GenCon 2003 in Indy -- Why it will be better

[Quickbeam]

Forgive me if I repeat anything that may have already been mentioned, but I only had a brief moment to post before heading out to a meeting.

Indy will be better than any other previous site, if they handle GenCon like they do the Final Four. I was there in 2000, when my Michigan State Spartans won the NCAA hoops title, and Indy blew away other Final Four sites I've been to. Mainly this is because the powers that be, permit bars and restuarants to serve alcohol in giant plastic cups during such events, and then walk freely from one place to another!! This is simply brilliant -- since it encourages a festive, Mardi Gras type atmosphere throughout the event, and keeps people mobile and mingling.

If GenCon can attract a crowd like the Final Four () then we'll be all set for next year!!

 

[TroyXavier]

Well, I love the fact it's in Indy(oh wait...it's 15 minutes from my house....that might be why.). My group and i will definitely be there next year.

 

[Furn_Darkside]

Mainly this is because the powers that be, permit bars and restuarants to serve alcohol in giant plastic cups during such events, and then walk freely from one place to another!!

Err.. and this is a good thing?

A bunch of obnoxious smelly geeks are now going to be drunk as well.. peachy.

FD

 

[Piratecat]

Mark, Mistwell - play nice, guys.

 

[novyet]

Sadly I won't be able to attend my first gencon until at least 2004, this year was out because I'm going to comdex, and next year is out because I'm getting married. But 2004 is my year baby!

 

[Eridanis]

I think Henry and Joshua Dyal have probably summed up what Peter Adkinson's thinking was in choosing where to move. Having spent several weekends in Indy in my time, I like the city, and I'm looking forward to exploring it more. And I'm speaking as someone who's moving to southern Wisconsin next week, making it an even longer drive than I'd have now.

Dieter - I drove from Chicago, through Indy/Columbus, on my way to DC last month. 10 hours is a safe estimate for the total drive time, and it would probably be a little shorter if you time the traffic properly and don't have a baby in the car with you.

 

[Hammerhead]

Here's a quick tip for people who hate driving long distances.

In the midwest, at least - I'm not too sure aobut other areas - there are places called Cracker Barrel. It's a chain of resturant/store places. Inside, there are audio books. You can essentially buy audio books at Cracker barrel, and then sell them back at other Cracker barrels - the cost is comparable to renting a movie. So you get a tape, listen to it for 6 or more hours, and then return it on the way back.

Our family started using audio books on long car trips years ago, and it makes them much less of a pain. If you can find some good books, car trips almost seem to fly.

 

[Quickbeam]

Err.. and this is a good thing?

A bunch of obnoxious smelly geeks are now going to be drunk as well.. peachy.

FD

I'm not smelly .

 

[Mixmaster]

Personally, I'd like to hear more about Indianapolis from our EN World Indy people than about smelly gamers.

What food is the big thing for Indy? (Milwaukee was bratwurst)

What things are good to do for a few days before? I normally come a week before the CON to play a little golf, watch a baseball game or two and do other things the city has planned. I went to the State Fair, the Miller Brewery Tour, etc. I got little tidbits of info from our Milwaukee contingent that I used.

Let's hear about the other good things that Indianapolis has to offer.

 

[William Ronald]

Mixmaster,

I chatted with a gamer from Indianapolis last year who said that the big food in Indianapolis are barbecued ribs.

As for the move, it is necessary. I missed out on going with Morrus and Eric to the White Wolf party because I needed to find a friend to drive me back to my hotel room.

My late aunt Katie used to drive from Chicago to Montana well into her 70s. What she did was ride with someone, switch driving duties, and maybe spend a night or two along the way. Sometimes, she drove by herself.

Perhaps closer to next Gen Con, someone should start a thread on places to stay on route to Indianapolis.