Three days in the frozen tundra (AKA what to do in Indianapolis)
As the clock ran down in the Orange Bowl and the Bulldogs heading to the Natty became a reality, thousands across the country began booking plane tickets and rental cars, purchasing game tickets, finding accommodations, and answering the question: “What does a Southerner wear to a January football game in the Midwest, when the temperatures are in the teens?” *don’t worry, I’m clueless as well.
As we are just a few days away from the big game, traveling fans may find themselves wondering how to spend a day (or three) in Indy. As a UGA staff member making the trek to assist with communications and hosting alumni on site, I found myself wondering what Indianapolis holds for fans during the frigid days and hours before the big game.
So, I gathered a few ideas from those in the know, Dawg fans. If you visit any of them, take a pic and tag us in social using #AlwaysADawg.
INDIANAPOLIS ALUMNI CHAPTER
Indianapolis Alumni Chapter President Liz Smith (AB ’82) suggested a few places to eat:
- Kilroy’s Bar & Grill
- St. Elmo’s Steak House
- Harry & Izzy’s
- Tin Roof Live
- The Slippery Noodle (the oldest bar in Indy)
ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution knows that Indianapolis is “more than fast cars.” Here are a few highlights from its story:
- White River State Park
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
- Indiana Historical Society
- Square Cat Vinyl
- The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
- Sun King Brewing Co.
VISIT INDY
The official welcome wagon for the city of Indianapolis, VisitIndy.com features hordes of ideas to curate a fun weekend in this Midwest town. Here are a few highlights I spotted on both their “things to do” list and their “where to eat” list:
- Brunch Ideas
- Lunch Ideas
- Café Patachou, Shapiro’s Deli, Plump’s Last Shot (owned by the man who inspired the movie Hoosiers!)
- Sweet Treats
- Activities
- Garfield Park Conservatory and Gardens, NCAA Hall of Champions and Conference Center, Hinkle Fieldhouse (home to another Bulldog), Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, or how about Wreck a Room or A Place to Float to relieve that pent-up stress heading into the game?
HOMEFIELD APPARAL
Indianapolis-based Homefield Apparal offers licensed college apparel (including UGA). Their team posted a series of Tweets highlighting things to do and see in town. A few highlights for each of their categories are below; the full list is far more extensive:
- Restaurants – Livery, Bluebeard, Nesso
- Breweries – Daredevil, Guggman Haus, Upland
- Coffee Shops – Tinker at the AMP, Coat Check, Quills
- Breakfast – Sidedoor Bagel, The Garden Table, RIZE
- Lunch – Public Greens, Yats, Mug N’ Bun, Goose the Market
- Takeout – Napolese Pizza, Cluster Truck, Bazbeaux Pizza
- Activities – Broad Ripple Farmers Market, LUNA Music, Monon Trail, Hi-Fi
INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE
The group responsible for hosting the CFP National Championship has curated resources for travelers visiting the city for the big game.
DOWNTOWN INDY
This nonprofit organization focuses on developing and promoting downtown Indianapolis. Here’s its events calendar and lists of what to explore while in the area.
A FEW ADDITIONS
- The Indiana Pacers host the Utah Jazz on Saturday night at 7 p.m. if you’re looking to makae it a two-sport kind of weekend.
- Did you know there is a Georgia Street in Indy? The three, pedestrian-friendly blocks of this street connects the Indiana Convention Center with Bankers Life Fieldhouse and features food and beverage stations, concert stages, street performers and more.
- Don’t forget there are several official events hosted by the CFP National Championship and you can find those on our football landing page.
I hope these resources help you enjoy a fun weekend in Indianapolis (capped off with a win for the Dawgs on Monday). Whether or not you’re heading to the game, be sure to tag @UGAAlumni on social so we can share photos and videos from Bulldogs around the world. Sic ‘em!
