Big Game, Big Weekend, Big Impact
Visit Indy anticipates up to 100,000 visitors will come to the state capital this weekend for the sold-out Big Ten Conference Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium. The organization estimates it will have a $15 million impact on the area economy. During an interview on Inside INdiana Business Television, Indiana Sports Corp. Vice President of Event Management Marcie Ahern says the game and surrounding events are an opportunity to market the city as a long-term option for future championships. December 5, 2013
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The following contains information on fan events throughout the weekend.
All public and team tickets to the 2013 Big Ten Football Championship Game have been sold. A limited number of suites are available. If interested, please contact Indiana Sports Corp (317-237-5000).
Friday, December 6
3-9 p.m. – Big Ten Fan Fest presented by Dr Pepper – Indiana Convention Center
-An interactive experience for fans of all ages featuring exhibits, games, giveaways, trivia contests, legends appearances, autograph opportunities, and more.
-Admission is free with a championship game ticket; $8 for adults/$4 for youth
-Live “look-ins” on FOX Football Daily, which begins at 6 p.m.
-Big Ten Network will televise #BTNLive from 6-7 p.m. with Dave Revsine, Gerry DiNardo, Howard Griffith and Glen Mason.
3-9 p.m. – Meijer Tail Greater Party on Georgia Street
-Free to attend
-At 6 p.m., Soul Street Band performs
-Food trucks and a beverage garden
-Screens showing college football action
-Photo opportunity with a life-size Stagg Championship Trophy
-Merchandise stand
6 p.m. – Michigan State Alumni Event – Slippery Noodle (372 S. Meridian St.)
6-9 p.m. – Buckeye Happy Hour with the Greater Indianapolis Alumni Club/Ohio State Alumni Association – Champps (Circle Centre Mall – 49 W. Maryland St.)
Saturday, December 7
9 a.m.-Noon – ESPN College GameDay Built by The Home Depot – Pan Am Plaza
-he three-hour show of news and analysis will air live from Pan Am Plaza in Indianapolis on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 9 a.m. ET, in advance of the Big Ten Championship between No. 2 Ohio State and No. 10 Michigan State.
-Hosted by Chris Fowler, GameDay features analysts Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard and David Pollack with reporting by Samantha Ponder, Tom Rinaldi, Scott Van Pelt and Gene Wojciechowski.
-Fans can enter the “pit” beginning at 7 a.m. Fans are only allowed to bring a sign in that area. No bags, backpacks, etc. are allowed in the “pit” area. Once the pit is filled, fans can fill in around the ESPN College GameDay set on Pan Am Plaza.
10 a.m.-8 p.m. – Big Ten Fan Fest presented by Dr Pepper – Indiana Convention Center
-An interactive experience for fans of all ages featuring exhibits, games, giveaways, trivia contests, legends appearances, autograph opportunities, and more.
-Admission is free with a championship game ticket; $8 for adults/$4 for youth
-USA Football FUNdamental youth clinics at 11 a.m., Noon, 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m.
-Autograph session with former Big Ten players (4-5:30 p.m.)
-Team pep rallies featuring marching bands and cheerleaders (Michigan State – 5:30 p.m.; Ohio State – 6 p.m.)
-Live “look-ins” on FOX Football Daily, which begins at 2:30 p.m.
-Big Ten Network will televise #BTNLive from 11 a.m.-Noon with Dave Revsine, Gerry DiNardo, Howard Griffith and Glen Mason.
Noon-8 p.m. – Meijer Tail Greater Party on Georgia Street
-Free to attend
-At 3 p.m., World Famous St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail Eating Contest, featuring Joey Chestnut and Major League Eating competitors
-From 4-8 p.m., DJ Helicon performs
-Food trucks and a beverage garden
-Screens showing college football action
-Photo opportunity with a life-size Stagg Championship Trophy
-Merchandise stand
8:17 p.m. – Kick-off – Ohio State vs. Michigan State
Additional Photo Opportunities
Friday and Saturday – Large B 1 G letters in front of Lucas Oil Stadium (corner of South Street and Capitol Avenue)
Saturday throughout the day – Fans tailgating at RV Nation (located at the corner of South and Pennsylvania Streets)
Saturday 9 a.m.-Noon – SaturDAY of Service presented by St.Vincent Health
-Service projects at Gleaners Food Bank, Second Helpings, Indy Reads Books, Dayspring Center, and Westminster Neighborhood Ministries.
2013 Big Ten Restaurant Pairings
Leaders
-Buffalo Wild Wings (7 E. Washington St.)
-Champions (350 W. Maryland St.)
-Champps (49 W. Maryland St.)
-Harry & Izzy's (153 S. Illinois St.)
-Scotty's Brewhouse (1 Virginia Ave.)
-The Ram Restaurant & Brewery (140 S. Illinois St.)
Legends
-Colts Grille (110 W. Washington St.)
-Hard Rock Cafe (49 S. Meridian St.)
-High Velocity (10 S. West St.)
-O'Reilly's Irish Bar and Restaurant (36 S. Pennsylvania St.)
-Slippery Noodle Inn (372 S. Meridian St.)
-Weber Grill (10 N Illinois St.)
Source: Indiana Sports Corp.