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Indianapolis, Indiana Visitor Guide - Superbowl XLVI

Updated on February 12, 2012
The Canal walk winds thru Downtown Indianapolis
The Canal walk winds thru Downtown Indianapolis

Superbowl 2012 is in Indianapolis!

The city of Indianapolis will host Superbowl XLVI February 5, 2012. If you plan on visiting the Hoosier state for this NFL football championship, you all you need bring is some warm clothing and your enthusiasm. Indianapolis will supply everything else as they anticipate 150,000 plus game day visitors.

Or if your convention, work or vacation travels bring you to the home of the Indianapolis Colts, during any other time of the year, you will find plenty to keep you occupied. Here's a travel guide to acclimate you to travel and fun in the country's 14th largest city.

General Information & Demographics

Indianapolis is centrally located within the state of Indiana and became the state capital in 1820. As of 2009, the population was over 800,000 within the city limits and over one million with the surrounding suburbs. The city's population is diverse --approximately 67% white, 21% African American, 10% Hispanic and 2% Asian. Indianapolis is on Eastern (daylight savings) time. You can enjoy all four seasons here with cold winters, hot summers and everything in between.

Lucas Oil Stadium is home to the Indianapolis Colts
Lucas Oil Stadium is home to the Indianapolis Colts

SuperBowl Venue

The Superbowl will be held in the Lucas Oil Stadium which is home to The Indianapolis Colts. This stadium was built in 2008 at an approximate cost of $716 million, seats 63,000-70,000, and has a retractable roof. Lucas Oil Stadium is located downtown at 500 S. Capitol Avenue and is directly across from, and connected to the Convention Center.

Lucas Oil Stadium

317-262-8600

Super Bowl 2012 - General Information

The City of Indianapolis is transforming a three-block downtown area into a interactive Fan Festival. This Super Bowl Village will feature free concerts, tail gate parties, contests and plenty of entertainment. Comedian Mike Epps and local personality, Zuri Hall serve as official hosts in a re-enacted Super Bowl Village complete with a four-line Zipline. The official Super Bowl breakfast will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 8 am at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Bart Starr will personally present The Bart Star Award to a worthy NFL candidate.

This Bowl will feature top-notch musical talent. Kelley Clarkson will singer the National Anthem. Madonna will perform during the Superbowl Half-Time show. Gospel singers, CeCe Winans, Natalie Grant, Donnie McClurkin and Hezekian Walker will perform. Free musical acts include Patti Labelle, En Vogue, LMFAO, Darius Ruckler, DJ Limelight, Cynthia Lane and Red Wanting Blue.



Conrad Hotel lobby
Conrad Hotel lobby

Accommodations - Where to Stay

Downtown Indianapolis offers accommodations with various price points and amenities. You have your choice of good, basic accommodations at the Comfort Suites to luxurious digs at the 5-Star Conrad Hotel.

Indianapolis' downtown hub is interlinked via a enclosed walkway or tunnel system. Many of the downtown hotels and the Convention Center, Circle Center Shopping Mall and parking garage are connected to this walkway system.

Marriott Place is the newest complex with the Courtyard, Springhill Suites and Fairfield Inn & Suites. These properties are across from the Indy Convention Center.

If you're looking for some relaxation or are of need of salon services during your stay, Studio 2000 Salon & Day Spa (317-687-0010) with their board-certified staff would love to accommodate you at their downtown Monument Circle location.

Team Hotels

The AFC team will be housed at the University Place hotel at 850 W. Michigan Street. This hotel is near downtown on the campus of Indiana University - Purdue University (IUPUI). The NFC team hotel is the Marriott Downtown at 350 W. Maryland Street.

Hotels

Hotel 
Address 
Phone (317 Area Code)
Canterbury Hotel 
123 S. Illinois St. 
634-3000 / 800-538-8186
Comfort Suites 
515 S. West St. 
631-9000 
Conrad Indianapolis 
50 W. Washington St. 
715-5000 
Courtyard by Marriott
601 W. Washington St.
573-6536
Courtyard Marriott / Capitol
320 N. Senate Ave.
684-7733 / 800-321-2211
Crowne Plaza at Union Station
123 W. Louisiana St.
631-2221 / 800-2-CROWNE
Embassy Suites
110 W. Washington St.
236-1800 / 800-EMBASSY
Fairfield Inn & Suites
501 W. Washington St.
573-6536
Hampton Inn
105 S. Meridian St.
261-1200
Hilton Garden Inn
10 E. Market St.
955-9700
Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites
120 W. Market St.
972-0600
Holiday Inn Express
410 S. Missouri St.
822-6400
Homewood Suites
211 S. Meridian St.
636-7992 / 800-CALL-HOME
Hyatt Regency
One S. Capitol Ave.
800-233-1234
Indianapolis Marriott
350 W. Maryland St.
822-3500 / 877-640-7666
JW Mariott Downtown
10 S. West St.
456-7265
Omni Severin Hotel
40 W. Jackson Pl.
634-6664 / 800-THE-OMNI
Residence Inn
350 W. New York St.
822-0840 / 800-331-3131
Sheraton Indianapolis
31 W. Ohio St.
635-2000 / 888-627-8186
Springhill Suites
601 W. Washington
573-6536
Staybridge Suites
535 S. West St.
536-7500
The Westin Indianapolis.
50 S. Capitol Ave.
262-8100 / 800-WESTIN-1

Additional Lodging Options

Indianapolis has numerous hotels and motels located throughout the city and in the suburbs and adjacent towns. Check for the link for the Visitor's Bureau for info on these.

There are several Bed and Breakfast inns located one to two miles from the Indy downtown. If you will have your own transportation or don't mind cabbin' it, you may want to consider one of these.

Nestle Inn Bed & Breakfast

637 N. East St.

317-610-5200

877-339-5200

18th Century Victorian house. Rooms have private baths, TV and WiFi. Close to downtown's Mass Avenue art district with dining and nightlife.

Stone Soup Inn

1304 N. Central Avenue

317-639-9550

1901 Inn furnished with antiques, slipper tub or steam shower. Butler's pantry with free snacks.

Columbia Club

121 Monument Circle

317-767-1361

800-635-1361

This private club, located on Monument Circle,has over 90 guestrooms and honors reciprocal memberships. The Club has three restaurants, WIFI and fitness center.

Places for Great Eats

Indianapolis has plenty of quality restaurants located throughout the city and in the suburbs. Most of the chain eateries are represented here including P.F. Changs, Starbucks, Ruth Chris's Steakhouse, and Morton's Steakhouse. Here's a few more choices if you are hanging out downtown.

The Capital Grille at Conrad ($$$$)

40 W. Washington Street

317-423-8790

Bring your wallet and your taste buds for this high brow restaurant known for delicious fare and rich atmosphere.

Champions Sports Bar and Restaurant at Marriott ($)

350 W. Maryland

317-405-6111

Casual, fun and sports TVs galore. Looking for more informal. Here's your spot.

Eagle's Nest Restaurant at Hyatt Regency ($$$)

One S. Capitol Ave.

317-616-6170

Partake of some good food while enjoying the Indy skyline in this revolving restaurant perched atop the Hyatt.

The Indianapolis Colts Grille ($$)

110 W. Washington Street

Good food and plenty of flat screen TV's make this a great place to kick back and enjoy the game.

Le Peep ($)

301 N. Illinois St.

317-237-3447

A great place for breakfast

St. Elmo's Steakhouse ($$$)

127 S. Illinois St.

317-635-0636

Reservations for this legendary 1902 restaurant fill up months in advance. If you get in, make sure you order the shrimp cocktail. If you can't grab a table try, their sister restaurant, Harry & Izzys ,635-9594.

The Oceannaire Seafood Room ($$$)

30 S. Meridian

317-955-2277

A restaurant popular for its extensive seafood menu; seafood items are flown in daily.

Shapiro's Delicatessen ($$)

808 S. Meridian Street

317-631-4041

Home of mega sandwiches and good food. This cafeteria-style restaurant, has been listed as one of the top ten Jewish delis by USA Today newspaper.

Downtown Party Spots

If you're here for the Superbowl, there's certain to be a party on every corner and every hotel. Here are a couple of sure things if you plan to hit the party circuit anytime of the year.

The Slippery Noodle Inn

South and Meridian Streets

317-631-6974

Don't let this one slip away if you are looking for wall-to-wall fun, booze, blues and people.

Howl at the Moon

20 E. Georgia Street

317-955-0300

Don't miss the dueling babies -- grands -- that is -- at this fun music spot.

Things to Do - Downtown

NCAA National Headquarters and Hall of Champions

700 W. Washington Street

800-735-NCAA

Fans of collegiate sports can celebrate the passion of college sports at this museum located at the NCAA headquarters.

Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art

500 W. Washington St.

317-636-9378

Museum has exhibitions, performances and special events all related to the American West and Native America cultures.

Indiana Repertory Theatre

140 W. Washington Street

317-635-5252

Catch a professional play at this downtown theatre which was founded in 1927.

White River State Park / Tourist Center

801 W. Washington St.

317-233-2434

This 250-acre complex houses the Visitor's Center, an IMAX theater, museums and the NCAA Headquarters. The Indianapolis Zoo is adjacent.

The Month of May is Indy 500 Time!
The Month of May is Indy 500 Time!

Things to Do - Outside of Downtown

Broadway Across America

342 Mass Avenue

317-632-7469

This group brings in Broadway shows for local venues such as Butler University's Clowes Hall and the near downtown, Murat Theatre.

Broad Ripple Neighborhood

This popular neighborhood north of downtown contains dozens of restaurants, night clubs and shops. The Jazz Kitchen offers great Jazz and eats and The Vogue showcases both local and national talents.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

3000 N. Meridian Street

317-334-3322

800-208-KIDS

This award-winning museum is considered one of the largest world-wide. There are five levels of entertainment with permanent and special galleries, a planetarium, library and theater.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Hall of Fame Museum

4790 W. 16th St.

317-481-8500

800-822-4639

Home of the famous Indy 500. Of course, the race and race-events are held in May. However, there is a wonderful museum located on site, worthy of a visit. Visitors can review memorabilia, films, trophies and displays associated with racing and the Greatest Race On Earth. There is a great collection of antique and classic autos and racing cars.

Indianapolis Museum of Art

4000 N. Michigan Road

317-923-1331

This museum is located on 152 landscaped acres and contains Asian, European, African American and contemporary and decorative art.

Indiana Medical History Museum

3045 W. Vermont St.

317-635-7329

This museum includes labs, clasroom and preserved specimens and is located in the nation's oldest pathology lab. There are over 15,000 artifacts, as well as a Medicinal Garden with 90 plant species.

Colleges

If you are college shopping, IUPUI (Indiana and Purdue University divisions), Butler University, The University of Indianapolis, IVY Tech College and Marian College, and various smaller institutions of higher learning, are all located in the city.

Hoosier Park (Anderson) and Indiana Live (Shelbyville) each operate a racino (horse track and casino). Both are under an hour's drive from Indianapolis.

The Nashville, Indiana and Brown County area is a scenic area, about 1-1/2 hours from Indianapolis, with more than 200 stores and vendors showcasing the best in antiques and crafts. You'll find good eats and shopping here. The state park offers camping and recreational activities such as horseback riding, hiking and biking.

Visitors can greet this mastodon at the Children's Museum
Visitors can greet this mastodon at the Children's Museum

Professional Sports

Indiana Pacers (NBA)

Indiana Fever (WNBA)

317-917-2500

Football is just one of the sports Indiana is known for. If the Indiana Pacers or Indiana Fever are playing while you are in town, consider grabbing some tickets and visiting the awesome Conseco Fieldhouse also located downtown. The Fieldhouse was voted the top US basketball arena by the Sports Business Journal.

Indianapolis Indians

800-745-3000

Downtown, Victory Field, home to the AAA Indianapolis Indians, is a greet place to catch a game.

Visitors can visit the Victorian home of James Whitcomb Riley.
Visitors can visit the Victorian home of James Whitcomb Riley.

Something Different to Do In Indy

If you are into ghostly spirits, consider taking a ghost or cemetery tours.

Irvington Ghost Tours

Six South Johnson Avenue

317-850-1910

This tour encompasses one of the oldest Indianapolis neighborhoods.

Crown Hill Cemetery

700 W. 38th Street

317-920-2644

This is one of the largest cemeteries in the US with over 555 acres. The tour visits the final resting places of President Benjamin Harris, poet, James Whitcomb Riley,author Booth Tarkington, Colonel Eli Lilly and John Dillinger.

The Clarion Peoplemover
The Clarion Peoplemover

Getting to and Getting Around Indy

The Indianapolis International Airport (IND), 317-487-7243, is the main airport serving the city; It is southwest of downtown. A smaller airport, Eagle Creek Airport, provides service for smaller planes and private jets.This airport is adjacent to Eagle Creek Park on the city's westside,

The city has arranged for three Park 'N Ride locations so you can park your car and take a shuttle to all the Super Bowl action and parties. The cost is $2.00 per person or $10.00 per car.

There are three locations: -- 327 N. Illinois, 101 N. New Jersey Street (downtown) and 2155 S. High School Road (westside near airport). You can call 317-613-3333 for additional information.

Some downtown hotels offer shuttle service; inquire when booking your stay. The IndyGo, 317-635-3344, public bus system operates routes throughout the city. However, many routes run infrequently or discontinue completely in the evening/night hours. There are numerous taxi services, such as Yellow Cab, 800-TAXICAB, operating throughout the city. The AAA Hoosier Motor Club, 317-923-1500, is a full service travel agency that provides member roadside assistance.

Both Amtrak and Greyhound bus operate out of the downtown Union Station. The city is also serviced by MegaBus.

The Clarian Health People Mover is a 1.5 mile light rail service run by the near downtown hospital system. It travels between several Indiana University/Clarian hospitals and Methodist hospital. It was established to benefit physicians and staff; however, the public can also ride it.

Have a Great Time in Indianapolis

The capital of the Hoosier state is proud of its clean city and eager to show you around. Remember, there's are activities galore, not only downtown, but throughout the city and State. Come prepared to eat some good food, have fun and enjoy some good ole' Hoosier hospitality.

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