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Gainbridge Fieldhouse Guide

NBA · Indianapolis · 18,165 capacity

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Last updated: 3/9/2025

Nestled in the Wholesale District, Gainbridge Fieldhouse is a simple walk from many downtown Indianapolis hotels. The best parking is the Virginia Avenue Parking Garage—its third floor has a climate-controlled sky bridge that takes you straight inside the arena. If you're not driving, the Julia M. Carson Transit Center is only two blocks away.

At a glance

Bag policy
Size-restricted bags
Cashless
Cashless
Re-entry
Re-entry is not permitted at Gainbridge Fieldhouse once…
Gates open
Gates open 60 min before
Outside food
No outside food
Getting here
The Julia M.
Family friendly
Offers a KultureCity Sensory Room at Section 119, sensory bags for checkout at Guest Services, and dedicated Mothers Rooms at Sections 2 and 119.
Capacity
18,165
Home team:Indiana Pacers

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Where to stay for Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Downtown Indianapolis / Wholesale District, which features numerous hotels like Hyatt Place and The Alexander within walking distance.

Downtown Indianapolis (Mile Square/Wholesale District)

This is the most central and walkable neighborhood, known for being extremely safe and a strong tourism hub. It offers a wide array of dining options and is in close proximity to major attractions and sports venues.

Downtown Indianapolis is highly walkable and bikeable. It is served by numerous IndyGo bus routes, including the Red Line, which connects through downtown. The Julia M. Carson Transit Center, a major hub for IndyGo, is located downtown. The Indianapolis Cultural Trail also runs through this area.

Mass Ave Cultural District

Mass Ave is a vibrant cultural district known for its lively atmosphere, unique shopping, diverse dining options, and active nightlife. It's considered a popular and bike-friendly area.

Mass Ave is serviced by several IndyGo bus routes (e.g., 10, 2, 21, 3, 4, 5, 19). The Red Line also provides connections to Mass Ave. The Indianapolis Cultural Trail runs along Mass Ave and in surrounding areas, offering excellent biking and walking opportunities.

Fountain Square

Fountain Square is an eclectic and artsy cultural district with a unique blend of art galleries, vintage entertainment, diverse dining, and quirky nightlife featuring indie music, comedy, and burlesque. It is also a historic district.

Fountain Square is directly connected to IndyGo's Red Line, providing rapid transit to downtown and other areas. The Indianapolis Cultural Trail also connects Fountain Square to downtown. Several local bus lines, such as routes 90, 26, and 56, serve the neighborhood.

Fletcher Place

Fletcher Place is a hip and historic neighborhood located southeast of Downtown/Mile Square, known for its innovative dining scene, good pubs, and bars, making it excellent for nightlife.

The IndyGo Red Line journeys from downtown directly through Fletcher Place. Its proximity to Fountain Square also means good access to its transit options, including the Cultural Trail.

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Arrival and exit strategy

Transit and approach

The Julia M. Carson Transit Center is located 2 blocks away, served by numerous IndyGo bus routes. The IndyGo Red Line rapid transit also provides direct access to the downtown area.

Rideshare and parking

Rideshare: Designated drop-off and pick-up zones are located on the streets surrounding the arena, primarily along Pennsylvania Street and Delaware Street.

Parking: The Virginia Avenue Parking Garage is the primary official option, featuring a climate-controlled sky bridge that connects the third floor of the garage directly to the Fieldhouse.

After the event

Kilroy's Bar & Grill remains a top late-night spot for fans, known for its legendary stuffed breadsticks and proximity to the arena.

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Map context

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The game-day experience

  • Atmosphere area: Located in the heart of the Wholesale District and Mile Square neighborhoods of Downtown Indianapolis, adjacent to the Bicentennial Unity Plaza.
  • Tailgating: Tailgating is not permitted in the official Virginia Avenue Parking Garage or on-site Fieldhouse property due to its downtown location.
  • Signature food: The Fried Onion Burger (available at Section 117) and Boom Baby! Burgers are local fan favorites reflecting Indiana's culinary culture.
  • Fan tradition: The 'Boom Baby!' catchphrase (originated by Slick Leonard) is central to the fan experience, often featured on giveaway shirts during 'Gold Out' playoff games.
  • Pregame institution: Kilroy's Bar & Grill (201 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225)

Where to eat and drink nearby

Pregame picks

  • Tom's Watch Bar
    140 S Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46225 · Downtown Indianapolis

    Massive sports bar with 100+ to 140+ screens and 360° viewing, creating a high-energy atmosphere for watching NFL, NBA, WNBA, NHL, MLB, NCAA, MLS, UFC, boxing, and European soccer. It serves as an official away-game headquarters for Pacers fans and unites Blackhawks/Blues hockey fans.

    What to order: Elevated bar food, craft beers, and cocktails. Signature dishes include Prime Rib Dip, Lobster & Shrimp Mac and Cheese, All American Burger, Deep-Dish Birria Nachos, Ahi Tuna Tower, Crispy Nashville Hot Chicken & Cornbread Pancake, Buffalo and Korean BBQ Jumbo Wings, and the Tom's Party Starter cocktail.

  • Coaches Tavern
    28 S Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 · Downtown Indianapolis

    Offers the excitement of being in the heart of Downtown Indianapolis, directly across from Gainbridge Fieldhouse and a short distance from Lucas Oil Stadium. It's a popular spot for beer, famous 'Tavern Sticks' (chicken tenders), and features numerous TVs and occasional live music.

    What to order: Tavern Sticks (chicken tenders), Cajun-rubbed wings, and Black Angus burgers.

  • The Dugout Bar
    621 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203 · Fletcher Place

    Operating since 1954, it offers a traditional dive-bar atmosphere with a robust food and drink menu, friendly service, and walls adorned with old beer ads. It's known for its laid-back 'neighborhood bar feel' and is a go-to spot for cheap drinks and good food, with a spacious outdoor patio.

    What to order: General food menu and drinks.

  • Kilroy's Bar & Grill
    201 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225 · Downtown Indianapolis

    Voted best sports bar downtown, offering a full menu, famous 32 oz. Long Islands, over 40 flat-screen TVs, outdoor patio seating, shuffleboard, and other video games. It's known for its hand-rolled, pepperoni-stuffed breadsticks and in-house smoked meats.

    What to order: Hand-rolled pepperoni-stuffed breadsticks and 32 oz. Long Islands.

Postgame spots

  • Harry & Izzy's
    153 S Illinois St, Indianapolis, IN 46225 · Downtown Indianapolis

    An upscale American grill, serving as a companion to the iconic St. Elmo Steak House. It offers a vibrant bar, classic steakhouse dishes, premium steaks, fresh seafood, and expertly crafted cocktails in a Prohibition-era ambiance. It's a beloved culinary destination for both locals and visitors.

    What to order: World-famous St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail, premium steaks, fresh seafood, grilled slab bacon, and prime beef meatballs.

Late-night options

  • Slippery Noodle Inn
    372 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225 · Downtown Indianapolis

    An 'authentically local, originally eclectic' downtown original, known for its impressive collection of decorations, stages featuring blues performers, and some of the city's best pizza, breadsticks, and specialty sandwiches. It's a historic institution, one of Indiana's oldest bars.

    What to order: Pizza, breadsticks, and specialty sandwiches.