Home › Destinations › Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, United States of America - Things to Do in Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Things to Do in Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Gainbridge Fieldhouse, United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

Indianapolis, home to the iconic Gainbridge Fieldhouse, is a vibrant Midwestern city that perfectly blends sports culture, rich history, and modern urban amenities. Known as the 'Crossroads of America,' Indianapolis sits at the heart of Indiana and serves as a major hub for sports enthusiasts, particularly basketball and racing fans. The city gained international recognition as the host of the Indianapolis 500 and continues to be a premier destination for major sporting events, concerts, and cultural experiences. Beyond its sports legacy, Indianapolis offers a thriving downtown core with world-class museums, diverse neighborhoods, and an emerging culinary scene. The city's compact downtown area makes it easily walkable, while its friendly Midwestern charm and affordable prices make it an attractive destination for travelers. From the historic Mass Ave Cultural District to the trendy Fountain Square neighborhood, Indianapolis provides visitors with authentic American experiences and genuine hospitality that reflects the best of the heartland.

Top Things to Do in Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Attend an Event at Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Experience the electric atmosphere of this premier sports and entertainment venue, home to the Indiana Pacers NBA team and Indiana Fever WNBA team. The state-of-the-art facility hosts major concerts, sporting events, and shows throughout the year. The arena's intimate setting ensures great views from every seat, making it one of the most fan-friendly venues in professional sports.

Booking Tip: Ticket prices vary greatly depending on the event and seating location, ranging from $15-200+. Book directly through the venue's website or official ticketing partners to avoid inflated prices. For Pacers games, weeknight games typically offer better deals than weekend matchups.

Explore the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Museum

Visit the legendary 'Racing Capital of the World' and home of the Indianapolis 500, the world's largest single-day sporting event. Take a lap around the famous 2.5-mile oval track and explore the comprehensive museum featuring winning cars, trophies, and racing memorabilia. The experience provides insight into over a century of racing history and American motorsports culture.

Booking Tip: Museum admission is around $15 for adults, with track tours available for an additional $5. Visit during non-race months (September-April) for the most comprehensive experience. Consider timing your visit during May for the Indianapolis 500 festivities, though book accommodations well in advance.

Discover the Children's Museum of Indianapolis

Explore the world's largest children's museum, featuring five floors of interactive exhibits that captivate visitors of all ages. Highlights include a real steam locomotive, dinosaur exhibits, and hands-on science demonstrations. The museum's innovative approach to learning makes complex subjects accessible and engaging through immersive experiences and cutting-edge technology.

Booking Tip: General admission costs around $22 for adults and $17 for children. Purchase tickets online in advance to skip lines, especially during weekends and school holidays. Allow at least 3-4 hours for a comprehensive visit, and consider visiting on weekday mornings for smaller crowds.

Stroll Through the Indianapolis Cultural Trail

Walk or bike along this award-winning 8-mile urban trail that connects Indianapolis's vibrant neighborhoods, cultural districts, and entertainment venues. The trail features public art installations, connects major attractions, and provides a safe, scenic route through the city's core. It's an excellent way to experience the city's transformation and discover hidden gems along the way.

Booking Tip: The trail is free to use year-round. Rent a Pacers Bikeshare bike for $8/day or bring your own. Download the Cultural Trail app for self-guided tours and points of interest. Best experienced during daylight hours, with spring through fall offering the most pleasant weather conditions.

Experience Mass Ave and Fountain Square Districts

Explore Indianapolis's trendiest neighborhoods, known for their eclectic mix of local boutiques, craft breweries, live music venues, and farm-to-table restaurants. Mass Ave (Massachusetts Avenue) offers upscale shopping and dining, while Fountain Square provides a more bohemian atmosphere with vintage shops and indie music venues. Both districts showcase the city's creative spirit and local entrepreneurship.

Booking Tip: Most attractions are free to explore, though budget $30-50 per person for dining and drinks. Visit during evening hours Thursday-Saturday for the best nightlife experience. Many venues offer happy hour specials from 4-6 PM. Consider joining a food tour to sample multiple establishments efficiently.

Getting There

Indianapolis International Airport (IND) serves as the primary gateway, located just 15 minutes southwest of downtown with excellent connectivity to major US cities. The airport offers convenient ground transportation options including rental cars, ride-sharing services, and the GO Express Travel shuttle service to downtown hotels. For those driving, Indianapolis sits at the intersection of major interstate highways (I-65, I-70, I-69, and I-74), making it easily accessible from Chicago (3 hours), Cincinnati (2 hours), and Louisville (2 hours). Amtrak provides limited service via the Cardinal route, though flying or driving remain the most practical options for most travelers.

Getting Around

Downtown Indianapolis is highly walkable, with most major attractions, hotels, and restaurants within a compact area connected by the Cultural Trail and skybridge system. The city operates IndyGo bus service throughout the metropolitan area, including the Red Line BRT system connecting downtown to the airport and surrounding areas ($1.75 per ride). Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available and reasonably priced. For exploring attractions outside downtown like the Motor Speedway or suburban areas, a rental car provides the most flexibility, with abundant and affordable parking throughout the city.

Where to Stay

Downtown Indianapolis
Mass Ave District
Fountain Square
Airport Area
Broad Ripple
Carmel

Food & Dining

Indianapolis has evolved into a legitimate foodie destination, moving beyond traditional Midwestern fare to embrace farm-to-table dining, craft brewing, and innovative culinary concepts. The city's food scene showcases local ingredients and Hoosier hospitality, with standout establishments ranging from James Beard Award-nominated restaurants to beloved local institutions. Downtown offers upscale dining options and sports bars perfect for pre-game meals, while neighborhoods like Mass Ave and Fountain Square feature trendy gastropubs and ethnic cuisines. Don't miss trying a pork tenderloin sandwich, Indiana's signature dish, or exploring the city's thriving craft brewery scene with over 30 local breweries offering unique flavors and atmospheres.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Indianapolis

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Conner's Kitchen + Bar

4.7 /5
(4891 reviews) 2
bar

The Eagle Mass Ave

4.5 /5
(4801 reviews) 2
meal_takeaway

Yard House

4.5 /5
(4459 reviews) 2
bar meal_takeaway

Harry & Izzy's

4.7 /5
(4251 reviews) 3

The Fountain Room

4.7 /5
(1596 reviews) 3

Fire by the Monon

4.6 /5
(1365 reviews) 2
bar

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Indianapolis is during late spring through early fall (April-October) when weather is pleasant for outdoor activities and events. Summer months (June-August) offer the most festivals and outdoor concerts, though this coincides with peak tourism during Indianapolis 500 season in May. Fall (September-November) provides comfortable temperatures, beautiful foliage, and the excitement of basketball season beginning. Winter visits can be rewarding for indoor attractions and lower hotel rates, though weather can be unpredictable. Sports fans should plan around the NBA season (October-April) for Pacers games, while racing enthusiasts should target May for the ultimate Indianapolis experience, booking accommodations well in advance.

Insider Tips

Take advantage of the free WiFi and charging stations throughout Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and arrive early to explore the venue's Indiana basketball history displays
Use the Indianapolis Cultural Trail mobile app to discover public art installations and get turn-by-turn directions between attractions
Many downtown restaurants offer pre-game specials before Pacers games, typically 2-3 hours before tip-off with discounted food and drinks

Explore Activities in Gainbridge Fieldhouse