Many Michigan football fans are set to embark on Lucas Oil Stadium this Saturday for the Big Ten Championship Game.
The Wolverines will collide with the Purdue Boilermakers, looking for a second consecutive B1G title.
This could be a first-time trip to Indianapolis for some. Others may just want to familiarize themselves with the area before embarking.
Either way, we’ve got you covered with what you need to know on your way to Indy.
The Big Ten Championship Game
Saturday’s Big Ten Championship Game has No. 2 Michigan taking on unranked Purdue at 8 p.m. ET.
The Wolverines (12-0) are the champions out of the Big Ten East, while Purdue (8-4) won the Big Ten West.
This is Michigan’s second appearance in the Big Ten Championship Game, winning last year’s contest with Iowa 42-3.
Purdue is making its first appearance in the conference title game.
Getting to Lucas Oil Stadium
If leaving from Michigan, you will be heading south to get to Indianapolis.
Lucas Oil Stadium is located at 500 S. Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, Ind. 46225.
The home of the Indianapolis Colts recommends, if approaching from the north, to get to I-65 South and take Exit 114 (Martin Luther King Jr. St./West St.). From there, just go south to South St. The stadium will be on your right.
If coming from Michigan, you are likely going to be coming from, around, or crossing through one of these four major cities to go to Indy.
- Ann Arbor: Take US-23 South to US-24 West. Merge onto I469-South which will take you to I-69 South. Stay on I-69 South for 96 miles until merging onto I-465 South. Take exit 44 to merge onto I-70 W, which connects with I-65 South.
- Detroit: Get onto I-75 South until you reach exit 204 for I-475 West toward US-23. Follow I-475/US-23 South until you reach US-24 West. Follow Ann Arbor’s directions from there.
- Lansing: Get to I-69 South and take that all the way to I-465 South. Follow Ann Arbor directions from there.
- Grand Rapids: Get onto I-196 West until you merge onto US-31 South. From there connect onto I-465 West and follow Ann Arbor’s directions from there.
For Colts games, Lucas Oil Stadium recommends arriving at least three hours before kickoff to allow extra time to navigate in and around downtown due to heavy gameday traffic and regular construction projects.
Gates open two hours prior to kickoff.
Parking at Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis boasts that it offers over 70,000 parking spots downtown. That includes multiple options for accessible parking.
ADA accessible parking is available in Lucas Oil Stadium’s South Lot with access off northbound Missouri St. on a first-come, first-served basis.
Denison Parking owns and operates nearly 2,000 spaces in multiple parking lots around the stadium. That also includes oversize parking for buses, campers and RVs. For further information, you can call 317-91-1760. Online reservations can be made in advance with ParkWhiz.
A full list of available lots and addresses of the lots is located here.
Rideshare or taxi services are available around Indianapolis as well. Drop-offs and pickups are advised to use Northbound Illinois St., a block from the stadium.
Tailgating is not permitted in Colts-controlled parking lots, which includes the South Lot, Lot 2 and Lot A. All other tailgating policies will be at the discretion of lot operators.
Does Indiana have online sports betting?
Your favorite Michigan sportsbooks may not be available on your trip. However, no need to worry, as Indiana has legalized sports betting as well.
The Hoosier state even offers up some sportsbooks not found here in Michigan, so you can take advantage of some Indiana sportsbook sign-up bonuses while in Indy if your heart desires.
Inside Lucas Oil Stadium, you can find the WynnBet West Club in the upstairs club level, located on the west side of the stadium.
WynnBet West Club is a 21 and over sports bar environment inside the stadium. WynnBet signage will also be noticeable around the venue.
Lucas Oil Stadium also features a Caesars Sportsbook Lounge. It is a betting-friendly area with LED screens that will display the latest college football betting odds. It is not an actual sportsbook that can take physical bets.
The Caesars Sportsbook Lounge is located conveniently close to Caesars South Gate, in the southwest corner.
What to know when visiting Lucas Oil Stadium
Just as Ford Field in Detroit, Lucas Oil Stadium is a completely cashless venue. Only card and mobile payments are accepted. That also applies to ticketing, as only mobile tickets are accepted at the gate.
Like most NFL venues, Lucas Oil Stadium has no shortage of food and beverage options. You can click here for a complete list of food and drink offerings, as well as in what sections the options are located.
NFL venues have implemented a policy to limit the size and types of bags allowed into their stadiums. That is meant to provide a safer environment and expedite fan entry.
Fans are permitted to bring in clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that don’t exceed 12”x 6”x 12”.
No buckles, grommets, hardware or décor can be concealing any part of the bag. It must literally be all clear.
Also acceptable is a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag, or a small clutch that doesn’t exceed 4.5”x 6.5” in size.
For any other questions, we suggest checking out the Indianapolis Colts’ A to Z Gameday Guide.
