Lucas Oil Stadium, United States of America - Things to Do in Lucas Oil Stadium

Things to Do in Lucas Oil Stadium

Lucas Oil Stadium, United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

Lucas Oil Stadium, located in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, is a premier sports and entertainment venue that serves as the home of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. This state-of-the-art facility, which opened in 2008, features a retractable roof and massive window wall that provides stunning views of the Indianapolis skyline. The stadium has hosted numerous high-profile events including Super Bowl XLVI, multiple NCAA Final Four tournaments, and the annual NFL Scouting Combine, establishing itself as one of America's most versatile indoor venues. Indianapolis, known as the 'Crossroads of America,' offers visitors a perfect blend of Midwest hospitality and urban sophistication. The city is renowned for its rich motorsports heritage, world-class museums, vibrant cultural districts, and thriving food scene. Beyond Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis boasts attractions like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the largest spectator sporting facility in the world, along with numerous parks, historic neighborhoods, and a revitalized downtown core that makes it an ideal destination for sports fans and travelers alike.

Top Things to Do in Lucas Oil Stadium

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Experience

Visit the legendary 'Brickyard' and home of the Indianapolis 500, the world's largest spectator sporting facility. Take a tour of the track, visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, and even take a lap around the famous 2.5-mile oval. The experience includes access to the Pagoda, victory podium, and historic Gasoline Alley.

Booking Tip: Tours run year-round except during race events, with tickets starting around $15-25. Book directly through the speedway website for best prices, and consider visiting during May for the electric atmosphere of Indy 500 preparations.

White River State Park and Cultural District

Explore this unique urban cultural park that houses multiple attractions including the Indianapolis Zoo, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, and the Indiana State Museum. The park offers beautiful walking trails along the White River and connects many of downtown's premier cultural institutions. It's one of the only state parks located in a downtown urban area.

Booking Tip: Individual attraction tickets range from $15-25, but combination passes offer significant savings. Visit on weekdays for smaller crowds, and allow a full day to experience multiple attractions within the park.

Mass Ave Arts and Theater District

Stroll through Indianapolis's premier arts and entertainment district, featuring eclectic shops, galleries, restaurants, and theaters. The area showcases local artists, hosts regular festivals, and offers some of the city's best nightlife. The historic architecture combined with modern amenities creates a vibrant atmosphere perfect for evening entertainment.

Booking Tip: Most attractions are free to explore, with theater tickets ranging from $20-80 depending on the show. Visit on First Friday for special gallery openings and events, and make dinner reservations in advance for popular restaurants.

Indianapolis Cultural Trail

Experience this award-winning 8-mile urban bike and pedestrian path that connects neighborhoods, cultural districts, and entertainment venues throughout downtown Indianapolis. The trail features public art installations, connects to the city's greenway system, and provides access to major attractions while showcasing the city's commitment to sustainable transportation.

Booking Tip: Trail access is completely free, with bike rentals available from Pacers Bikeshare stations for around $8-15 per day. Download the Cultural Trail app for self-guided tours, and start early morning or late afternoon for the best weather and lighting for photos.

Fountain Square Neighborhood

Discover this trendy, revitalized neighborhood known for its vintage shops, craft breweries, live music venues, and the historic Fountain Square Theatre Building. The area represents Indianapolis's hip, creative side with local artisans, unique dining experiences, and a thriving nightlife scene. The neighborhood perfectly balances historic charm with modern urban energy.

Booking Tip: Most venues are free to explore, with live music cover charges typically $5-15. Visit on weekends for the liveliest atmosphere, and consider taking a brewery tour which typically costs $15-25 and includes tastings.

Getting There

Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is located about 15 miles southwest of downtown and offers direct flights from major cities across the United States. The airport provides rental car services, taxi, rideshare, and public bus connections to downtown. For those driving, Indianapolis sits at the intersection 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 cities. Amtrak's Cardinal line provides train service three times weekly, connecting Indianapolis to Chicago, Washington D.C., and New York City.

Getting Around

Downtown Indianapolis is very walkable, especially around the Lucas Oil Stadium area and Monument Circle. The city offers several transportation options including Bird and Lime scooters, Pacers Bikeshare with stations throughout downtown, and the Red Line bus rapid transit system that connects downtown to the north side. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available and affordable for longer distances. For those staying downtown, most major attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues are within walking distance or a short ride from Lucas Oil Stadium.

Where to Stay

Downtown Indianapolis
Mass Ave District
Fountain Square
Broad Ripple Village
Meridian-Kessler
Airport Area

Food & Dining

Indianapolis has evolved into a remarkable food destination, blending Midwest comfort food with innovative culinary creativity. The city is famous for its pork tenderloin sandwich, sugar cream pie, and growing craft beer scene with over 50 local breweries. Downtown offers everything from upscale steakhouses and farm-to-table restaurants to food trucks and casual eateries. The Mass Ave and Fountain Square districts are particularly known for their diverse dining scenes, featuring everything from authentic ethnic cuisine to modern American fare. Local favorites include St. Elmo Steak House (famous for spicy shrimp cocktail), Bluebeard (contemporary American), and numerous local breweries like Sun King and Upland that also serve excellent food.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Indianapolis

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

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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

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When to Visit

The best time to visit Indianapolis is during late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) when temperatures are comfortable and the city hosts many outdoor festivals and events. Summer months can be hot and humid but offer the most activities and events, including the Indianapolis 500 in May. Winter can be cold with occasional snow, but indoor attractions remain open and hotel rates are typically lower. For football fans, the NFL season runs September through January, with Lucas Oil Stadium's retractable roof ensuring comfortable viewing regardless of weather. Consider avoiding major event weekends like the Indy 500, Gen Con, or when the Colts have playoff games, as accommodation prices surge significantly.

Insider Tips

Purchase a Colts game ticket early in the season for better prices, and arrive early to explore the stadium's impressive architecture and amenities
Download the Cultural Trail app for free self-guided tours and bike station locations throughout the city
Many downtown attractions offer combination tickets or city passes that provide significant savings if you plan to visit multiple venues

Explore Activities in Lucas Oil Stadium