Headed to Indianapolis for the UK game? Here’s your guide for what to eat, see and do
READ MORE
Men’s NCAA Tournament: Previewing Kentucky vs. Saint Peter’s
Click below to view more content from the Lexington Herald-Leader and Kentucky.com previewing Kentucky’s men’s basketball matchup against Saint Peter’s on Thursday night in the NCAA East Regional at Indianapolis.
Expand All
University of Kentucky fans are known for their pilgrim-like zeal, traveling to away games far out of state to blanket arenas in blue.
On Friday, that venue was Tampa, where the men’s team won a 77-71 victory over Vanderbilt to cheers of “Go Big Blue” that filled Amalie Arena up to the rafters.
So when the men’s team plays its next game in Indianapolis Thursday – officially ushering in March Madness for Kentucky – it should be just a short jaunt for the most ardent Cats fans.
Aside from the electrifying atmosphere that’s sure to engulf the city ahead of the big game, there’s plenty to see and do. The Herald-Leader has you covered with this list sourced from the local tourism experts at Visit Indy.
What’s happening with the NCAA in Indianapolis?
Tournament games will take place at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with the men’s team playing the St. Peter’s Peacocks Thursday. Tip off starts at roughly 7:10 p.m. eastern.
The women’s team starts their tournament play Saturday in nearby Bloomington, Ind., against the Princeton Tigers. Game time is 4 p.m. eastern.
Fans in Indianapolis for Thursday’s game can catch the Bottleworks BBall Bash. At the event, part of Indianapolis’ central Carrolltown Avenue will be blocked off to make room for 20-foot LED screens displaying the games. The event starts at noon and goes till 9 that evening. It’s free and open to the public.
If you don’t have tickets to the men’s game Thursday, but still want to be in the beating heart of the NCAA action, this is where you’ll want to be.
You can check out a parking guide, a map and any policies you need to be aware of at here.
How can I cheer on the Wildcats with the UK Alumni?
Fans can join the UK Alumni Association and the Central Indiana UK Alumni Club for some fun before the game at 5 p.m. Thursday at Punch Bowl Social, located at 120 South Meridian Street Circle in Indianapolis.
The event is free.
UK swag will be available while supplies last, with food and drinks available for purchase. If Kentucky advances, a similar event will take place two hours prior to the session Saturday.
Punch Bowl Social is the official UK alumni and fan headquarters for the weekend. Feel free to stop by anytime after 11 a.m. Thursday.
What about St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Indianapolis?
Thursday is St. Patrick’s Day, and the following festivities come recommended:
Parade, block party and dyeing of the canal downtown Thursday
Saturday’s Blarney Bash on Monument Circle – food, drink and live entertainment in the epicenter of the city
Where can I eat, drink and watch NCAA games?
St. Elmo’s Steakhouse: Located just steps from Lucas Oil Stadium, Indy’s oldest and most iconic steakhouse in its original location boasts top tier food, drink and atmosphere. A downtown staple since 1902, St. Elmo’s may be best known for its shrimp cocktail, which was deemed “The World’s Spiciest Dish” by the Travel Channel.
Brunch recommendations: Milktooth, located inside a former car care facility, and Love Handle, which serves southern, comfort-style food.
Bar recommendations: The Slippery Noodle Inn, located adjacent to Lucas Oil Stadium, is a former brothel and the oldest dive bar in Indiana. It boasts live jazz music nearly every night of the week. The District Tap is a classic sports bar right downtown. The Dugout is consistently rated the best dive bar in the state. For “The City’s Best Hamburger,” try Sullivan’s Steakhouse, named for the famous boxer. You can take in the retro, 1940s decor while listening to jazz or watching the game.
Brewery recommendations: Ellison Brewing and Broad Ripple Brew Pub are among the top picks for brews and hoops.
Can’t make up your mind? Check out one of the city’s newest food halls, The Garage, located inside the new Bottleworks District.
What else is there to do in Indianapolis?
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is home to the largest single-day sporting event in the world, The Indy 500. The iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a must-visit for any sports fan. Located within the famed 2.5-mile oval, this museum’s collection features more than a century’s worth of racing automobiles and artifacts.
This story was originally published March 15, 2022 at 4:39 PM.
