled in White River State Park, the Indiana State Museum is about as Hoosier as it gets. Proudly built completely out of Indiana materials—mainly limestone, glass, brick and steel—the handsome modern structure is dotted with icons representative of each of the state’s 92 counties.
Once inside, the main permanent exhibit traces history from Earth’s very creation all the way through today’s current Indiana heritage. Temporary exhibits range from science to art to pop culture, and special tours can be arranged for groups.
The museum also has several event-ready venues and can host up to 2,000 guests.
