Football resting on green turf near a white sideline stripe

 How to Enjoy NFL Game Day in Indianapolis

Fall is in the air in Indianapolis! For some, autumn means pumpkin spice lattes. For others, it’s all about Halloween. But for sports fans, fall means one thing: football season. On Colts game days, downtown Indianapolis comes alive with fans in blue, football jerseys on every corner, and plenty of excitement leading up to kickoff. 


Whether you’re a lifelong football fan or just getting into the sport, seeing the Colts play at Lucas Oil Stadium Game Day in Indianapolis is a memorable experience. Here’s what you need to know before heading to an NFL game in Indianapolis.

Men gathered around a grill at an outdoor cookout under blue canopies, chatting and holding drinks.

Start With a Colts Tailgate

Tailgating is a time-honored NFL tradition!


On game day, parking lots surrounding Lucas Oil Stadium fill up with fans hours before kickoff. Tailgating is all about sharing your love of the game with friends and strangers alike. The general philosophy is “the more, the merrier!” So, fire up the grill, play a game of cornhole, put on your favorite Colts gear, and enjoy the pregame atmosphere with your fellow football fans. Just keep in mind that individual parking lots may have their own rules, so check the lot policies before you go.

Party at Touchdown Town

Game day should be about more than just the game. It should be about the whole experience of football season. Nothing exemplifies that philosophy more than Touchdown Town.


Hosted by American Family Insurance, Touchdown Town is a family-friendly event that opens at Lucas Oil Stadium three hours before kickoff. It’s like a tailgating party, but bigger. The event features live entertainment, food trucks, interactive activities for all ages, and plenty of opportunities to mingle with other Colts fans. The Colts' official drumline, The Herd, and Colts Cheerleaders are among the entertainment featured during game day.

Night market with food stalls, string lights, and people seated at tables outdoors.
Aerial view of a large brick-and-glass sports stadium in a city

Now, the main event, the game itself. 


If you’re lucky enough to have a ticket, Lucas Oil Stadium provides all the sights and sounds you'd expect from an NFL game. The bright lights, the roar of the crowd, the kickoff… it all feeds into the adrenaline of watching live sports. 

Between plays, you can enjoy the halftime entertainment and participate in the Colts' 50/50 raffle. The proceeds from the raffle go toward the Colts Foundation and Peyton Manning Children's Hospital. 


Some experiences can’t be replicated through the screen. Attending an NFL game in person and immersing yourself in the atmosphere is definitely one of them.

Cheer on the Colts

People watching a soccer match on a TV in a dim sports bar, cheering with raised hands.

Grab a Bite at an Indy Sports Bar

If you’re looking for a more casual way to catch the game, head to a local Sports Bar. Whether you couldn’t score tickets or prefer smaller crowds, a sports bar is a great way to cheer on the Colts outside the stadium. If you want to stay close to the action at Lucas Oil Stadium, there are several nearby spots to choose from.



Favorite Sports Bars Include:

  • Tom’s Watch Bar
  • Kilroy's Bar & Grill
  • High Velocity
  • Yard House
  • Empire Street Bar and Grill
  • The District Tap

Explore Downtown Indianapolis

Game day doesn't have to revolve around that single event. One of the best things about Colts game day is the stadium's location. Lucas Oil Stadium sits in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, putting restaurants, bars, hotels, and other attractions within easy reach.


Instead of coming into the city just before the game and driving away immediately after the final whistle, consider exploring Indianapolis. Come a few days early to enjoy the zoo and museums around town. After the game, give the postgame crowds some time to thin out by getting a drink at a nearby bar. 


Game Day may be the reason you came, but it doesn’t have to be the only reason you stay!

Sunset view of a city square with a tall monument, lit buildings, and traffic circles around it

Stay at Lafayette Inn & Suites

Turn your Colts game into a full Indianapolis getaway with a stay at Lafayette Inn & Suites. Located just minutes from downtown Indianapolis, Lafayette Inn provides a convenient home base for travelers visiting the city for a game at Lucas Oil Stadium. 


Lafayette Inn & Suites offers accommodations ranging from standard rooms to jacuzzi suites. All guests enjoy complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, refrigerators, a fitness center, business center, and free parking.


Whether you're traveling with fellow football fans or simply looking for a fun way to experience the beauty of Indianapolis, enjoy comfort and convenience at Lafayette Inn. Book Now!