Anybody Heading To Indy?

[Indianapolitano]

Hello B-more.

Colts fan here. Congrats on your well deserved win today. Believe it or not, I was actually pulling for the Patriots today so Indy could have performed their "coup de grace" on the Patriots during the AFCCG. Having said that, it's always nice to see "tommy terrific" get picked on the way your team did it today.

So, the point of me posting here is to welcome any of the diehards who are making the trip to my fair city. Anybody who needs hotel, restaurant, nightlife, tailgating, logistic info, etc...go ahead and post your questions here and I will try to answer them as often as I am able. I will give you honest replies and not lead you in the wrong directon.

I was in Baltimore for the Division game in the 2006 Colts superbowl run. We had an outstanding time, but honestly, I can't say the welcome was very warm. For instance, when we first arrived at the stadium, we asked for a good place to tailgate. We were directed to (if my memory serves me correctly) to lots G and H.
...
Let's just say that wasn't the best advice. I won't go into the specifics of what happened to us, because that is all in the past. Let's just say I once showed up at Foxboro with a Colts Jersey and a Yankees Beanie and was surprisingly treated much better up there.

Rather than seeking revenge,I want to offer you all some true Hoosier hospitality so that anybody making the trip leaves the city with nothing but good things to say. I wan't the roadtrippers to say, "Man I had a blast in Indy, the only thing that could've made it better was a Ravens W."
Just kidding, I had to throw that in there.

So go ahead, ask away. I kind of consider myself an expert on the nightlife, dining and hotel scene here.

[Pactman12]

[quote name='Indianapolitano' date='10 January 2010 - 11:20 PM' timestamp='1263180057' post='338199']
Hello B-more.

Colts fan here. Congrats on your well deserved win today. Believe it or not, I was actually pulling for the Patriots today so Indy could have performed their "coup de grace" on the Patriots during the AFCCG. Having said that, it's always nice to see "tommy terrific" get picked on the way your team did it today.

So, the point of me posting here is to welcome any of the diehards who are making the trip to my fair city. Anybody who needs hotel, restaurant, nightlife, tailgating, logistic info, etc...go ahead and post your questions here and I will try to answer them as often as I am able. I will give you honest replies and not lead you in the wrong directon.

I was in Baltimore for the Division game in the 2006 Colts superbowl run. We had an outstanding time, but honestly, I can't say the welcome was very warm. For instance, when we first arrived at the stadium, we asked for a good place to tailgate. We were directed to (if my memory serves me correctly) to lots G and H.
...
Let's just say that wasn't the best advice. I won't go into the specifics of what happened to us, because that is all in the past. Let's just say I once showed up at Foxboro with a Colts Jersey and a Yankees Beanie and was surprisingly treated much better up there.

Rather than seeking revenge,I want to offer you all some true Hoosier hospitality so that anybody making the trip leaves the city with nothing but good things to say. I wan't the roadtrippers to say, "Man I had a blast in Indy, the only thing that could've made it better was a Ravens W."
Just kidding, I had to throw that in there.

So go ahead, ask away. I kind of consider myself an expert on the nightlife, dining and hotel scene here.
[/quote]

Thanks for the offer. I live in Cincinnati and am going to the game with 6 friends/family. they are making the trip from MD.

Is there a specific lot to park in for great tailgating? We are heading up after the Xavier/Dayton basketball game and plan on tailgating for quite a while.

Also, sorry your reception wasn't warm in Baltimore. There are still some hard feelings though with the whole Mayflower incident. Trust me, in Ohio every single Browns fan hates the Ravens beyond belief. And I completely understand.

[Indianapolitano]

[quote name='Pactman12' date='10 January 2010 - 10:42 PM' timestamp='1263181324' post='338219']
Thanks for the offer. I live in Cincinnati and am going to the game with 6 friends/family. they are making the trip from MD.

Is there a specific lot to park in for great tailgating? We are heading up after the Xavier/Dayton basketball game and plan on tailgating for quite a while.

Also, sorry your reception wasn't warm in Baltimore. There are still some hard feelings though with the whole Mayflower incident. Trust me, in Ohio every single Browns fan hates the Ravens beyond belief. And I completely understand.
[/quote]

Well now, that sounds like a fun filled sports day. At least you dont have to travel far. Parking is kind of a tough one. The massive lots no longer exist because Lucas Oil Staduim was built on top of the main lots. Most of the Very close lots are all Season permit lots, so you are out of luck there.

You have a few options though, and they depend on what time you get there. It is a night game, so if you are there early enough, I would recommend trying to find street parking downtown notrh of the stadium. It's free, but you need to get there early and you cant tailgate in the street.

Another option would be any of the downtown parking garages. All of them will be north or east of the staduim. There are three large garages connected to circle center mall, one very large one at the government center, one at Conseco fieldhouse, Pan Am plaza would be the closest, and several others scattered thoughout downtown. I can be a nightmare getting out of these places though and again, no tailgating.

The other option would be to try to find a pay lot south or east of the stadium. I would recommend taking the McCarty street exit off of I-70 and looking for a random small lot along McCarty or take the same exit and look for a lot along south street-east of Meridian. You can tailgate at any of those lots.

Of course, you could just park anywhere, throw your beer and food in a cooler and mix it up with the locals. You can expect some harmless competitive banter, but safety won't be an issue. I guarantee you could find people nice enough to share a grill or even their own food.

the more popular lots to tailgate would be the Blue Crew lot, the Hurst Bean Co. lot (which is where I tailgate,News crews often do thier pregame there and there is usually live music)is the closest to the stadium on the southside, the Victory field lot and Slippery Noodle lots are also popular.

Unfortunately the only stadium owned lot is for suiteholders only

I hope that long winded answer helps

[Indianapolitano]

[quote[i] ]Sorry I killed the original post--smack is not tolerated here[/i]
[/quote]

Jeez, a little biter there Patty? I'm not here to debate the franchise history.

Football is very important to me, especially Indianapolis Colts football. I love winning and absolutely detest losing more than anyone. But win or loose, I'm someone that likes to enjoy the journey. I like to enjoy and take in the culture of other cities, even if they are my "enemy". The economy is rough and people are paying ever more scace and hard earned money to travel to games. I know that when I take sports road trips that there is a possibility of losing, so I try to enjoy all that cities have to offer. I like to get hammered and party with people that I don't know. That way if they do lose, the trip wasn't a total waste. At least I had fun till the very end before going home all depressed.

So, are you coming to Indy Patricia? I like your fiestiness. You should come tailgate with us if you are.

[BohBalmerOsbohs]

[quote name='Indianapolitano' date='11 January 2010 - 12:24 AM' timestamp='1263187463' post='338322']
Jeez, a little biter there Patty? I'm not here to debate the franchise history.

Football is very important to me, especially Indianapolis Colts football. I love winning and absolutely detest losing more than anyone. But win or loose, I'm someone that likes to enjoy the journey. I like to enjoy and take in the culture of other cities, even if they are my "enemy". The economy is rough and people are paying ever more scace and hard earned money to travel to games. I know that when I take sports road trips that there is a possibility of losing, so I try to enjoy all that cities have to offer. I like to get hammered and party with people that I don't know. That way if they do lose, the trip wasn't a total waste. At least I had fun till the very end before going home all depressed.

So, are you coming to Indy Patricia? I like your fiestiness. You should come tailgate with us if you are.
[/quote]

dont mind him Colts fan, you are very informative and very welcome to be on the boards. As you can see that person is a forum noob. Have a good one.

[Indianapolitano]

[quote name='BohBalmerOsbohs' date='11 January 2010 - 12:28 AM' timestamp='1263187708' post='338325']
dont mind him Colts fan, you are very informative and very welcome to be on the boards. As you can see that person is a forum noob. Have a good one.
[/quote]

Thanks BBO,

Are you a mod?

I was expecting a few reactions like that. That poster reminded me to a tee of a girl named VelvetHammer that posts on the Pats board. My intent in this post is genuine. Im am eastcoast guy transplanted to Indiana. So, I figured that I might have a unique perspective on what people from "out there" would like to do here.

It's just part of the Hoosier Hospitaly that I have adopted

[Moderator 2]

[quote name='Indianapolitano' date='11 January 2010 - 01:13 AM' timestamp='1263190439' post='338358']
Thanks BBO,

Are you a mod?

I was expecting a few reactions like that. That poster reminded me to a tee of a girl named VelvetHammer that posts on the Pats board. My intent in this post is genuine. Im am eastcoast guy transplanted to Indiana. So, I figured that I might have a unique perspective on what people from "out there" would like to do here.

It's just part of the Hoosier Hospitaly that I have adopted
[/quote]

You must be the exception and not the rule, I followed a link to your teams forums and can not believe the hate ya'll have for us. Its not healthy and tolerated here.

[Indianapolitano]

[quote name='Moderator 2' date='11 January 2010 - 01:18 AM' timestamp='1263190735' post='338361']
You must be the exception and not the rule, I followed a link to your teams forums and can not believe the hate ya'll have for us. Its not healthy and tolerated here.
[/quote]
Thanks,

There are a lot of good fans on forum.colts.com.
If there is any hatred over ther, it is for 2 reasons.
1.) We all think you all hate everything about us because of the franchise history and often express it...which incites equal but opposite replies
2.) Many of our fans were treated like garbage in baltimore during the 2006 playoffs. If I can figure out how to post a link here, I have an example from Youtube

[Moderator 2]

You do realize some of that was provoked? There was a tailgating group from Ind that set up in the middle of a Ravens lot and proceeded to fly a Mayflower flag daring anyone to do something about it? It got ugly, I was there.
I mean what do ya'll expect? Emotions un high,the media stirred the pot for 2 weeks straight and the Indy fans bought into, so did Dungy by making the team disembark under the hotel with security.

Ravens have to put up with the same stuff everly year going into Cleveland, guess we handle it better,

[Indianapolitano]

[quote name='Moderator 2' date='11 January 2010 - 01:54 AM' timestamp='1263192856' post='338385']
You do realize some of that was provoked? There was a tailgating group from Ind that set up in the middle of a Ravens lot and proceeded to fly a Mayflower flag daring anyone to do something about it? It got ugly, I was there.
I mean what do ya'll expect? Emotions un high,the media stirred the pot for 2 weeks straight and the Indy fans bought into, so did Dungy by making the team disembark under the hotel with security.

Ravens have to put up with the same stuff everly year going into Cleveland, guess we handle it better,
[/quote]
Haha. I showed up at that tailgate after the incident took place. We didn't know the people, but it was a safehaven for us. Was it the one with a bus and an RV with a tent coming off of the RV?

I was the one wearing the "Chuck Norris fears Bob Sanders" sign.

[Moderator 2]

[quote name='Indianapolitano' date='11 January 2010 - 02:00 AM' timestamp='1263193214' post='338391']
Haha. I showed up at that tailgate after the incident took place. We didn't know the people, but it was a safehaven for us. Was it the one with a bus and an RV with a tent coming off of the RV?

I was the one wearing the "Chuck Norris fears Bob Sanders" sign.
[/quote]

And you expected to be welcomed after that???? The news spread like wildfire, I had people asking me about it because they knew I was there, not to be mean but that was a classless as it gets and it was not funny.

[Indianapolitano]

[quote name='Moderator 2' date='11 January 2010 - 02:09 AM' timestamp='1263193788' post='338396']
And you expected to be welcomed after that???? The news spread like wildfire, I had people asking me about it because they knew I was there, not to be mean but that was a classless as it gets and it was not funny.
[/quote]

Not really. But hey, like I said...it wan't my peeps or me. We just showed up there.
My friend and I made it a goal not to provoke anything. When we frist arrive to the tailgating area. I believe it was lot G or H, we got one hell of a welcome. We walked down those metal stairs and were immediately surrounded by about 60 dudes. My friend got hit in the head with a bottle and we were both spit upon. We kept pushing through and took alot of heat. I called my Fiancee and let her know that we would probably be coming home with some scrapes and bruises. It got worse as the day went on, but I won't bore you with that. We tolerated a lot of stuff that we might not normally. I almost lost my tongue from havingto bite it so much. We were to 29 year old guys, so I think people though it would be okay to take it a little further with us.

[Indianapolitano]

If anybody is planning on coming, you should book your hotels ASAP. The downtown hotels go pretty fast, and you don't want to get stuck in the burbs. I have recommendations if anybody would like.

Also, if any younger party types interested are coming, I could probably get a few of you on some VIP guest lists at some of the more popular clubs.

[Moderator 2]

I'm female and those bozo's were quite menacing and I'm as nonthreatening as they get, I'm just glad my husband and brother were other wise occupied so they did not take part. The above incident is why I will never go to Indy or Cleveland.

[tlanghauser]

[quote name='Indianapolitano' date='11 January 2010 - 02:25 AM' timestamp='1263194742' post='338410']
If anybody is planning on coming, you should book your hotels ASAP. The downtown hotels go pretty fast, and you don't want to get stuck in the burbs. I have recommendations if anybody would like.

Also, if any younger party types interested are coming, I could probably get a few of you on some VIP guest lists at some of the more popular clubs.
[/quote]

Would be great if you could send me some info on hotels out there, got my tickets last night and have looked over hotels, but reviews on some of them say they are not in such nice areas. Heading out with my 52 year old dad, 23 year old brother, myself 26 and a buddy of mine. Hope we don't run into same trouble you did coming to Baltimore.

[jdizzle81]

[i]Mod edit - advertising is prohibited on this message board.[/i]

[Indianapolitano]

[quote name='tlanghauser' date='11 January 2010 - 12:36 PM' timestamp='1263231386' post='338633']
Would be great if you could send me some info on hotels out there, got my tickets last night and have looked over hotels, but reviews on some of them say they are not in such nice areas. Heading out with my 52 year old dad, 23 year old brother, myself 26 and a buddy of mine. Hope we don't run into same trouble you did coming to Baltimore.
[/quote]

What is your budget? The hotels range from 5 star to 2 star in the downtown area. All of the DT hotels are in safe areas, and most are in walking distance to Lucas Oil Stadium. If you can't find anything available in the DT area, I would recommend anything on the Northside in the Keystone, Castleton or Carmel areas.

Tell me your budget, and what you are looking ot do the night before the game and I can make some good suggestions.

There is plenty of nightlife in Downtown, but if you are 23 and 26, I would recommend checking out Broad Ripple Villiage. It is a midtown neighborhood about 5 miles from downtown with 30-40 bars in a 10x10 block area. There are also several good restaurants there.

[tlanghauser]

[quote name='Indianapolitano' date='11 January 2010 - 02:39 PM' timestamp='1263238784' post='338745']
What is your budget? The hotels range from 5 star to 2 star in the downtown area. All of the DT hotels are in safe areas, and most are in walking distance to Lucas Oil Stadium. If you can't find anything available in the DT area, I would recommend anything on the Northside in the Keystone, Castleton or Carmel areas.

Tell me your budget, and what you are looking ot do the night before the game and I can make some good suggestions.

There is plenty of nightlife in Downtown, but if you are 23 and 26, I would recommend checking out Broad Ripple Villiage. It is a midtown neighborhood about 5 miles from downtown with 30-40 bars in a 10x10 block area. There are also several good restaurants there.
[/quote]

No budget, pretty much anything goes, within 5 miles though so we can get a cheap cab ride over, no drivers :-)

[Moderator 4]

[quote name='Indianapolitano' date='11 January 2010 - 02:21 AM' timestamp='1263194483' post='338406']
Not really. But hey, like I said...it wan't my peeps or me. We just showed up there.
My friend and I made it a goal not to provoke anything. When we frist arrive to the tailgating area. I believe it was lot G or H, we got one hell of a welcome. We walked down those metal stairs and were immediately surrounded by about 60 dudes. My friend got hit in the head with a bottle and we were both spit upon. We kept pushing through and took alot of heat. I called my Fiancee and let her know that we would probably be coming home with some scrapes and bruises. It got worse as the day went on, but I won't bore you with that. We tolerated a lot of stuff that we might not normally. I almost lost my tongue from havingto bite it so much. We were to 29 year old guys, so I think people though it would be okay to take it a little further with us.
[/quote]


Sorry you got harassed, if you were just an innocent visiting team fan. Unfortunately, many fans of the Irsay franchise who have chosen to come to Baltimore were less than innocent. Those who raised the Mayflower flag wre probably the stupidest visiting fans ever. What type reaction did they expect? When they lowered the flag in response to a policeman's suggestion and the flag was subsequently burned, it provoked hundreds of Ravens fans who erstwhile would have just ignored them. (All this happened directly in front of me).

btw: Thanks for coming to this board and providing some useful info. I will be attending the game on Saturday in the new stadium, and will obviously be confused by the major changes from the RCA Dome, so your info will be useful.

[Indianapolitano]

[quote name='tlanghauser' date='11 January 2010 - 07:13 PM' timestamp='1263255196' post='338948']
No budget, pretty much anything goes, within 5 miles though so we can get a cheap cab ride over, no drivers :-)
[/quote]

Okay then, I would suggest staying downtown.

If budget truly isnt a concern, I would recommend the [b]Conrad[/b] or [b]Omni Severin[/b]
The Conrad Indianapolis was rated the #1 hotel in America by Expedia and in the top 100 in the world by Conde Nast. Im guessing those rooms will be $300+
The OMNI is my favorite and would be one of your closest walks from a 4 star hotel.

Here are some other nice DT hotels within walking distance
[b]
The Canteburry[/b]-rooms are small but exquisite. A very nice charming hotel made famous by Mike Tyson having having inappropriate relations after a beauty pageant.
Indy's most renowned steakhouse, "St. Elmo's" is next door.

[b]Downtown Hilton[/b]- they have a McCormick and Schmicks in the lobby

[b]Downtown Marriott[/b]- a really nice Marriott

[b]The Westin[/b]- Has a Shula's steakhouse in the lobby

[b]Hyatt[/b] -It's OK

[b]Embassy Suites[/b]- It's a standard Embassy Suites. Good Location

[b]Crowne Plaza[/b]Actually, this is probably the Closest walk, but for some reason it really doesn't impress me.

[b]Sheraton Downtown[/b] Close to monument Circle and great Pizza at Giorgios

If all of those are booked, try [b]University Place Hotel.[/b] Not walkable but still pretty close. they have a shuttle to the Stadium. It's on IUPUI Campus

[u][b]Some cheaper options[/b][/u]

[b]Homewood Suites[/b] - This hotel is in a great location with spacious rooms. Someof the rooms are really cool with exposed brick, etc. Right in the middle of several downtown nightclubs

[b]Hampton Inn[/b]- Decent place

[b]Hilton Garden Inn[/b] longish walk

[b]Courtyard by Marriott[/b] longish walk

[b]Days Inn Downtown[/b] - long walk

[b]Residence Inn[/b]- on the Canal

[u][b]If you want one of the three hotels basically in Lucas Oil's parking lot[/b][/u]

These hotels aren't really cool, but they are the closest. They are not very close to any restaurants or bars.

[b]Holiday In Express Downtown[/b]

[b]Staybridge Suites Downtown[/b]

[b]Comfort Suites Downtown[/b]

You can Tailgate in their parking areas




That pretty much covers the Downtown Hotels. Our nicest hotel is under construction right now, the largest JW Marriott in the world.

If these are all booked, let me know and I'll make some nice suburban suggestions.

I hope this helps

[Ryan561]

I am going to Indy. What are you wearing in the stadium? Is the stadium going to be heated?

[Indianapolitano]

[quote name='Ryan561' date='11 January 2010 - 09:40 PM' timestamp='1263264029' post='339081']
I am going to Indy. What are you wearing in the stadium? Is the stadium going to be heated?
[/quote]

I'll be wearing a hoodie a Colts Jersey and Jeans. I'll be tailgating for 5 hours before the game, so I'll be waering my snowboard jacket for that. Lucas oil staduim is a comfortable temperature, but you will probably want to take your jacket off. If there is snow on the ground , the areas under the seats can get pretty messy. We always put trashbags in our pockets so when we get in, we can put our coats, hats, gloves, etc in them and stuff the bag under the seat. I recommend you do the same. You don't want to be leaving the place with wet and dirty clothing.

[Indianapolitano]

[url="http://www.indydt.com/interactivemap.cfm?&lm=vd"]Downtown Indy Interactive Map[/url]

This is a pretty good interactive map of the downtown area. You can toggle the map with your cursor. Most of the icons are interactive. This should be especially helpful for judging hotel distances and in finding parking. If you click on the little green "P" symbols for parking, it will give you varying degrees of information, such as; address, cost, phone # and if the lot is public or private (important). You will notice most of the lots near LOS are private.

*Hint: Lucas Oil Stadium is located in the Southwest quad of the map. You have to toggle to see it.

[sp914]

Hi! I'm heading to the game this Saturday and this will be my first away game. Am I crazy to be going into Colts territory wearing a Raven's jersey? I'm taking my brother for his birthday and hopefully we don't run into any issues.

[Indianapolitano]

[quote name='sp914' date='11 January 2010 - 11:23 PM' timestamp='1263270185' post='339191']
Hi! I'm heading to the game this Saturday and this will be my first away game. Am I crazy to be going into Colts territory wearing a Raven's jersey? I'm taking my brother for his birthday and hopefully we don't run into any issues.
[/quote]

No, you're not crazy. You will get booed and heckled a bit, but nothing too crazy. You'll have fun.

[tlanghauser]

[quote name='sp914' date='11 January 2010 - 11:23 PM' timestamp='1263270185' post='339191']
Hi! I'm heading to the game this Saturday and this will be my first away game. Am I crazy to be going into Colts territory wearing a Raven's jersey? I'm taking my brother for his birthday and hopefully we don't run into any issues.
[/quote]

I'll be out there with my brother, dad, and cousin. We are heading to Howl and the Moon before the game, since it appears their manager is a die hard fan and is opening the bar three hours early (4pm) for Ravens fans.

[Ryan561]

If I wear long shirt, jersey, and jeans should I be ok in the stadium?

[nicc707]

I am heading out there in a group of eight. We will also be going to Howl at the Moon. $2 Bud Lights and Free Food for Ravens fans. Owner is from Baltimore!

[sp914]

[quote name='tlanghauser' date='12 January 2010 - 09:39 AM' timestamp='1263307180' post='339346']
I'll be out there with my brother, dad, and cousin. We are heading to Howl and the Moon before the game, since it appears their manager is a die hard fan and is opening the bar three hours early (4pm) for Ravens fans.
[/quote]


What time will everyone be staying at How at the Moon till? We don't get into town until 5pm so we could probably get there around 5:30?

[nicc707]

[quote name='sp914' date='12 January 2010 - 02:30 PM' timestamp='1263324611' post='339576']
What time will everyone be staying at How at the Moon till? We don't get into town until 5pm so we could probably get there around 5:30?
[/quote]

Kickoff is at 8:15. Howl at the Moon is about 3 blocks from the stadium. We will probably all walk over to do a "Raven Walk-In" around 7:15 or so. Imagine walking in a few hundred people deep.....I'm getting chills thinking about it.

For those of you who were in Nashville last year, you know how awesome it was!