Indy Diehard Sport Fans LOVE These SpotsFrom college football teams like Boilermakers and Hoosiers to iconic stadiums like Lucas Oil Stadium and Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indy, Indiana is home to beloved sports venues, legendary gameday celebrations, and rich traditions. Cheer on your favorite teams at top spots for dives and tailgates!Authorsagoux132
DestinationsIndianaItinerary

Indianapolis

Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Constructed in 1909, this is one of the oldest and most revered motorsports facilities in the world. Pay a visit to this famous racetrack in Indianapolis. With over 100 years of the famed Indy 500 behind it, the races here are sure to thrill, with seasoned professionals pushing the limits in some of the world's fastest cars!
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Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
Originally opened in 1945, the museum housed just 12 cars. Now, it is home to over 150 vehicles and thousands of artifacts. Recently named one of the top sports attractions in the U.S., it's a must-visit when exploring Indy.
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Gainbridge Fieldhouse
This is Indiana's premier indoor arena, used primarily for basketball. It was famously featured during the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend and regularly hosts NCAA tournaments and Big Ten basketball championships.
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NCAA Hall of Champions
Opened on March 31, 2000, this interactive museum celebrates the hard work of collegiate athletes across all 24 NCAA-sanctioned sports. Visitors can explore two levels of exhibits that include trivia, video highlights, and artifacts. The museum also offers hands-on sports simulators, a 1930s retro gymnasium, and three theaters that provide insights into the student-athlete experience.
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Lucas Oil Stadium
From hosting Super Bowl XLVI to the 2024 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials and serving as the home of the Colts, this stadium is iconic in professional sports. It also features a statue of former Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, honoring his legacy in Indianapolis.
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Book your tickets to see the Indianapolis Colts ahead of time at this iconic stadium, home to Super Bowl XLVI. With a retractable roof and state-of-the-art amenities, this venue is known for its high-energy crowd and fun, welcoming vibes.
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Victory Field
Opened in 1996, Victory Field is home to the Indianapolis Indians and is considered the "Best Minor League Ballpark in America." The stadium offers great views of the city skyline and the dome of the Indiana Statehouse.
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High Velocity
With 135 TVs, including a central oversized “stadium” screen and surround-sound speakers, you won’t miss a second of any game or event at High Velocity in Indianapolis. It offers a classic sports bar atmosphere paired with all the classics, like loaded nachos, house-made pretzels, a huge selection of beers on tap, and hand-crafted cocktails.
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Average Joe's
Average Joe’s Sports Pub in Indianapolis, located in the Broad Ripple neighborhood, feels like a laidback man cave, decked out with sports memorabilia and a collection of Sports Illustrated covers. Known for its open-air garage door bars and a “Wall of Fame” where fans can add their own memorabilia, this locally-owned spot is full of character. Grab a seat, an order of their wings, and an ice-cold Miller High Life, and you’re all set!
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The Alexander
Stay at The Alexander Hotel, a cool boutique spot just a few blocks from Gainbridge Fieldhouse. It’s a stylish stay, right near downtown’s top attractions like Lucas Oil Stadium—perfect for NBA, college basketball, football, soccer, and more. Both venues host a variety of sports and events, from Pacers and Colts games to college tournaments, and soccer matches.
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The Westin Indianapolis
Not too far from Victory Field or the NCAA Hall of Champions, this is a sports fanatic’s dream stay. It’s within walking distance to Lucas Oil Stadium and tons of downtown attractions. This upscale hotel sits right in the heart of Indy and is connected to Circle Centre Mall and the Indiana Convention Center, so you’ve got easy access to shopping, dining, and events.
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South Bend

Notre Dame Stadium
Home to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, this iconic stadium in South Bend, Indiana, goes absolutely wild with fans, students, and alumni on game day. Built in 1930 and renovated in the late '90s, it’s a must-visit for any college football fan.
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Main Building
The trumpeters of the ND Marching Band gather here to play "Notre Dame Our Mother" and the "Notre Dame Victory March" on the Friday before each home game. It all happens beneath the Golden Dome, a historic campus landmark!
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Fiddler's Hearth
In true Fighting Irish fashion, this pub in the heart of South Bend is a favorite for watching the game over a pint. The interior features old pews from St. Patrick’s Church, solid wooden tables and chairs, and a dimly lit dining room filled with memorabilia, reflecting the area’s deep-rooted sports and community pride.
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Morris Inn
Stay in this chic, historic hotel, often referred to as the “living room of the university,” that sits right next to the Notre Dame campus and stadium. Just a quick walk and you’ll be at the game or back at your home base!
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Bloomington

Indiana University Memorial Stadium
More commonly known as "The Rock," this stadium is home to the Indiana University Hoosiers. Limestone rock at the entrance symbolizes the region’s limestone heritage and serves as a rallying point for passionate fans. With a long history full of traditions, the energy of the Hoosiers’ fans makes game days unforgettable.
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Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall
Head to Assembly Hall to take part in “The Walk,” where IU players are greeted by fans as they enter the stadium. As they pass Hep’s Rock, a tribute to legendary coach Bob Hep Hoosier, they pat it for good luck before the game. Coach Hep led Indiana basketball to multiple Big Ten titles and helped build the program’s proud tradition.
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Nick's English Hut
Keep the Hoosier spirit alive at Nick’s English Hut, a local dive bar and restaurant decked out in IU memorabilia! Play drinking games like Sink the Biz while enjoying hearty sandwiches and loaded fries. It’s got all the student body vibes you’d expect!
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BuffaLouie's at The Gables
Known as one of the Top 10 Wing Joints in the United States, BuffaLouie's is an absolute favorite for IU game-goers. Located in a historic Spanish Colonial style building that was once the Book Nook, a classic campus hangout, the spot has a rich history including being where Hoagy Carmichael wrote "Stardust.
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Graduate by Hilton Bloomington
Just steps from IU’s Sample Gates and downtown Bloomington, The Graduate is the perfect base for exploring the area. The hotel is decked out in all things IU, with rooms that celebrate Hoosier spirit throughout.
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Cascades Inn
Not far from the stadium, Cascades Inn is a great, affordable stay. This retro-style motel is known for its no-frills, friendly vibe and convenient location. They offer super-clean rooms with comfortable beds, HD TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The garden courtyard with a fountain and free barbecues is a bonus. It’s also within walking distance to Memorial Stadium and Assembly Hall.
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Lafayette

Ross–Ade Stadium
Home to the Purdue Boilermakers, this stadium is a true college football classic. With over 500 games played and more than a century of history, it’s the place to catch the Boilermakers’ legacy live and soak up that game day energy!
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DT Kirby's
Located in downtown Lafayette, this dive bar serves up meaty burgers and cold beers, making it a great spot for pre- or post-game food. If you didn’t get tickets, you know they’ll have the game on one of their TVs at the bar.
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Boilermaker Station Welcome Center
Open three hours before game day, this is the ultimate tailgate and meetup spot with live music, games, and access to the Team Walk starting two and a half hours before kick-off!
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Harry's Chocolate Shop
It’s a bar, and yes, that’s the name! A popular spot for Boilermaker students and alumni, this place serves free popcorn, tasty burgers, and a wide menu of mixed drinks and cold beers on tap. It’s everyone’s game day favorite, so arrive early or be ready for a line!
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Hampton Inn & Suites West Lafayette
Located in West Lafayette just across the river from downtown, this hotel offers easy access to the stadium with a quick drive or Uber. The rooms are simple but clean and comfortable—perfect for a no-fuss stay on game day.
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