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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 balances urban sophistication with heartland charm. The city serves as Indiana's capital and largest metropolis, offering visitors a rich tapestry of sports culture, motorsports heritage, and thriving arts scene. From the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway to the bustling downtown district, Indianapolis provides an authentic American experience with world-class attractions and genuine hospitality. The city's downtown core, anchored by Gainbridge Fieldhouse where the Indiana Pacers play, pulses with energy year-round. Visitors can explore the expansive Indiana Convention Center, stroll through the scenic Canal Walk, or immerse themselves in the city's renowned culinary scene. Indianapolis seamlessly blends its industrial heritage with modern innovation, creating a destination that appeals to sports enthusiasts, culture seekers, and urban explorers alike.

Top Things to Do in Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Attend a Pacers Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Experience the electric atmosphere of NBA basketball at this state-of-the-art arena in downtown Indianapolis. The venue offers excellent sightlines from every seat and showcases the passionate Pacers fanbase. Beyond basketball, the fieldhouse hosts major concerts, family shows, and special events throughout the year.

Booking Tip: Tickets range from $15-200+ depending on opponent and seating. Book directly through the Pacers website or StubHub for resale options. Arrive early to explore the arena's amenities and grab local food options.

Explore the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Visit the world's largest spectator sporting facility and home of the Indianapolis 500. Take a tour of the historic track, visit the museum featuring winning cars and memorabilia, or even take a lap around the famous 2.5-mile oval. The speedway represents over a century of racing heritage and American motorsports culture.

Booking Tip: Museum admission costs around $15 for adults, with track tours available for $25-40. Visit during non-race periods for better availability. Consider combo packages that include both museum and track experiences.

Stroll the Indianapolis Canal Walk

Enjoy a peaceful walk or bike ride along this scenic 3-mile urban waterway that winds through downtown Indianapolis. The canal features beautiful landscaping, public art installations, and connects major attractions including the Indiana State Museum and White River State Park. Pedal boat rentals add a fun water activity option.

Booking Tip: The canal walk is free to explore year-round. Pedal boat rentals cost about $15-20 per half hour during warmer months. Best experienced during spring through fall for optimal weather and full amenities.

Discover Mass Ave Cultural District

Explore Indianapolis's premier arts and entertainment district packed with galleries, theaters, boutique shops, and eclectic restaurants. This vibrant neighborhood showcases local artists, hosts frequent festivals, and offers some of the city's best nightlife. The area perfectly captures Indianapolis's creative spirit and urban energy.

Booking Tip: Most galleries and shops are free to browse, with restaurant prices ranging $15-40 per person. Visit during First Friday events for special gallery openings and extended hours. Street parking available but can be limited during events.

Experience the Children's Museum of Indianapolis

Visit the world's largest children's museum featuring five floors of interactive exhibits, including dinosaur fossils, space exploration displays, and hands-on science experiments. The museum appeals to visitors of all ages with its impressive scale and engaging educational experiences. Special exhibitions rotate regularly, ensuring return visits offer new discoveries.

Booking Tip: General admission costs around $20-25 for adults and children over 2. Purchase tickets online for slight discounts and to guarantee entry during busy periods. Plan 3-4 hours minimum to fully explore the extensive exhibits.

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 including rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transit via the IndyGo Red Line. For those driving, Indianapolis sits at the crossroads of major interstates I-65, I-69, I-70, and I-74, making it easily accessible from Chicago (3 hours), Cincinnati (2 hours), Louisville (2 hours), and other Midwest destinations. Amtrak provides limited service through Union Station, though flying or driving remain the most practical options for most visitors.

Getting Around

Downtown Indianapolis is highly walkable, with most major attractions, restaurants, and Gainbridge Fieldhouse within easy walking distance of each other. The city's grid system makes navigation straightforward, while the extensive skyway system allows indoor connections between hotels, convention centers, and entertainment venues during harsh weather. IndyGo public buses serve the broader metropolitan area, with the Red Line BRT providing rapid transit from the airport to downtown. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available, while rental cars offer flexibility for exploring attractions like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or venturing beyond the city center.

Where to Stay

Downtown/Convention Center District
Mass Ave Cultural District
Fountain Square
Broad Ripple Village
Airport Area
Carmel/North Indianapolis

Food & Dining

Indianapolis has evolved into a legitimate food destination, blending Midwestern comfort food with innovative culinary creativity. The city's signature dish, the pork tenderloin sandwich, can be found at local institutions, while downtown boasts upscale steakhouses, farm-to-table restaurants, and diverse international cuisine. Mass Ave and Fountain Square offer the most concentrated dining scenes with trendy gastropubs, craft breweries, and chef-driven establishments. Don't miss trying sugar cream pie (Indiana's state pie), exploring the city's growing craft beer scene, or experiencing the famous St. Elmo Steak House's legendary shrimp cocktail. Food trucks and local markets provide affordable options, while the city's growing reputation attracts nationally recognized chefs and restaurant concepts.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Indianapolis

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

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

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Indianapolis is during late spring through early fall (May-October) when weather is most pleasant for outdoor activities and sports events. Summer offers the most excitement with the Indianapolis 500 in May, numerous festivals, and peak Pacers season extending into playoffs. Fall provides comfortable temperatures, beautiful foliage, and the start of the NBA season at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Winter can be quite cold with snow, but indoor attractions remain active and hotel rates are typically lower. Spring brings mild weather and fewer crowds, making it perfect for exploring outdoor attractions like the Canal Walk and various parks throughout the city.

Insider Tips

Park at one of the downtown meters or garages rather than paying premium prices at Gainbridge Fieldhouse - most downtown parking is within a 5-10 minute walk
Take advantage of the extensive skyway system during winter months to move between hotels, restaurants, and attractions without facing harsh weather
Visit during non-race weekends at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for better tour availability and less crowded experiences at this iconic venue

Explore Activities in Gainbridge Fieldhouse