GEN CON and the Indianapolis Area

d20Dwarf · Jun 27, 2003

We'll be driving in on I-70 from the west and I hear construction might seal us off from downtown. Can you please post the best directions to the con center for someone driving in from this direction, and tell us the best place for long-term parking?

Thanks!

IndySteve · Jun 27, 2003

Ashy: Here is the official link regarding the construction project you are referring to (Hyperfix):

http://www.in.gov/dot/div/specialprojects/hyperfix/

If you are flying in, you shouldn't be affected at all as you can jump right on I-70 East from the airport expressway and take it all the way to the downtown area without much traffic. Most of the traffic will be on I-465 because of travelers having to take that route around the city instead of taking I-65 or I-70 through the city. If you're driving in, I would avoid arriving between 4pm-6:30pm as that is obviously the weekday rush hour and I-465 will be HEAVILY congested in all directions. Basically, if you can, avoid I-465 altogether. The convention center is just north of I-70 on the near-west side of downtown (which is just to the left of the shaded area on the map at the above link). Hope that helps!

Negative Zero · Jun 27, 2003

:thumbs up: Steve.
good idea, and right neighbourly of you.
where are the good places to eat nearby?
my GM is one of the most finicky eaters i know

~NegZ

IndySteve · Jun 27, 2003

d20Dwarf: The construction project should not affect you at all. You can take I-70 all the way to the West street exit and then take that North (Left off the exit) to the convention center & RCA Dome. This link should answer your parking questions,

http://www.indydt.com/parking.html

but there is usually plenty of parking in the downtown area (average is around $6.00 per full day).

Nareau · Jun 27, 2003

Do you know anything about the bands Urn, Nimbus, or Cruciforminjection? How about a club called Radio Radio? I'm considering going to their show on the 25th, but want to find out whatever I can before doing so.

Thanks,
Spider

IndySteve · Jun 27, 2003

Negative Zero: When I eat downtown, I normally eat at one of the following establishments:

TGI Friday's
Houlihans
Alcatraz Brewing Co.
Ram Restaurant & Big Horn Brewery

They all offer entrees in the $10-15 average price range. If you're looking for something more upscale, you can expect to pay $50 at Ruth's Chris Steak House or St. Elmo's Steak House (I much prefer Ruth's Chris). The Eagle's Nest will cost you even more and has a dress code but offers fantastic views of downtown from a rotating restaurant. The Rathskeller is reknowned for its German cuisine and Mikado Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar is excellent for, well, Japanese.

All of the above are within 10 minutes walking distance of the convention center as well as many others I didn't mention along with a few fast food joints and Subways.

IndySteve · Jun 27, 2003

Spider: Sorry, I have never heard of any of those bands, although I'm not into the "true" alternative scene. I do know that Radio Radio is a very new club on the southeast side of downtown although I've never been there. It is quite a hike from the convention center though, so you will definitely want to drive or taxi it. Maybe one of these links will help you:

http://www.nuvo.net

http://www.indianapolismusic.net

Ashy · Jun 27, 2003

IndySteve said:
Ashy: Here is the official link regarding the construction project you are referring to (Hyperfix):

http://www.in.gov/dot/div/specialprojects/hyperfix/

If you are flying in, you shouldn't be affected at all as you can jump right on I-70 East from the airport expressway and take it all the way to the downtown area without much traffic. Most of the traffic will be on I-465 because of travelers having to take that route around the city instead of taking I-65 or I-70 through the city. If you're driving in, I would avoid arriving between 4pm-6:30pm as that is obviously the weekday rush hour and I-465 will be HEAVILY congested in all directions. Basically, if you can, avoid I-465 altogether. The convention center is just north of I-70 on the near-west side of downtown (which is just to the left of the shaded area on the map at the above link). Hope that helps!

So if you are coming up I-65, you should really not have a problem, ya? That's what it looks like to me... THANKS!

Ashy · Jun 27, 2003

IndySteve said:
but there is usually plenty of parking in the downtown area (average is around $6.00 per full day).

I am assuming that most of the hotels connected to the convention center have parking decks - I am at the Westin - if so, do they have a daily charge for parking or what? Thanks!