COMMEMORATIVE MAGAZINE CELEBRATING COLLEGE FOOTBALL’S BIGGEST GAME
SCORE!
Take an inside look at Indy as host city for this exciting sporting event, and get details about fan activities, attractions, and legacy initiatives to support schools and educators in the state
A P R O M OT I O N A L S U P P L E M E N T TO I N D I A N A P O L I S M O N T H LY
PERSISTENTLY PURSUING THE
NEXT GIANT LEAP AT PURDUE, WE LEAVE NOTHING UNTRIED, NOTHING UNTESTED AND NOTHING UNDONE. Whether landing the first man on the moon, freezing tuition for a decade or opening our own high schools, we persistently pursue innovation to build a better world, together.
purdue.link/BrandThatMatters
EA/EOU
GREETINGS! ON BEHALF OF the City of Indianapolis, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship. We are honored to host college football’s biggest weekend of the year. Since being awarded the 2022 national championship game back in November 2017, Indy has worked tirelessly to ensure that we can exceed expectations and showcase what this city has to offer. Our city has gained a reputation for excellence in tournament hosting. For more than 40 years, Indianapolis has hosted upwards of 450 national sporting events, including Super Bowl XLVI in 2012, 19 Olympic Team Trials, and NCAA Championship events in a variety of sports, including most recently the entire 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. We hope that you will take this opportunity to explore our city. Our community leaders and host committee have worked diligently to organize numerous free fan events throughout the city, including live music, games, and activities for the whole family.
“SINCE BEING AWARDED THE 2022 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME BACK IN NOVEMBER 2017, INDY HAS WORKED TIRELESSLY TO ENSURE THAT WE CAN EXCEED EXPECTATIONS AND SHOWCASE WHAT THIS CITY HAS TO OFFER.” Condé Nast Traveler has called Indianapolis the most “Underrated Food City in America.” We invite you to try one of our more than 250 restaurants in the downtown area, with options for every palate. In fact, we recently welcomed over 70,000 square feet of new, dynamic food hall space through two major developments: The Amp on the west side of downtown and The Garage food hall at Bottleworks District along Massachusetts Avenue. Whether you are a resident of the Circle City, visiting for the first time, or back after some time away, I hope you have time to enjoy the wonderful attractions our vibrant city has to offer. We hope you enjoy your time in Indianapolis and look forward to seeing you again soon. Sincerely,
MONUMENT CIRCLE PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
JOE HOGSETT Mayor City of Indianapolis
4 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE
AES Indiana is honored to support the 2022 College Football Playoff Indianapolis Host Committee. We are proud to provide green and sustainable energy solutions to power the national playoff game right here in Indianapolis. As part of our commitment to accelerating the future of energy, AES Indiana has purchased renewable energy credits (RECs) and applied them toward energy use at Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center for the national championship game. The kilowatt hours of energy used during the game will be punted back to our customers to power Indiana households. Follow us on social media after the game to learn more about the final impact.
aesindiana.com
WELCOME TO INDIANAPOLIS! ON BEHALF OF the 2022 Indianapolis Host Committee, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship! Indianapolis is both thrilled and honored to take center stage for college football’s biggest game as we welcome more than 100,000 fans to our city this weekend. Four years ago, when the College Football Playoff announced that Indianapolis would host the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship, our community jumped at the opportunity. While we know the national championship game played at Lucas Oil Stadium and the fan events surrounding the game are of utmost importance, there is so much more that results from hosting this championship. From the beginning, one of our primary goals was to ensure this event had a lasting impact on both our community and our great educators. In support of the CFP Foundation and its mission to uplift teachers of grades K–12, the 2022 Indianapolis Host Committee committed more than $1.5 million of investment in legacy programming, including four media center makeovers at economically challenged schools across Indianapolis and the establishment of the Indiana Learning Lab. We also launched the Indiana Tailgate Tour, University Speaker Series, Free Parks Day, and dozens of other initiatives to ensure this CFP National Championship leaves a lasting impact on our community. We are excited to welcome you to our wonderful city as we prepare to crown college football’s national champion. We hope you’ll take advantage of the many fan festivities within Championship Campus, including AT&T Playoff Playlist Live!, Playoff Fan Central, Allstate Championship Tailgate, Media Day, the Extra Yard 5K, Taste of the Championship, and much more. Our 2022 Indy Host Committee, led by Susan Baughman, has worked tirelessly and diligently to ensure this is the greatest weekend in the history of the College Football Playoff. We also know this event is only possible because of the more than 2,500 volunteers who are donating their time and skills to showcase our city and ensure the success of this week’s events. To all of our Hoosier hosts and volunteers, we say thank you. And to you, thank you for choosing to spend your time with us here in Indianapolis, a city known for hosting major sporting events and crowning champions.
“WE ARE EXCITED TO WELCOME YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL CITY AS WE PREPARE TO CROWN COLLEGE FOOTBALL’S NATIONAL CHAMPION.”
Sincerely, MARK HOWELL Board Chair 2022 Indy Host Committee
Mark Howell with WISH-TV anchor and sports director Anthony Calhoun during the September 3 Tailgate Tour at Center Grove vs. Carmel high school football game.
6 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE
127 Illinois St. /// 317.635.0636 stelmos.com
all roads lead to shrimp cocktail
153 S Illinois St. /// 317.635. 9594 harryandizzys.com
2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE
CONTENTS 10 INDY LEAVES NOTHING TO CHANCE
The CFP National Championship’s first northern host is no rookie when it comes to staging big events BY TOM HARTON
20 INSIDE LUCAS OIL STADIUM
A multi-purpose venue in the heart of the action
24 TOUCHING DOWN
Indianapolis host committee brings inaugural Tailgate Tour to 18 high school football games across the state
28 LEGACY OF LEARNING
The College Football Playoff National Championship leaves a lasting impact on host cities, with an emphasis on education
30 INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
The College Football Playoff Foundation awards funding to Teach Indy for teacher recruitment and retention initiatives
24
32 A NEW ERA IN EDUCATION
Virtual hub gives teachers and families access to digital learning resources
34 REBOOT AND REVAMP
Indianapolis schools receive Media Center Makeovers as part of the College Football Playoff Foundation’s legacy efforts
36 KICK OFF THE FUN
Get ready for a college football weekend like none other with these exciting guest experiences
40 LOCAL FLAVOR
40
Get a taste of Indy hot spots with top-notch cuisine and cocktails
46 INDY ATTRACTIONS
Explore the sights and scenes of downtown Indianapolis and surrounding areas
PRODUCED IN PARTNERSHIP BY:
EDITOR: ANDREA RATCLIFF | CONTRIBUTING WRITER: TOM HARTON | CONTRIBUTING ART DIRECTOR: ALLISON EDWARDS COVER: IMAGE BY CLIFF RITCHEY, COURTESY VISIT INDY
8 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE
30
INDY LEAVE VES NOTHIN THING TO CHANC CH NCE 10 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE
THE CFP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP’S FIRST NORTHERN HOST IS NO ROOKIE WHEN IT COMES TO STAGING BIG EVENTS BY TOM HARTON
PHOTO COURTESY VISIT INDY
THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IS ALWAYS PLAYED IN JANUARY. There’s no disputing that. And it always happens in the South or West, where the host city sells itself with mild winter weather. Always. Until now. Until 2022, when Indianapolis muscled its way in and broke the Sunbelt’s grip on college football’s biggest party. So, how did Indy do it? With an unmatched reputation for hosting major sporting events—more than 450 of them in the last 40 years. “There is no better city to visit for an event than Indy,” says Bleacher Report sportswriter Will Carroll. Indy always puts on a show. Whether hosting the Super Bowl, the college basketball Final Four, the Indy 500, or one of the hundreds of events that happen here, Indianapolis raises the bar for any championship, tournament, or game that comes its way. That’s why the Irving, Texas–based College Football Playoff, the entity that manages the national championship game, asked the city to bid on the game back in 2017. Organizers knew Indy would be up to the challenge—and then some. “I’m excited about the opportunity to have the college football fan base experience Indianapolis,” says Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP Hancock got to know the city well in his 13 years as director of the NCAA’s Division I Men’s Basketball Championship and marvels at the city’s ability to host the biggest championships in sports. “Until you’ve visited Indianapolis, I don’t believe you can understand the spirit of the place,” he says. 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE 11
Clockwise from top left: Victory Field, Major Taylor Velodrome, Hinkle Fieldhouse, the 1987 Pan American Games opening ceremony
INDY’S REPUTATION as a slamdunk host for major sporting events is usually traced to 1982, when the city hosted the National Sports Festival— once the country’s premier showcase of amateur athletics. Over eight days, an army of volunteers welcomed 250,000 spectators and 2,600 athletes, many of them future Olympians. Carl Lewis, Evelyn Ashford, and Greg Louganis were among the competitors who went on to win Olympic Gold, but the big winner was Indianapolis. The city’s successful turn as host was a springboard to an even bigger prize: the 1987 Pan American Games, an Olympics-style event for the Western Hemisphere. Both events were big tests of an idea city leaders adopted in the 1970s to use sports as a tool for downtown revitalization and broader economic development.
THE CITY’S PUBLIC, PRIVATE, AND PHILANTHROPIC COMMUNITIES CAME TOGETHER TO BUILD ... OLYMPIC-CALIBER SPORTS VENUES LONG BEFORE OTHER CITIES WOKE UP TO THE POTENTIAL OF SPORTS AS AN ECONOMIC DRIVER. They created the nonprofit Indiana Sports Corp. to guide the strategy and scooped up the headquarters of the national governing bodies for diving, gymnastics, track and field, and other sports. Meanwhile, the city’s public, private, and philanthropic communities came together to build more than $100 million of Olympic-caliber sports venues long before other cities woke up to the potential of sports as an economic driver. Between the time the sports strategy was hatched and the arrival of the National Sports Festival, Indianapolis
12 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE
built the Michael Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium, the IU Natatorium, the Major Taylor Velodrome, and an Olympic-sanctioned rowing course. Those facilities joined the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Butler University’s iconic Hinkle Fieldhouse, and the since-demolished Market Square Arena among Indy’s arsenal of sports venues—but there were more to come. The Hoosier Dome—replaced by Lucas Oil Stadium in 2008—was built to lure a National Football League franchise, a bet that paid off when the Colts arrived in 1984. Victory Field, home of
VICTORY FIELD COURTESY VISIT INDY; VELODROME BY JOE VONDERSAAR; PAN AMERICAN GAMES COURTESY USA GYMNASTICS; HINKLE BY TONY VALAINIS
PLAYING THE LONG GAME
the Minor League Baseball Indianapolis Indians, opened across the street in 1996, and Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Indiana Pacers, replaced Market Square Arena in 1999.
PROXIMITY AS A SELLING POINT
14 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE
THE PROXIMITY OF EVERYTHING INDY HAS TO OFFER IS AMONG THE ADVANTAGES THAT HAVE LURED ATHLETES AND SPECTATORS TO COME BACK FOR ALMOST FOUR DECADES. Clockwise from top: the downtown skyline from White River State Park, the 1933 Lounge by St. Elmo, a Dutch baby pancake at Milktooth, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art—just one of Indy’s attractions within walking distance of Lucas Oil stadium
NCAA COURTESY VISIT INDY; OTHER PHOTOS BY TONY VALAINIS
IT’S NO ACCIDENT that most of the city’s major sports venues are within or near the Mile Square, the tight-knit heart of downtown Indianapolis. College football fans who haven’t been to an event here will experience for the first time the convenience of staying, dining, and sightseeing within walking distance of Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center, which will host a full roster of ancillary events meant to keep fans engaged before the national title contenders take the field. “We’re going to use the Mile Square as our Championship Campus—all the fan events will happen within that, so people can literally just walk from place to place and won’t have to drive a lot,” says Susan Baughman, president of the 2022 Indianapolis Host Committee. The proximity of everything Indy has to offer is among the advantages that have lured athletes and spectators to come back for almost four decades. The NCAA is well versed in Indy’s selling points. The organization moved here in 1997, drawn by the city’s focus on sports, and has staged eight men’s Final Fours, three women’s Final Fours, and numerous other championships here since 1980. The athletes themselves are among the city’s advocates, says David Worlock, who works in Championships External Operations for the college sports governing body. “We know that Indianapolis is a favorite spot because participants can leave practice and quickly get back to their hotel,” Worlock says. “They don’t lose a lot of time sitting on a bus, stuck in traffic.” “Fans and participants can fly to Indianapolis and get settled into their hotels, and—unless they want to—they never have to get in a car for the duration of their trip,” he continues. “There are places to see, things to do, and a variety of restaurants to dine in, and it’s all within reasonable walking distance.”
3ODQ \RXU YLVLW DW discovernewfields.org/lume
Indeed, the city boasts 7,500 hotel rooms (4,700 of which are connected via skywalks), more than 300 restaurants (including the acclaimed St. Elmo Steak House, Bluebeard, and Milktooth), and a deep lineup of museums and other attractions—all in the city center.
PEOPLE POWER WHAT REALLY SETS Indy apart, though, is the people. “Everyone—including the ushers and concessionaires, event operators, local organizing committee members, hotel personnel, and volunteers—approaches these events like it could be their last,” says Worlock. “Nothing is taken for granted, no matter how many times they’ve previously hosted. There’s never a sense of complacency...and that continuous energy and hospitality makes Indianapolis truly special.”
Are Indy’s hosting skills rusty because of the pandemic? Not at all. If they were, that rust was shaken off last spring when the city hosted the entire NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. All of Indy’s advantages came into play when the NCAA chose the city for the massive undertaking, an unprecedented feat made even more challenging by a tight timeline and layers of pandemic protocols for athletes and fans alike. Baughman, who has run other NCAA championships here, was spending all her time on the CFP National Championship by then, so she wasn’t involved in the 2021 basketball tournament. That gave her an outsider’s perspective on what it’s like to be a fan in Indy. “Honestly, it was great to see it from the outside,” Baughman says. “It was very satisfying to know that the whole tournament landed here, which was such a historical fit.” “I saw the quietness of the city during the pandemic, and I think that became a motivator for the organizers,” she says. “Everyone popped right back into event mode.” 16 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE
Clockwise from top: 2015 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four at Gainbridge Fieldhouse; Georgia Street during the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament; a 2021 NCAA Final Four banner on Georgia Street; a basketballthemed mural—part of “Swish,” the arts and culture component of Indy’s 2021 NCAA Tournament
PHOTOS BY TONY VALAINIS
ALL OF INDY’S ADVANTAGES CAME INTO PLAY WHEN THE NCAA CHOSE THE CITY FOR THE MASSIVE UNDERTAKING (HOSTING THE ENTIRE NCAA MEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT)...
Clockwise from top left: the Cultural Trail connects walkers and bikers to all corners of downtown, the CFP National Championship trophy at Lucas Oil Stadium, the bar at Bluebeard, the 2019 Big 10 Football Finals at Lucas Oil
READY FOR KICKOFF
FOOTBALL FANS ARE GOING TO FIND A STADIUM HERE THAT IS TOP NOTCH ... AND THEY’RE GOING TO HAVE A LOT TO DO BEFORE THE GAME, ALL OF IT WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE. League Scouting Combine, a showcase of aspiring NFL talent that Indianapolis has hosted since 1987. It returns after being cancelled in 2021 because of the pandemic. Planning is also well underway for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, which Indy will host for the second time. Making it all possible is the same civic pride that has fueled the city’s sports movement for more than four decades. Baughman says the host commitee is having no trouble signing up the 2,500 to 3,000 volunteers needed to host the national championship game. Allison Melangton had the same experience when she was president and CEO of Indy’s host committee for
18 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE
Super Bowl XLVI. “People would walk up to me on the street and hand me their business card,” she says. On the back of each card, she wrote down when and where she had received it. And Melangton called all of them back herself—even if it was two years later—demonstrating the attention to detail the city is known for. Melangton, now senior vice president for Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Penske Entertainment, isn’t in charge of the Indianapolis Host Committee for the CFP National Championship, but she is confident Indy won’t disappoint. “It’s another event for our city to show the rest of the world what we’re made of.”
TROPHY BY CLIFF RITCHEY; BLUEBEARD COURTESY VISIT INDY; OTHER PHOTOS BY TONY VALAINIS
NOW IT’S BAUGHMAN’S job, along with Indianapolis Host Committee chairman Mark Howell, to channel all that expertise into pulling off an unforgettable College Football Playoff National Championship experience. In Indy, that’s no Hail Mary, no matter the weather. “Football fans are going to find a stadium here that is top notch and can’t be beat as a host venue,” she says. And they’re going to have a lot to do before the game, all of it within walking distance. “You can pack a lot into a day when everything is so close.” Baughman says to expect the unexpected. “We’ve got some surprises planned, especially for those who don’t realize the city has a lot of technology strengths.” Weeks after the CFP National Championship, Indy will be in the spotlight again as host of the National Football
INSIDE
LUCAS OIL STADIUM OFFICIALLY OPEN to the public in August of 2008, Lucas Oil Stadium has been named Top NFL Stadium and Best Stadium Experience by Stadium Journey magazine on multiple occasions throughout its lifespan. Home to Super Bowl XLVI, Lucas Oil Stadium seats approximately 67,000 fans for football games, yet welcomed a record attendance of 143,387 for the two-session Final Four games in 2015. The stadium covers nearly 1.8 million square feet, and the exterior façade is constructed of 980,000 bricks. The roof is the first of its kind—and one of the stadium’s most talked about features—with two retractable roof panels that can be opened in approximately 11 minutes. In some cities, the stadium and the city are two separate experiences. But in Indianapolis, they are one and the same. The Indianapolis Host Committee’s logo design confirms what sports fans already know about the Circle City. Lucas Oil Stadium is the heart of a vibrant urban destination with restaurants, pubs, and fan experiences that make sporting events in the city unforgettable. The subtle arrow formed by the horizon line captures a sense of movement and progress. Indy continues to position itself as an elite sports destination by investing in infrastructure and people to stay on top of the game. 20 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE
PHOTO BY MEDIAWRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY/COURTESY VISIT INDY
A MULTI-PURPOSE VENUE IN THE HEART OF THE ACTION
2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE 21
ST DIUM STADIU HIGHLIGHTS HIGH f A $675 million, seven-level multipurpose facility opened in 2008. f Home of the Indianapolis Colts and used year-round for conventions and the 2021 NCAA Final Four. f Retractable roof can bring in the sky or be closed in 11 minutes for inclement weather. f Four exterior plazas with large entrances. f Fully integrated accessible seating for fans with disabilities. Assistive listening devices are available during all major events. f Sensory bags equipped with noisecancelling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads available from the Guest Services Kiosk.
Clockwise from top left: Colts quarterback Carson Wentz; field-level view of Lucas Oil Stadium; Peyton Manning statue outside Lucas Oil; the stadium lit up for a night game; Blue, the Colts mascot
f Over 160 permanent and portable concession stands located throughout the stadium. All are accessible and accept major credit cards. f All restrooms are accessible and include baby-changing stations. f Power stations available for recharging wheelchairs and other batteryoperated mobility aid devices.
22 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE
EXTERIOR BY MEDIAWRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY/COURTESY VISIT INDY; OTHER PHOTOS BY TONY VALAINIS
f Climate-controlled, enclosed pedestrian connector to the Indiana Convention Center.
TOUCHING DOWN
INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE BRINGS INAUGURAL TAILGATE TOUR TO 18 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GAMES ACROSS THE STATE
High school football fans take to the stands at the August 20 contest between Lafayette Jefferson and host West Lafayette. 24 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE
IN CONJUNCTION with the College Football Playoff National Championship, the Indianapolis Host Committee brought its inaugural Tailgate Tour to 18 select high school football games across the Hoosier state in August, September, and October. In addition to providing an interactive tailgate experience at each location, the host committee donated a total of $54,000 to participating schools in support of educators. The Indiana Tailgate Tour touched down at nine Indiana Department of Education school districts statewide. At each stop, fans participated in prize giveaways, cornhole games, photo booths, and football skill activities with USA Football prior to kickoff. During halftime, the host committee awarded $1,000 grants to each of the participating schools to aid in teacher and classroom development. An additional $500 was donated to each school’s athletic department. “When it comes to major events, Hoosiers know it’s truly more than a game,” says Mark Howell, board chair of the Indianapolis Host Committee. “While the Indiana Tailgate Tour is a great way for us to connect with local communities across our great state, it also serves as a platform for supporting schools and educators to improve student outcomes and leave a long-lasting impact on the people of Indiana. The Indianapolis Host Committee is honored to partner with the College Football Playoff Foundation in providing muchneeded support to Indiana schools and teachers.”
Exceptional care for all. Our health system was founded by the community with the goal of delivering exceptional care to the people of Central Indiana. Care that extends beyond the hospital walls and into the streets and neighborhoods where we live. At Community Health Network, we understand there are barriers between you and your health that can’t be treated with a prescription. And we’re doing everything we can to break those barriers and deliver care to anyone who needs it. Learn more about Community Health Network at eCommunity.com
EXCEPTIONAL CARE. SIMPLY DELIVERED.
TAILGATE TOUR STOPS f Friday, August 20 Lafayette Jefferson at West Lafayette Peru at Logansport f Friday, August 27 Hamilton Southeastern at North Central Fort Wayne North at Fort Wayne Dwenger f Friday, September 3 Center Grove at Carmel Merrillville at Crown Point f Friday, September 10 Brownsburg at Avon Bloomington North at Bloomington South f Friday, September 17 Danville at Tri-West Hendricks Riverton Parke at North Vermillion f Friday, September 24 Anderson at Kokomo South Dearborn at East Central f Friday, October 1 Wawasee at Warsaw Columbus East at Indianapolis Bishop Chatard f Friday, October 8 Eastern Hancock at Shenandoah Marion at Indianapolis Arsenal Technical f Friday, October 15 Evansville Mater Dei at Evansville Reitz Mishawaka Marian at South Bend St. Joseph
26 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE
The Indiana Tailgate Tour stops showcased the Extra Yard for Teachers initiative and provided $1,500 in funding to each of the participating schools.
LEGACY OF LEARNING
THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP LEAVES A LASTING IMPACT ON HOST CITIES, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON EDUCATION.
Here in Indianapolis, that focus is on recruiting and retaining teachers, providing educators and families with resources for digital learning, and helping schools improve their media centers. These efforts will continue to make a difference long after the CFP National Championship trophy has been presented. 28 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE
INDIANAPOLIS IS COMMITTED TO INCREASING AND DIVERSIFYING ITS TEACHER PIPELINE. CHILDREN NEED a consistent pipeline of high-quality, diverse educators in order to improve achievement. But throughout the state, the pool of educators faces particular challenges. A 2019 report by the Center for American Progress ranked Indiana seventh for declining enrollment in teacher-preparation programs, which had fallen by 54 percent. With fewer students choosing to pursue education as a career, the teacher pipeline is narrowing.
The Indy Host Committee partnered with CFP Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers platform and Teach Indy and Indiana Learning Lab initiatives to improve the learning process for educators and students alike.
IT’S A REALITY THAT’S CAUGHT THE ATTENTION OF THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF FOUNDATION AND THE INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE, WHO, ALONG WITH ADDITIONAL LOCAL PARTNERS, HAVE TEAMED UP TO TACKLE THESE ESSENTIAL ISSUES... Another prevalent issue is the need for resources that include high-quality curriculum for educators. Extended stay-at-home requirements and school building closures due to COVID-19 have required teachers to rapidly implement new instruction plans. In addition, the transition to digital learning has resulted in new preferences for educators and families on how they engage in learning from home. These challenges impact schools and families regardless if they’re in a public or private school, in an urban or rural setting. There is a need for a new method of connecting educators and families to engaging, interactive experiences in order to adapt to this new reality. It’s a reality that’s caught the attention of the College Football Playoff Foundation and the Indianapolis Host Committee, who, along with additional local partners, have teamed up to tackle these essential issues through initiatives that will improve teacher recruitment and retention in Indianapolis, aid teachers and families with digital learning, and provide funds for bettering schools’ media centers. One such tool is the Indiana Learning Lab, an online hub created to provide meaningful and relevant content and to give educators and families access to learning resources and training, and opportunities for collaboration and sharing of best practices. The learning lab also supports educators statewide in developing and implementing longer-term digital learning solutions that meet the needs of students, parents, and schools. Focal points of the lab include resource and content curation, accessible learning communities, and professional development for educators. Other focus areas of the CFP Foundation/Indy Host Committee partnership include provision of classroom resources and recognition of teachers throughout the state for their hard work every day. 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE 29
THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF FOUNDATION AWARDS FUNDING TO TEACH INDY FOR TEACHER RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION INITIATIVES
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
30 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE
THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF FOUNDATION, WHICH IS THE COMMUNITYENGAGEMENT ARM OF THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF, and the Indianapolis Host Committee committed to making an investment in Teach Indy—a partnership between Indianapolis Public Schools, The Mind Trust, and the Indianapolis Mayor’s Office of Education Innovation—to support the recruitment, development, recognition, and retention of great teachers in Indianapolis schools. “We are proud to partner with Teach Indy and local funders to support the long-term quality of the teacher workforce in Indianapolis,” says Britton Banowsky, College Football Playoff Foundation executive director. “The recruitment and retention of quality teachers is critical to student achievement in every community, and the opportunity to be a part of this work is very exciting.” In the years leading up to the national championship game, the CFP Foundation’s primary platform, Extra Yard for Teachers, works with the host city and education partners within that city to identify areas most in need. Programs to support resources and uplift the teaching profession are identified and developed to best fit those needs in each city.
The CFP Foundation and Indianapolis Host Committee agreed to $1.5 million for community investments through the legacy program. In July, the foundation announced an investment to support the creation of the Indiana Learning Lab. Support for teachers will continue in Indianapolis for years beyond the CFP National Championship with the help of the College Football Playoff Foundation, Extra Yard for Teachers, Teach Indy, and other host city partners. Launched in 2018, Teach Indy has provided hundreds of educators in Indianapolis and statewide with opportunities for professional development, recognition, and rewards for their work, as well as ways to connect with each other. Teach Indy’s website, teachindynow.org, was also relaunched with expanded tools for teachers to find resources and training, search for job opportunities, and discover why Indianapolis is the best place for teachers to live, lead, and thrive. “We are thrilled that the College Football Playoff Foundation and Indianapolis Host Committee chose Teach Indy as part of their legacy project, along with the Indiana Learning Lab,” says Sara Marshall, senior director of talent with The Mind Trust. “Our schools and students win when teachers are given the support, development, and recognition they deserve. The Mind Trust is proud to join Indianapolis Public Schools and the Mayor’s Office of Education Innovation in the Teach Indy partnership and look forward to the ways we can continue to elevate our city’s incredible educators.”
“WE ARE PROUD TO PARTNER WITH TEACH INDY AND LOCAL FUNDERS TO SUPPORT THE LONG-TERM QUALITY OF THE TEACHER WORKFORCE IN INDIANAPOLIS. THE RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF QUALITY TEACHERS IS CRITICAL TO STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT IN EVERY COMMUNITY, AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A PART OF THIS WORK IS VERY EXCITING.”
“Great teachers change lives” was a recurring theme at events like Tailgate Tour stops and Media Center Makeovers.
2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE 31
A NEW ERA IN EDUCATION
VIRTUAL HUB GIVES TEACHERS AND FAMILIES ACCESS TO DIGITAL LEARNING RESOURCES
COVID-19 HAS BROUGHT ABOUT A NEW AGE IN EDUCATION IN WHICH AT LEAST SOME REMOTE LEARNING WILL BE THE NORM. TO HELP PREPARE for this reality, the Indianapolis eLearning Fund and the College Football Playoff Foundation launched the Indiana Learning Lab (inlearninglab.com), a dynamic, virtual hub for educators across the state to access teaching content, share best practices for digital learning, and grow professionally. The lab will also provide support for families as they help their children successfully participate in digital learning activities The Indianapolis eLearning Fund—a collaboration of local civic, philanthropic, and corporate partners addressing gaps in internet connectivity and device access—developed the lab and will invest $1.6 million in its operations. The Indianapolis Host Committee and the CFP Foundation have made a significant contribution to the Indiana Learning Lab as part of a $1.5 million total community investment through its legacy program. 32 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE
“As digital learning becomes part of the new normal, educators and families across the state need enriching content, opportunities for collaboration, professional development, and technical assistance so they can address common challenges and help students thrive in a remote-learning environment,” says Claire Fiddian-Green, president and CEO of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, who serves as an advisory member of the Indianapolis eLearning Fund and an executive member of the Indianapolis Host Committee. “The Indianapolis eLearning Fund developed the Indiana Learning Lab as a way to address these needs on a statewide scale. We’re so grateful that the CFP Foundation has partnered with us to make possible this hub to support Hoosier teachers and students.” The lab will help meet pressing needs among educators in Indiana. A survey of public and private school teachers from across the state showed 90 percent are interested in accessing
virtual professional development, and 93 percent are interested in connecting with other educators to discuss approaches or resources for digital learning. More than 80 percent of respondents reported challenges in keeping students engaged in digital learning, highlighting why it’s critical to prioritize resources, connectivity, and training. For educators, the Indiana Learning Lab will curate enriching content and flexible lesson plans, provide a means for sharing ideas, and offer webinars and courses in areas such as remote instruction and social and emotional learning. SETDA, a national nonprofit focused on digital learning, and Five Star Technology Solutions, an Indiana–based education technology provider, were chosen to launch and operate the lab through a competitive RFP. Indianapolis education nonprofit The Mind Trust is overseeing the first year of implementation in partnership with the Indianapolis eLearning Fund. The lab is now available to educators and families across the state free of charge. “The Indianapolis eLearning Fund encapsulates our city’s ethos of working together to solve problems,” says Mayor Joe Hogsett, whose office administers the Indianapolis eLearning Fund. “This philosophy has helped us punch above our weight class, from building a thriving downtown to being among the only cold-weather cities of our size to host a Super Bowl. Now we are coming together to tackle one of the most fundamental needs facing our community, and I’m glad that the lab, created by this group of funders, can be a resource to educators and students statewide.” The Indiana Learning Lab aligns with the CFP Foundation’s long-standing focus on elevating the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering teachers in four areas: resources, recognition, recruitment, and professional development. “The CFP National Championship will help drive economic development, foster civic pride, elevate Indianapolis on a global stage, and make possible a community-wide impact through the game’s legacy project,” says CFP Foundation executive director Britton Banowsky. “We are proud to support an initiative that helps meet a need to support teachers and families during this critical moment in our nation’s history— and in education.”
DEMAND AND SUPPLY FOUR LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS took action to support Indianapolis teachers and students with supplies as schools resumed full-time digital learning. Teach Indy, Teachers’ Treasures, and The Mind Trust, in partnership with the Indianapolis Host Committee, assembled and distributed 15,000 eLearning kits for Indianapolis students and 250 care packages for teachers. “As Indianapolis schools return to full-time digital learning, teachers and students need support with supplies that would normally be available in classrooms,” says Sara Marshall, senior director of talent with The Mind Trust. “Teachers are working hard to plan digital learning assignments, and Teach Indy and The Mind Trust are proud to support the effort to give their students what they need to succeed. We are so thankful for teachers and want to show our appreciation.” The Mind Trust, Indianapolis Public Schools, and the Mayor’s Office of Education Innovation are the three main initiative partners of Teach Indy, which works to recruit, reward, and retain Indianapolis teachers. The digital learning homework kits contained items such as paper, pencils, children’s scissors, crayons, and more to help students complete assignments without the need for families to buy extra supplies. Homework sets were distributed to pupils at The Mind Trust’s Community Learning Sites and were available for educators at the Teachers’ Treasures 10th Street store and Northwest Middle School satellite store. Additionally, 250 kits were given to first- and second-year teachers with Teach for America, TNTP Indianapolis Teaching Fellows, and Relay Teaching Residents. “By assembling and distributing over 15,000 kits for kids most in need, our amazing community can see the results of their support,” says Margaret Sheehan, executive director of Teachers’ Treasures. “We all want to lift these kids up and be a part of their learning success. Having our longtime partner, Crystal Catering, offering up their event space to allow us to assemble these kits is so great. This is a positive endeavor for so many.” Susan Baughman, president of the 2022 Indianapolis Host Committee, says the organization is proud to work with its partners in support of teachers who work tirelessly to provide their students a quality education. “We continue to be energized by the passion of teachers and also the committed efforts of those parents and individuals helping with at-home learning,” she says. 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE 33
REBOOT AND REVAMP
INDIANAPOLIS SCHOOLS RECEIVE MEDIA CENTER MAKEOVERS AS PART OF THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF FOUNDATION’S LEGACY EFFORTS
MEMBERS OF THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF FOUNDATION AND INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE UNVEILED A SERIES OF MEDIA CENTER MAKEOVERS at four Indy-area schools, which were identified and selected based on the percentage of students served from underresourced households and the verified need for updates within the building. These overhauls allowed the schools to transform their spaces with enhanced technology and creative design to meet 21st-century needs. Chosen schools were Garden City Elementary, Victory College Prep, James and Rosemary Phalen Leadership Academy, and Southport Middle School. Southport, the first to undergo a renovation, was outfitted with Lakeshore Learning’s Flex-Space furniture line. The transformation focused on primary work areas for media centers and included the addition of new computer stations, tables, chairs, and comfortable seating arrangements for reading and studying. 34 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE
In addition to the furniture and workstation upgrades, some of the new low-tech offerings at Southport Middle School include a sewing machine, a button maker, and a LEGO wall. Android tablets, 3-D printers, and app-enabled robot balls were among the high-tech add-ons to the space. “Our commitment is to provide each student with a highquality education,” says Patrick W. Mapes, superintendent of Perry Township Schools. “Through the generosity of the College Football Playoff Foundation makeover program, we are better positioned to achieve this goal. This investment in Southport Middle’s media center will energize our young learners with top-of-the-line technology in a more inviting space where they can learn and grow.” “As more students and teachers return to on-campus learning, it’s powerful for them to be able to experience a new and innovative media center,” says Britton Banowsky, executive director of the College Football Playoff Foundation. “This will certainly make a positive impact on students and teachers for many years to come.” Victory College Prep, a public K-12 charter school on the southeast side of Indianapolis, also received new equipment for
Southport Middle School (top two photos) and Victory College Prep (bottom) were among four Indy-area schools to get Media Center Makeovers.
“AS WE SETTLE INTO THE 2021 SCHOOL YEAR, BEING ABLE TO LEARN AND ENGAGE IN AN UPDATED MEDIA CENTER PROVIDES A HUGE MORALE BOOST. WE’RE GRATEFUL TO THE CFP FOUNDATION AND INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE FOR THEIR SUPPORT IN EMPOWERING OUR STUDENTS WITH THE ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL SKILLS TO THRIVE IN COLLEGE OR A CAREER.” its media center, including iPads and other tablets, virtualreality headsets, books, a projector, a 75-inch TV monitor, and a Bluetooth speaker system. New furniture, such as makerspace tables, adjustable-height tables and chairs, soft seating, and mobile bookcases, were also provided as part of the makeover with funding from the CFP Foundation and the Indianapolis Host Committee. Together with the CFP Foundation’s education partner, School Specialty, teachers were provided with resources they need to prepare their students for success. “Having access to cutting-edge technology and other equipment makes a remarkable difference in motivating and inspiring our students and teachers, who, like all of us, have
faced challenges in light of COVID-19,” says Ryan Gall, the school’s executive director. “As we settle into the 2021 school year, being able to learn and engage in an updated media center provides a huge morale boost. We’re grateful to the CFP Foundation and Indianapolis Host Committee for their support in empowering our students with the academic and social-emotional skills to thrive in college or a career.” “We’re thrilled to be able to give back to the Indianapolis community by transforming school spaces with enhanced technology to meet the demands of 21st-century teaching and learning,” Banowsky says. “We look forward to continuing to celebrate educators this week and beyond as we prepare for the big game in January.” 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE 35
FAN EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
KICK OFF THE FUN , , , CONCERTS
CUISINE
CHARITY EVENTS
AND MORE
Get ready for a college football weekend like none other with these exciting guest experiences!
As it was for Super Bowl XLVI in 2012, downtown Indy will be abuzz with activity around Lucas Oil Stadium, Monument Circle, and the Indiana Convention Center throughout the College Football Playoff National Championship weekend. 36 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE
2022 CHAMPIONSHIP CAMPUS JANUARY 8–10 Championship Campus in downtown Indy will provide a fan-friendly, walkable footprint featuring a comprehensive
festival of attractions and activities. Throughout the weekend, guests can experience CFP signature events such as Playoff Fan Central,
AT&T Playoff Playlist Live!, Allstate Championship Tailgate, Media Day, the Extra Yard 5K, and Taste of the Championship.
MEDIA DAY
PLAYOFF FAN CENTRAL
TASTE OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP
JANUARY 8 9–10 A.M. ORANGE BOWL CHAMPION 10:30–11:30 A.M. COTTON BOWL CHAMPION INDIANA CONVENTION CENTER
Media Day features one-hour sessions with student-athletes and coaches from each of the College Football Playoff National Championship participating teams. More than 1,000 credentialed media members will be present to cover the event, in addition to live broadcasts from ESPN and conference networks and activations by social media giants Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
JANUARY 8, 10 A.M.–5 P.M. JANUARY 9, 10 A.M.–5 P.M. JANUARY 10, 10 A.M.–3 P.M. INDIANA CONVENTION CENTER
JANUARY 9, 5—8 P.M. INDIANA STATE MUSEUM
This interactive experience gives thousands of fans the opportunity to be a part of the College Football Playoff National Championship. The three-day, family-friendly event includes games, clinics, pep rallies, band performances, special guest appearances, autograph signings, and exhibits celebrating college football and its history.
Take the opportunity to sample gourmet food and drinks from dozens of chefs from Indianapolis and around the country in support of Extra Yard for Teachers. The evening provides attendees with a unique combination of local culture and cuisine, while celebrating both the teaching profession and the educational mission of the CFP Foundation.
2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE 37
FAN EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
FREE CONCERTS ON THE CIRCLE
AT&T PLAYOFF PLAYLIST LIVE! JANUARY 8 AND 9, 5–11 P.M. MONUMENT CIRCLE
AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! brings a lineup of multi-platinum national recording artists to Indianapolis, serving as the soundtrack for the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship. The weekend’s initial needle-drop takes place on the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! stage on Saturday, January 8, with performances by global superstar Doja Cat and one of Spotify’s “500 most-listened-to artists,” AJR. The music continues Sunday, January 9, with Grammy Award winner Twenty One Pilots and multiplatinum pop artist Ava Max. Gates for AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! will open at 5 p.m. each day, and fans will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans unable to join in person in Indianapolis will be able to watch the live-streamed performances online via CFP All Access and AT&T social and digital platforms powered by AT&T 5G.
ALLSTATE CHAMPIONSHIP TAILGATE JANUARY 10, NOON–5 P.M. MONUMENT CIRCLE
This is the gathering place for fans who want to experience extreme tailgating leading up to the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship. Prior to kickoff on Monday, January 10, the stage at Monument Circle will be transformed into the Capital One Stage at Allstate Championship Tailgate. Multi-platinum selling hitmaker Sam Hunt will perform, along with YouTube’s Artist on the Rise, BRELAND. Gates open at noon.
38 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE
EXTRA YARD 5K
JANUARY 9, 10 A.M. INDIANAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER HALL A
The Extra Yard 5K is a family-friendly 3.1-mile run/walk that offers a chance for locals, as well as out-of-town fans, to take part in the College Football Playoff National Championship weekend. The race starts at 10 a.m. Sunday, January 9, in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. If you’re not in the city for the national championship game, you can join the run virtually. Each Extra Yard 5K participant will receive a T-shirt and medal, while the top overall male and top overall female finishers (inperson) will each win two tickets to the CFP National Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium Monday, January 10. All proceeds benefit Extra Yard for Teachers, the College Football Playoff Foundation’s primary platform that elevates the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering quality teachers.
22 FOR 22
A DREAM TEAM OF ARTISTS CREATES WORKS TO CELEBRATE THE NATURE OF THE GAME In cooperation with local agency Lodge Design, the Indianapolis Host Committee solicited 22 limitededition poster designs from a diverse lineup of illustrators and graphic designers. Each piece is intended to capture the essence of football through a phrase related to the game, such as Quarterback Sneak, Icing the Kicker, Beast Mode, or Rocket Arm. The posters will be printed, framed, and displayed at the Indianapolis International Airport in December. They will also be showcased at the Taste of the Championship event January 9. The creations will be digitally auctioned with proceeds going toward education initiatives via the CFP Foundation. Bids can be placed online at indyfootball2022.com/22for22 or by scanning QR codes accompanying the art through midnight on January 9. An unframed print showcasing the artwork from all 22 posters will also be available to purchase online as a commemorative keepsake.
DEVELOPMENT | FINANCING | DESIGN | CONSTRUCTION | MANAGEMENT
Celebrating our
deal! Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Indianapolis, TWG is a fully integrated real estate development company specializing in commercial, market rate, affordable and senior housing developments across the country. With a focus on development, financing, design, construction and management, TWG has transacted over $1.5 billion in development costs and over 9,000 units nationwide. Committed to building strong foundations with its team, equity partners and the communities it serves, TWG knows that Together, We Grow.
1 3 01 E WA S H I N GTO N ST R E E T, S U I T E 1 0 0 , I N D I A N A P O L I S , I N 4 6 2 0 2 | 3 1 7 . 2 6 4 . 1 8 3 3 | T WG D E V. C O M 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE 39
R E S TA U R A N T S A N D C R A F T B E V E R A G E S
LOCAL FLAVOR DOWNTOWN DINING AND DRINKS
Beholder CONTEMPORARY A former car-repair shop sets the stage for daring performance art that has featured pig-skin noodles and granita-topped uni designed to melt on the tongue, as well as buttermilk fried chicken with wildflower honey. The labor-intensive cocktails are smart and spoton. 1844 E. 10th St., 317-419-3471, beholderindy.com
Bluebeard CONTEMPORARY Chef Abbi Merriss dominates seasonal comfort food, as evidenced by her collection of national media mentions. Start with the bread baked next door at Amelia’s—it’s especially delicious slathered with anchovy butter. Fried morels may show up on a spring picnic plate, while winter nights call for a comforting butcher-shop Bolognese. 653 Virginia Ave.,
Get a taste of Indy hot spots with top-notch cuisine and cocktails.
317-686-1580, bluebeardindy.com
Bodhi: Craft Bar + Thai Bistro THAI Three generations of women form the culinary foundation of this Mass Ave restaurant serving a small, focused menu of Thai dishes like Massaman curry with braised beef and Bodhi’s own version of non-Americanized pad thai. Craft cocktails get a lot of well-earned attention. Try the Thai Iced Tea cocktail with bourbon, rye, spiced ginger liqueur, demerara sugar, orange peel, and housemade Thai iced tea. 922 Massachusetts Ave., 317-941-6595, bodhi-indy.com
Bru Burger Bar GOURMET BURGERS The patties combine sirloin, chuck, and brisket and are paired with craft beers in a stylish spot off the Cultural Trail. The signature Bru Burger reinvents the bacon cheeseburger with Taleggio, sweet tomato jam, and porter-braised onions. 410 Massachusetts Ave., 317-635-4278, bruburgerbar.com
Cafe Patachou
Union 50 serves up a seasonal menu that includes items like stuffed dates, steamed mussels, and pan-fried gnocchi.
RESTAUR ANTS Aroma INDIAN Familiar tandoori and tikka masala staples mingle with heartier, more elevated offerings at this elegant pan-Indian spot. Lunchtime lamb and chicken rolls in crispy flatbread wrappers stand out, as do hearty chaat dishes dressed up with yellow peas, yogurt, and chutneys. An impressive lamb shank is the highlight of the chef’s specialties and easily feeds two or more. 501 Virginia Ave., 317-602-7117, aromaindy.com
Ash & Elm Cider Co. Restaurant and Cider Bar GASTROPUB A long-awaited move ushered in a full menu of snacks and dinner dishes created by chef Tracey Couillard, whose palate pairs
perfectly with sweet and dry fruit-based drinks. Start with a cider slushie or a cidermosa to enjoy with tangy, rich deviled eggs or crisp, light elote fritters with a bright cilantro crema. Then move to a flagship cider for the main courses, including a standout roasted chicken breast with a crispy hasselback potato, hanger steak with chanterelles, or pan-fried walleye. 1301 E. Washington St., 317-600-3164, ashandelmcider.com
CAFE The original “student union for adults” continues to draw in morning crowds and has inspired citywide offshoots, such as this sleek downtown location. The cinnamon toast remains as thick as a brick; the produce is still locally sourced; the massive omelets continue to have cheeky names; and the broken-yolk sandwiches are a perennial lunch favorite. 225 W. Washington St., 317-632-0765, cafepatachou.com
The Capital Grille CLASSIC A theme of rich decadence permeates this downtown steakhouse adjoining the equally posh Conrad hotel, from the gilded-framed pastoral paintings that hang on its dark-paneled walls to the selection of elaborate steaks (one of them drenched in a Courvoisier cream sauce, another flavored with aged balsamic—and some of them dry-aged). The servers are exquisite, of course. 40 W. Washington St., 317-423-8790, thecapitalgrille.com
The Eagle
TACOS Done up with bourbon barrels and dangling Edison bulbs, this popular Mass Ave spot does a nice job with all the late-night standards: booze, raucous music, and tacos topped with the likes of achiote-braised pork, pickled red onions, and habanero salsa. 334 Massachusetts
SOUTHERN-INSPIRED Just try to resist the country-fried charms of this place on Mass Ave. The drinks are as potent as they are fun, but The Eagle had us at whole-bird fried chicken— which you may drizzle with spicy honey and pair with mashed potatoes drenched in white gravy, if you like. We’re smitten with the friendly staff, the wildly embellished Bloody Marys, and the mini cast-iron skillets. 310 Massachusetts
Ave., 317-635-6962, bakersfieldtacos.com
Ave., 317-929-1799, eaglerestaurant.com
Bakersfield Mass Ave
40 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE
Fat Dan’s Deli
Giorgio’s Pizza
MEAT AND POTATOES Brisket cooked for 14 hours is a mainstay of the made-from-scratch menu, as is the house corned beef. Get an order of tots for the table, served on a spread of craft paper. Whatever you do, don’t miss the plump Vienna dogs that will transport you straight to Wrigleyville. 410 E. Michigan St., 317-600-3333,
ITALIAN Giorgio Migliaccio, a Naples, Italy, native, has been baking pizza and signature Italian dishes in his tiny pizza-by-the-slice establishment since 1990, just steps away from the iconic Soldiers and Sailors Monument. 9 E. Market St.,
fatdansdeli.com
Gallery Pastry Bar CONTEMPORARY The second location of a popular Broad Ripple bakery and brunch spot brings an elegant all-day affair to downtown with grab-and-go pastries in the morning and brunch well into the afternoon. Macaron shells filled with foie gras mousse; scallops with jowl bacon, grapefruit, and coconut cream; and frites with apricot mustard are nice departures from midday fodder, with bartender Corey Ewing’s light, refreshing cocktails. 110 S. Pennsylvania St., 317-820-5526, gallerypastryshop.com
The Garden Table CAFE Expanding on the spa-style menu at its original Broad Ripple location, this pretty, sundrenched venue adds a full dinner and drinks menu to the established house-pressed juices, health-conscious salads, and carefully embellished toasts. The place remains a cafe at heart, though, especially with the elaborate espresso station cranking out caffeinated stunners like an iced latte with strawberry puree and the peppery, basil-infused Pablo Honey. 342 Massachusetts Ave., 317-638-0321, thegardentable.com
317-687-9869, facebook.com/giorgiospizzaindy
Greek Islands Restaurant GREEK Relax and enjoy a true Greek experience. Sample fine wines and hand-rolled filo pies and let the music carry you away to the Mediterranean while you dine on the best the islands of Greece have to offer. Experience authentic belly dancing Friday and Saturday evenings. 906 S. Meridian St., 317-636-0700, greekislandsrestaurant.com
watching your favorite sporting event on any one of the high-definition LCD televisions. 10 S. West St., 317-860-6500, highvelocityindy.com
Hinata Japanese Fine Dining JAPANESE This prix-fixe, multicourse shrine to authentic Japanese cuisine features jewel-like small-bite appetizers, ultra-fresh sashimi, and comforting chawanmushi, a traditional Japanese egg custard, all prepared at the counter with the understated theatrics of well-known chef Akinori Tanigawa. Try sakes at various price points, as well as compressed watermelon highballs and a standout modernized Old Fashioned. 130 E. Washington St., 317-672-4929, hinataindy.com
Iaria’s Italian Restaurant
Harry & Izzy’s STEAKHOUSE Craig Huse’s casual alternative to big brother St. Elmo holds its own as a clubby hangout worthy of destination-steakhouse status. The marbled bone-in ribeye sizzles in its juices, a smart umami-rich pick among the high-quality (and high-priced), Midwest-sourced prime cuts. The menu expands to thin-crust pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and seafood selections like pan-seared scallops. 153 S. Illinois St., 317-635-9594, harryandizzys.com
High Velocity at JW Marriott Indianapolis AMERICAN Experience an energetic, high-tech Indianapolis sports bar. Nosh on a short-rib grilled cheese sandwich, Cajun shrimp nachos, or Brush Creek Ranch Wagyu burger while
ITALIAN Family-owned since 1933, Iaria’s serves Southern Italian dishes and pizza with homemade sauce. Reservations and call-ahead seating are recommended. 317 S. College Ave., 317-638-7706, iariasrestaurant.com
The Inferno Room TIKI A hit both at the beginning of the night and the end of it, this tiki-centric showstopper in Fountain Square pairs its gilded cocktails with a fun menu of smallish plates with an island influence. Delicate yuca nachos are finished with pickled red onions and chimichurri. Kebabs impale pork, jerk chicken, and yams. Salty Spam sliders are the perfect foil to a sweet and fruity drink served over crunchy ice. 902 Virginia Ave., 317-426-2343, theinfernoroom.com
2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE 41
R E S TA U R A N T S A N D C R A F T B E V E R A G E S
most consistent dinner spots downtown. The seasonal menu changes constantly, but past hits have included fork-tender lamb chops, housemade garganelli with sherry cream and wild mushrooms, and duck confit with black rice. Steak frites and any plate that includes Ora King salmon are always great choices. 725 Massachusetts Ave., 317-955-9600, meshrestaurants.com
Milktooth BRUNCH This diner-style cafe in Fletcher Place has a playfully gritty vibe. The early-morning counter service featuring pastries and coffee gives way to a full-service brunch menu with daytime craft cocktails like the fruity Blood Meridian, made with vodka and frothed with egg white. 534 Virginia Ave., 317-986-5131, milktoothindy.com
Modita
The Garage at Bottleworks VARIOUS The Garage Food Hall at Bottleworks District is a 30,000-square-foot, communityfocused food and market hall that occupies two of the historic Coca-Cola bottling plant’s original garage buildings. The food hall features 1930s Art Deco terra cotta facades, industrial architecture, and large roll-up doors for a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. The Garage plays host to a variety of food and beverage vendors, bringing top culinary talent, artisan craftsmen, residents, and visitors together in the heart of Indianapolis. It is a supportive environment where chefs, producers, and artisans are pushed to be their best. bottleworksdistrict.com/garage
ASIAN-INSPIRED The lavish restaurant in Bottleworks District’s showpiece slot gets extra style points for its gorgeous industrial-sleek decor that is equal parts silk wallpaper and factory-grade doors. Dine on sweet beets in white shoyu cream, kimchi fried rice, or any of the fanciful interpretations of Asian cuisine. Sip a Singha or a citrusy Tokyo Exchange Rate under the glow of dangling pendants and soak up the thoughtfully preserved vintage vibe. 850 Massachusetts Ave., 317-316-0470, modita.com
Mori Sushi
ITALIAN This long-beloved family spot elevated its Italian offerings to some of the best in the city. Salads such as an asparagus option with white beans, mint, prosciutto, and a thick, creamy hazelnut vinaigrette go beyond most trattoria fodder and are worth the upgrade with dinners. Try the textbook bucatini all’Amatriciana pasta with a rich and hearty pomodoro sauce, or light but decadently dressed gnocchi with gorgonzola cream sauce and just enough sliced beef filet. 946 S. Meridian St., 317-974-1100, iozzos.com
King Dough PIZZA Chewy and with just the right flop in the middle, the pizzas are bona fide craft, from the dough to the quality toppings. Standouts include the Stinky Pete with wild mushrooms, gorgonzola, and plenty of garlic and herbs. Burgers, including one made from chorizo and topped with manchego cheese, play surprisingly close second fiddles to the pies. Creative cocktails concocted from boutique liqueurs and aromatics make for perfect sippers while you wait for your pie. 452 N. Highland Ave., 317-602-7960, kingdoughpizzas.com
Leviathan Bakehouse
and the partially open kitchen is sending out small plate after small plate of contemporary Latin-inspired fare. Favorites have included a salad tucked inside a folded manchego crisp, and tender steak fanned over a block of polenta. 720 N. College Ave., 317-383-0330, livery-restaurant.com
Love Handle SANDWICHES Daily lunch and brunch features such as schnitzel and waffles and a pulledchicken Hot Brown are the main draw at this cheeky sandwich shop. The chalkboard menu also offers side options in the form of braised greens and potato salad with roasted tomatoes. 877 Massachusetts Ave., 317-384-1102, facebook.com/ lovehandleindy
Maialina Italian Kitchen + Bar ITALIAN Straw-wrapped chianti bottles, wooden cross-back chairs, and family photos give a throwback trattoria feel to this Fountain Square addition to the city’s Italian scene. Meatballs, from a family recipe, are always a good choice with a solid house marinara. Pastas range from a straightforward toss of rigatoni with sausage and broccoli rabe to a rich, three-meat Bolognese lavished atop plump gnocchi. 1103 Prospect
BAKERY This patisserie and lunch cafe near Massachusetts Avenue is a welcome addition to the downtown bakery scene, offering earthy artisan breads, ultra-flaky French-style laminated pastries, and elegant financiers. If you oversleep the day’s breakfast sandwich with creamy, soft eggs and local charcuterie, grab a chimichurri roast beef sandwich with apple-fennel chutney and brie on porridge bread. 1101 N. College Ave.,
STEAK & SEAFOOD The menu changes daily to reflect an extensive variety of seafood and steaks. Just steps from historic Monument Circle, the convention center, and sports venues, McCormick & Schmick’s is also known for its happy-hour offerings. 110 N. Illinois St., 317-631-
317-493-1879, leviathanbakehouse.com
9500, mccormickandschmicks.com
Livery
Mesh
LATIN This place feels like a hidden treasure, especially when mezcal cocktails are flowing,
CONTEMPORARY This Mass Ave restaurant has settled into veteran status as one of the
St., 317-982-7676, maialinaindy.com
McCormick & Schmick’s
42 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE
morisushi-japaneserestaurant.business.site
Nesso Italian Kitchen ITALIAN Highly stylized seafood and meats paired with small pasta courses and shared à la carte sides add up to a sumptuous dining experience inside the Alexander hotel. Pass around a plate of prosciutto-wrapped prunes or crab arancini, but keep the tortelloni and sea bass to yourself. 339 S. Delaware St., 317-643-7400, nesso-italia.com
Pier 48 Fish House & Oyster Bar SEAFOOD In a sleek, well-placed fish house across the street from Gainbridge Fieldhouse, diners pregame on fresh seafood delivered from the restaurant’s own South Bristol, Maine, fishery. The selections range from a fried chicken sandwich to market-priced lobster prepared baked, steamed, or chargrilled. But the Lobstah Roll, dressed with either butter or mayonnaise, is the star of the show. 130 S. Pennsylvania St., 317-560-4848, pier48fresh.com
Public Greens HEALTHY Martha Hoover’s self-described urban cafeteria turns a street-level corner of downtown’s Cummins building into a cheery dining spot. The day’s options—heavy on the salads and roasted veggies—are spelled out on a menu just inside the door. Customers mix and match dishes like shredded-beef tacos, Moroccan lentil soup, and carrot fritters. 301 E. Market St., 317-785-0765, publicgreensurbankitchen.com
PHOTO COURTESY THE ADDISON GROUP
Iozzo’s Garden of Italy
JAPANESE At this cheery ramen-and-sushi spot, highlights include the Spiderman roll, which accents crunchy soft-shell crab tempura with avocado, spicy mayo, and eel sauce, as well as especially fresh yellowtail and white tuna sashimi. Tonkotsu pork-belly ramen is a rich and flavorful go-to bowl, but yakisoba and udon in beef, chicken, and seafood versions are good bets as well. 231 S. College Ave., 317-964-0139,
The Rathskeller
GERMAN The Rathskeller charms with Old World ambience and a mix of classic German and contemporary fare. Choose from a huge bier selection in one of Indiana’s oldest, most unique bars. Reservations suggested. 401 E. Michigan St., 317-636-0396, rathskeller.com
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
STEAKHOUSE While nightly specials at this stately steakhouse include innovative seafood and poultry options, supper-club classics abound, from the succulent, fat-marbled ribeye to a delicate petite filet, all served on sizzling-hot plates. 45 S. Illinois St., 317-633-1313, ruthschrisindy.com
Salt on Mass
SEAFOOD Fresh fish arrives daily at this gleaming Mass Ave restaurant that boasts of not even owning a freezer. That means the menu is written around the latest catch, but perennial favorites include sea-salt grilled salmon and meaty seared cobia topped with a cheesy mix of crab and artichokes. 505 Massachusetts Ave., 317-638-6565, saltonmass.com
Shapiro’s Delicatessen
DELI Hot pastrami and corned-beef sandwiches on rye have drawn long lines to this local institution for more than a century. The Reuben contends for the city’s best, and heartier fare such as potato pancakes, stuffed cabbage, and matzo-ball soup are perennially satisfying standbys. Load up on a massive wedge of pie, or you haven’t really had the proper Shapiro’s experience. 808 S. Meridian St., 317-631-4041, shapiros.com
Siam Square
Taxman CityWay
THAI Soothing red and green curries—redolent of coconut milk, Thai chili paste, and fresh veggies—play strictly by the book. The same goes for the fresh shrimp-and-chicken spring rolls packed inside a filament of rice paper, and the crab Rangoon, fried crisp around the fluffiest sweet cream-cheese filling. Some of the more specialized dishes, like a tender, chunky eggplant stir-fry and a mellow catfish curry, play second fiddle to the noodles. 936 Virginia Ave.,
GASTROPUB Soaring ceilings, rustic candelabra lighting, brick walls, and a 3,000-square-foot beer-garden patio make this one of Indy’s most welcoming drinking spots. And a menu that includes some of the city’s best frites, served with more than half a dozen sauces or loaded with bacon, beer cheese, and scallions. Liège waffles are topped with hearty add-ons like fried chicken and rosemary-scented maple syrup or cheesy shrimp and grits. 310 S. Delaware
317-636-8424, siamsquareindy.com
St., 317-734-3107, taxmanbrewing.com
Spoke & Steele
Tinker Street
CONTEMPORARY At the sleek lobby restaurant of Le Méridien, French classics with fusion touches include a spiffed-up bouillabaisse with wasabi tempura cod, steak tartare with fennel and watermelon radishes, and a Niçoise salad with fried potatoes standing in for the traditional tuna. Entrees feature hearty pastas, steak au poivre lavished with bone marrow butter, and chicken paillard accompanied by broccolini.
NEW AMERICAN Make a reservation and settle in for small plates such as light and flavorful chickpea ravioli with vegan ricotta and a host of colorful garnishes. Or try one of the vegan soups or a seasonal salad such as a refreshing mix of greens with asparagus, pickled rhubarb, and tangy blue cheese. Fall-apart pork belly with kimchi, forbidden rice, and a duck egg is perhaps the star of the main dishes, though shrimp and grits with briny green-tomato chow-chow and a refreshing halibut with carrot soubise and a latke lightened with green herbs are excellent bets.
123 S. Illinois St., 317-737-1616, spokeandsteele.com
St. Elmo Steak House
STEAKHOUSE Since 1902, this stately house of red meat has served as the unofficial ambassador of downtown Indianapolis—the walls carry decades’ worth of celebrity photos, the burnished bar hearkens to an earlier era, and servers appear starched and bow-tied. The drill remains the same as well: a generous martini; shrimp cocktail with infamously hot sauce; bean soup or tomato juice; the wedge; and one of the large steaks. 127 S. Illinois St., 317-635-0636, stelmos.com
402 E. 16th St., 317-925-5000, tinkerstreetindy.com
Union 50
INNOVATIVE Union 50 is an innovative, chef-driven restaurant located in the Mass Ave neighborhood. The dinner menu features creative dishes that change seasonally. Union 50 also hosts live music (local and touring bands and musicians) multiple times per week. 620 N. East St., 317-610-0234, union-50.com
Get your hands on
24 Sports NCAA
Two Floors of Interactive Exhibits include: • Trivia for all 24 sports • Half-court 1930s replica gymnasium
• Sports simulators featuring four sports • And More!
NCAA and NCAA Hall of Champions are trademarks of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
ncaahallofchampions.org
•
317-916-HALL (4255)
•
@NCAAHoC
NCAAHoC
2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE 43
R E S TA U R A N T S A N D C R A F T B E V E R A G E S
W INERIES, BRE WERIES, & DIST ILLERIES 8th Day Distillery SPIRITS At first, brothers Mason and Matt Lamping wanted to start a brewery. They opened 8th Day Distillery instead. Try some of their rye whiskey, bourbon, aged rum, or what they call navy-strength gin. Keep an eye on the seasonal cocktail menus, too, and give the ready-to-go canned gin and tonic a sip. 1125 E. Brookside Ave., 317-600-3791, 8thdaydistillery.com
BrewDog Indianapolis BEER With 24 beers on tap, you are sure to find something you enjoy at BrewDog. The menu showcases a variety of burgers, including vegan and vegetarian options made with sweet potato, cauliflower, or Beyond Meat. Wings, tacos, salads, and bowls round out the selection. 1140 Shelby St., 317-449-9924, facebook.com/brewdogindy
FEED YOUR APPETITE FOR FOOTBALL Indy chefs create weekly tailgate dishes inspired by ESPN College GameDay A SATURDAY on a college campus is as good as it gets, and it typically kicks off with friends and family gathered around a tailgate enjoying delicious food. In that spirit, Indy chefs showcased their talents by presenting weekly tailgate tastes inspired by ESPN College GameDay locations. Each week, a new chef was challenged to blend ingredients and inspiration to tempt tastebuds. A whole host of delectable dishes was unveiled during this series, including Sweet Carolina BBQ Boomerangs by Terry Anthony of The Chef Terry Anthony of Block Bistro and Grill. Inspired by the Clemson The Block Bistro and Grill vs. Georgia game in Charlotte, N.C., these grilled wings packed a punch with a zing of vinegar. Neil Andrews of Geraldine’s Supper Club & Lounge created Crab Chips with Smoked Cream Cheese as an homage to the Penn State vs. Auburn matchup in University Park, Pa. And, in a clever reference to Charlie Daniels, Chef Armando of Ellison Brewing whipped up Deviled Eggs Went Down to Georgia in honor of the Georgia vs. Kentucky game. Variations on nachos, poutine, sliders, and BLTs were also big hits among foodie fans.
Centerpoint Brewing BEER Centerpoint serves approachable craft brews without pretense or overhyped style. Try a Mexican lager, blood-orange IPA, red ale, or raspberry sour. Other options include nonalcoholic beers, hard ciders and seltzers, and a selection of Archer Roose wine. 1125 E. Brookside Ave., 317-602-8386, centerpointbrewing.com
The District Tap BEER American bistro cuisine is served alongside a staggering 40 beers on tap from a wide variety of American brewers, such as Goose Island, Sierra Nevada, Bell’s, Yuengling, and 3 Floyds. Entertainment includes live music, darts, shuffleboard, and more. 141 S. Meridian St., 317-632-0202, thedistricttap.com
Easley Winery WINE Swirl, sip, and savor more than 20 award-winning craft wines made only six blocks from Monument Circle. Knowledgeable wine stewards offer tastings every day. Learn how the winemaker takes premium local grapes and crafts them into nationally recognized wines during free tours offered Saturday and Sunday. 205 N. College Ave., 317-636-4516, easleywinery.com
Fountain Square Brewing Co. BEER Tucked into a quiet, residential neighborhood on the southeast side of Indianapolis, Fountain Square Brewing Co. has been serving an ever-changing selection of craft beer since 2011. The industrial-style taproom with a laidback feel combines community with local artists, musicians, and, of course, craft beer. 1301 Barth Ave., 317-493-1410, fountainsquarebeer.com
Upland Fountain Square
Vida
GASTROPUB Bloomington’s Upland Brewery brings its casual-dining experience to Fountain Square, with an industrial, open-concept dining room. The Upland repertoire gets proper representation in the wall of taps behind the bar. Sip a flight of sours and snack on smoked chicken wings, or get busy with dishes plucked from the chef’s rotating seasonal menu. Vegetarians get plenty of love, with options such as a Three Carrots seitan breaded “tenderloin” that’s as tasty as the State Fair original. 1201 Prospect St.,
CONTEMPORARY This Lockerbie Square spot features soaring ceilings above intimate dining spaces, with a state-of-the-art kitchen fitted with a floor-to-ceiling hydroponic herb garden, as well as nooks for curing charcuterie and showcasing house preserves. The menu has scaled back to a pair of options, both of them excellent: a multiple choice four-course dinner composed of seasonal ingredients in imaginative combinations, and a six-course chef’s tasting menu. 601 E. New York St., 317-420-2323,
317-672-3671, uplandbeer.com
vida-restaurant.com
44 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE
Guggman Haus Brewing Co. BEER Guggman Haus Brewing Co. is a familyowned microbrewery crafting bold versions of modern and experimental beer styles. Varieties include hefeweizen, pilsner, milk stout, brown ale, New England IPA, and citra IPA. Local sandwiches and snacks are served, but you can also bring in your own food. 1701 Gent Ave., 317-602-6131, guggmanhausbrewing.com
Hotel Tango Distillery SPIRITS Established in 2013, Hotel Tango Distillery was the first combat-disabled, veteran-owned distillery in the U.S. and Indy’s
Sun King Brewing Co.
first since Prohibition. Hotel Tango is located in the Fletcher Place neighborhood and serves craft cocktails made exclusively with housebrand spirits like vodka, rum, gin, bourbon, rye whiskey, reserve bourbon, cherry liqueur, orangecello, and lemoncello. 702 Virginia Ave.,
BEER The original Sun King Brewing Co. location has expanded from a small tasting room and brewhouse to a three-building family-friendly campus. Sample a Pachanga Mexican-style lager, Sunlight Cream Ale, Wee Mac Scottish ale, or Electric Reindeer brown ale among its year-round and seasonal variety of house brews. Hard seltzers and spirits are also available. 135 N. College Ave., 317-602-3702
317-653-1806, hoteltangowhiskey.com
MashCraft on Delaware BEER The downtown location of MashCraft Brewing Company offers a variety of ales and lagers, including American pale ales, IPAs, fruited sours, ambers, and hefeweizen, among others. Bring the kids to the family-friendly tap room to munch on sandwiches and wraps, along with snacks like Bavarian-style pretzels, breaded pickle fries, and mini corn dogs. 2205 N.
sunkingbrewing.com
Tastings - A Wine Experience
Delaware St., 317-602-2552, mashcraft.com
Metazoa Brewing Co. BEER Metazoa Brewing Co. is a craft brewery that donates 5 percent of its profits to animal and wildlife organizations. Offerings range from true-to-style traditional ales to experimental styles big on flavor. The taproom is a large, petfriendly space. With several house beers, a wide variety of seasonals and one-offs, eight nitro taps, and four casks, everyone from the beer novice to brewing expert is sure to find a favorite. 140 S. College Ave., 317-522-0251, metazoa.beer
New Day Craft MEAD/CIDER Established in 2006, New Day Craft produces full-flavored beverages using ingredients like whole fruit and juice, hops, flowers, herbs, spices, and pure honey. Combos
of espresso and black raspberry, lavender and lemon, and strawberry and rhubarb come together deliciously in New Day’s varieties of mead, hard cider, and mead spritzers. 1125 E. Brookside Ave., 317-493-1410, newdaycraft.com
WINE Inside the Conrad Indianapolis hotel, Tastings is a one-of-a-kind wine bar offering new levels of experience to everyone from the novice to the sommelier. With over 200 wines in stock, Tastings boasts an extensive selection of wines to sample or order by the glass. Tastings offers a bistro and tapas-style menu with a large selection of cheese and charcuterie plates, flatbread pizzas, and crostinis. 50 W. Washington St., 317-423-2400, tastingsbar.com
West Fork Whiskey Co.
St. Joseph Brewery & Public House BEER This former Catholic church was converted into a brewery and restaurant that maintains the architectural details of a religious site. House brews include Cornerstone Kolsch, Benevolent Belgian Blond, and Confessional IPA. Seasonal beers with equally inspired names are also available. Sunday brunch features a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar.
SPIRITS West Fork Whiskey Co. was founded by three ordinary guys who sought out to make extraordinary whiskey. Nearly two miles from Monument Circle, this urban distillery offers tours, tasting flights, and a number of seasonal handcrafted cocktails in an industrial-chic setting. With several whiskeys including bourbon, rye, and corn whiskey, West Fork is the perfect place to start your night, or enjoy an afternoon cocktail or an after-dinner drink. 1660 Bellefon-
540 N. College Ave., 317-602-5670, saintjoseph.beer
taine St., 317-672-7468, westforkwhiskey.com
2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE 45
S I G H T S E E I N G A N D E N T E R TA I N M E N T
INDY ATTRACTIONS ART MUSEUMS, MONUMENTS, TOURS, AND MORE
Explore the sights and scenes of downtown Indianapolis and surrounding areas.
ART & MUSEUMS Arts Council of Indianapolis The Arts Council supports hundreds of arts organizations and thousands of working artists in the city through a variety of programs and services. Gallery 924 is a 1,300-square-foot exhibit space housed within the Arts Council offices on Pennsylvania Street, with monthly exhibitions featuring Indy’s creative class. 924 N. Pennsylvania St., 317-631-3301, indyarts.org
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Located just minutes from downtown, The Children’s Museum features five floors of fun and interactive learning across disciplines including the arts, world cultures, sciences, and humanities. Explore one of the largest collections of adult and juvenile dinosaur fossils, discover modern Greek life, see Dale Chihuly’s 43-foottall Fireworks of Glass sculpture, and examine the lives of children who changed the world. 3000 N. Meridian St., 317-334-4000, childrensmuseum.org
Crispus Attucks Museum This museum, named for the local Indianapolis Public School of the same moniker, houses memorabilia from the first all-African-American high school in Indiana. Crispus Attucks, a Black man, was the first hero to die in the American Revolution, and the high school named in his honor was established in Indy in 1927 as a segregated school. 1140 Dr, Martin Luther King Jr. St., 317-409-5281, facebook.com/crispus.attucks.549
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art Through exhibitions, performances, festivals,
special events, and hands-on workshops with artists, the Eiteljorg immerses visitors in the many cultures of the American West and Native America, and it’s the only museum in the Midwest to offer this combination. The awardwinning museum store sells gallery-quality gifts, and lunch is served at the onsite cafe. 500 W. Washington St., 317-636-9378, eiteljorg.org
Indiana State Museum Uncover Indiana’s secrets at this world-class institution, featuring unique exhibits and hands-on experiences that showcase the unique stories, events, and characters that have helped shape Indiana’s history. Spanning three floors of Core Galleries, the museum tells the story of the Hoosier State, and features a year-round calendar of exhibits that dive deeper into Indiana art, science, and culture. 650 W. Washington St., 317-232-1637, indianamuseum.org
Indianapolis Artsgarden This glass structure suspended over the intersection of Washington and Illinois streets offers free performances and exhibits and ticketing assistance for major events around the city. Elevated walkways link it to Circle Centre, hotels, offices, shops, and restaurants. The Artsgarden is also an official visitor center with an attendant on duty to answer questions every day. 110 W. Washington St., 317-624-2563, indyarts.org
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Over the years, the museum has amassed one of the world’s largest and most varied collections of racing, antique, and classic cars, including more than 30 Indianapolis 500 winners. Year-round narrated bus tours of the race track, grounds tours, and Kiss the Bricks tours are available,
46 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE
weather permitting and when the track is not in use for racing, testing, or special events. 4750 W. 16th S., 317-492-6784 indyracingmuseum.org
Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields The IMA is among the largest general art museums in the U.S. Situated on 152 acres that include the historic Oldfields estate/gardens and 100 Acres: The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, the IMA features significant collections of African, American, Asian, European, contemporary, and decorative art, including paintings, sculpture, prints, photographs, textiles, and costumes. 100 Acres is one of the largest museum art parks in the country. 4000 Michigan Rd ., 317-923-1331, discovernewfields.org
Indianapolis Public Library Central Library The Indianapolis Public Library enriches lives and builds communities through lifelong learning. It strives to be a center for knowledge, community life, and innovation. All library services are available to residents of the library district without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. 40 E. Saint Clair St., 317-275-4100, indypl.org
Indianapolis Zoo Just west of downtown, this zoo’s highlights include the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center, Oceans exhibit, dolphin experience, open exhibit areas with 230 different animal species, and seasonal train and family roller coaster rides. Be sure to also visit White River Gardens, a 3.3-acre botanical center with seasonally changing outdoor formal gardens. 1200 W. Washington St., 317-630-2001, indianapoliszoo.com
James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home This site is a true preservation, not a restoration, of the Lockerbie Square Victorian home where the poet James Whitcomb Riley spent the final 23 years of his life. The home features the same furnishings and decor Mr. Riley enjoyed during his lifetime, including hand-painted ceilings, ornately carved furniture, and beautiful antiques from Victorian America. 528 Lockerbie St., 317-631-5885, rileymuseumhome.org
Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library On the west side of downtown, the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library champions the literary, artistic, and cultural contributions of the late writer, artist, and Indianapolis native Kurt Vonnegut. See Vonnegut’s drawings and doodles and the author’s actual typewriter, reading glasses, Purple Heart, and other belongings. Enjoy events featuring writers, musicians, and artists. 543 Indiana Ave., 317-423-0391, vonnegutlibrary.org
HERI TAGE & HISTORY
Indiana Historical Society
The American Legion National Headquarters The home base of the American Legion, the largest wartime veterans organization in the world, contains a unique museum and library. Founded in 1919 with more than 2.4 million members, the organization involves itself in the areas of Americanism, children and youth, veterans’ affairs, and national security. 700 N. Pennsylvania St., 317-630-1200, legion.org
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site An accredited National Historic Landmark, this site shines as an enlightening, entertaining, and educational destination. The mansion is restored to its original Victorian beauty, and houses Harrison’s Commission to the Brigadier General in the Civil War, signed by President Abraham Lincoln; White House china and Oval Office desk; portraits and paintings; and original furniture and furnishings. 1230 N. Delaware St., 317-631-1888, bhpsite.org
Rhythm! Discovery Center The world’s foremost drum and percussion museum features unique, interactive exhibits highlighting a rich collection of historic artifacts and hands-on percussion instruments. Visitors can explore the universality of rhythm and percussion, learn about playing techniques, delve into individual instruments, and enjoy musical performances from local and national performing groups. 110 W. Washington St., 317-275-
Crown Hill Cemetery
9030, rhythmdiscoverycenter.org
317-920-4165, crownhillhf.org
A favorite destination for visitors and locals alike, Crown Hill earned a Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence. Founded in 1863, it’s the nation’s third-largest cemetery with 555 acres of beautiful rolling hills. Thousands visit to take guided tours; enjoy the peaceful beauty, sculptures, and trees; and study the history of 200,000+ people buried there. 700 W. 38th St.,
The Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center showcases the Indiana Experience, which uses new technology to immerse guests in stories of the state’s past in easy, enjoyable, and meaningful ways. Visit the Cole Porter Room, have lunch at the Stardust Terrace Cafe, and shop in the Basile History Market. 450 W. Ohio St., 317-232-1882, indianahistory.org
Indiana Roof Ballroom Located in the heart of the city’s convention and business district, this unique venue specializes in an unforgettable atmosphere. The stunning architecture replicates a quaint, European village. The soaring 30-foot ceiling is a starry-blue night sky, creating the illusion of being outside. 140 W. Washington St., 317-236-1870, indianaroof.com
Indiana World War Memorial The memorial pays homage to Indiana men and women who served during World War I, World War II, and the Korean and Vietnam wars with a 450-seat auditorium and a military museum with weapons, uniforms, flags and other collections, jeeps, and a helicopter. The Shrine Room contains 24 beautiful stained-glass windows. 55 E. Michigan St., indianawarmemorials.org
Medal of Honor Memorial Twenty-seven curved glass panels display the names of 3,469 recipients of the Medal of Honor, an award given by Congress for military valor. The one-acre memorial, across the canal from the Indiana State Museum, represents conflicts from the Civil War through the wars
2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE 47
S I G H T S E E I N G A N D E N T E R TA I N M E N T
in Afghanistan and Iraq, and at dusk, a sound system plays recorded stories about medal winners and the conflicts in which they fought. 650 W. Washington St., indianawarmemorials.org
Scottish Rite Cathedral This Masonic Lodge and event venue on Meridian Street with stunning exterior and interior details has been well cared for and preserved since it was built in 1929, leading to its recognition as a National Historic Landmark. Throughout each of its unique spaces, history comes alive through picturesque wood-carved details, original light fixtures, a grand chandelier, and hand-painted glass windows. 650 N. Meridian St., 317-262-3110, srcevent.com
Soldiers & Sailors Monument Located in the center of downtown, the 284-foottall monument was completed in 1902 and stands as a tribute to those in the armed forces who died in the Civil War. Visitors can access the observation point at the top of the Monument via 331 stairs or elevator. Monument Circle, indianawarmemorials.org
INDOOR AMUSEMENTS Action Duckpin Bowl & Atomic Bowl Duckpin Experience the nostalgia of a vintage bowling alley, and test your skill at duckpin bowling. Action Duckpin Bowl, on the fourth floor of the Fountain Square Theatre Building, has eight
lanes and authentic 1930s decor. Atomic Bowl Duckpin, in the lower level, takes you back to the ’50s with seven lanes and a jukebox. Reservations are accepted. 1105 Prospect St., 317-685-1955, fountainsquareindy.com
Fowling Warehouse Indy Fowling, which rhymes with “bowling,” was born in the Speedway’s infield, and now it’s here permanently. The game resembles cornhole and involves throwing a football at bowling pins. Unlimited open play is $10, and two bars serve more than 150 kinds of beer. If you’re not quarterback material, you can still play defense on the opponent’s throws. 1125 E. Brookside Ave., 317-406-0326, fowlingwarehouse.com
IMAX Theater in the Indiana State Museum Featuring Academy Award–winning technology and a six-story screen, this theater in White River State Park’s Indiana State Museum offers audiences both 2-D and 3-D IMAX films, as well as contemporary Hollywood movies.
Tappers Arcade Bar Discover one of Indy’s brightest nightlife options in historic Fletcher Place. The city’s first retro arcade bar, Tappers focuses on regional craft beer and cocktails with 60 free-to-play arcade games and 25 pinball machines. No food is served, but carry-in is welcomed. Must be 21 or older to enter. 501 Virginia Ave., tappersarcadebar.com
Winner’s Circle Pub, Grille & Race Lounge Winner’s Circle is one of downtown’s most unique social experiences. Enjoy entertainment from exciting racing and sports broadcasting to daily specials in the pub, grille, and wagering lounge. The menu gives guests a welcome twist to traditional pub fare. 20 N. Pennsylvania St., 317-656-7223, facebook.com/otbwinnerscircle
PRO SPORTS Indiana Pacers
650 W. Washington St., 317-233-4629, imaxindy.com
Fast-paced action hits the basketball court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse October–April when the Indiana Pacers battle their NBA foes. 125 S.
North Mass Boulder
Pennsylvania St., 317-917-2500, nba.com/pacers
Flat-earthy Indiana may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of climbing. This bouldering gym has 12- to 17-foot rock walls and colorful, abstract murals honoring the Circle City Industrial Complex’s artist community. There’s also workout equipment, family lounge spots, and craft beer. 1411 Roosevelt Ave., 317-953-6667, northmassboulder.com
Indy Fuel If you love sports or professional hockey, check out the Indy Fuel when you are in Indianapolis. This ECHL expansion team and affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks plays at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum just north of downtown at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. indyfuelhockey.com
TOURS Accent Indy LLC Accent Indy has been providing professional, innovative, and logistical solutions for all meeting and event needs in Indianapolis since 1989. Services include creative and themed events, decor, entertainment, tours, activities, transportation, citywide shuttles, event staffing, program logistics, and airport meet-and-greets. 317-632-8687, accentindy.com
DMCIndy DMC is a full-service destination-management company committed to providing exceptional services to complement conventions, meetings, and special events. 317-217-1691, dmcindy.com
Drinking with Beers Explore local history, culture, and beer on Indy’s most fun and unique drinking adventure. Tours are guided by Amy Beers, Certified Beer Server in the Cicerone program. Visit the website for a list of available outings. 317-782-5670, drinkingwithbeers.com
Indy Brew Bus Indy Brew Bus is a fun way to visit multiple craft breweries around Indianapolis and surrounding areas. Tickets are $52 per person and include transportation to and from three local breweries on an approximately three-hour tour. Participants receive one pint at each location, bottles of water on the bus, coolers on board to keep purchased growlers or carry-out cold, and a brewery passport to help track all the beers you liked. 1316 Capitol Ave., indybrewbus.com 48 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF INDIANAPOLIS HOST COMMITTEE
The true glory of IU Whether they’re facing down a tough class, stepping up to a new challenge, or moving their tassel after receiving their diploma, our students’ accomplishments are our crowning glory. We’re doing all we can to ensure they’re prepared for whatever the future brings. And we’ll be in their corner, fighting for their success, long after their college journeys are complete.
INDI ANA UNIVE Learn more about us at iu.edu.
