Before the Big Game: Fan-worthy events in Indy

The party before the party: The week leading up to the greatest football matchup lights up Indianapolis. Credit: bnpositive.

By Amy Carey

About 10,000 visitors are expected to flood Indianapolis on Feb. 5, which seems manageable considering the millions who will be tuned to their TVs around the world for – what else? – football (and commercials, of course). It’s not too late to book an Indianapolis hotel or scope out the highlights in the week leading up to the high-demand event.

The Village
What is a sports event without major performers? Long before Madonna vogues her way back into the half-time show, hit the Village on Jan. 27 for live music on two stages: the Pepsi Stage at Meridian and Georgia Streets and the Verizon Stage at Pennsylvania and Georgia Streets. The spectacles are free to the public.

Among the other must-dos:

Emmy-award winning Zuri Hall will serve as on-stage emcee in the Village as well as host for “Village TV,” while comedian and ambassador Mike Epps will also make special appearances throughout the week.
“Fire and Ice” Lounges will provide food and beverage sales in several locations through the Village.
Super Dash pits two human-powered wheels — one dedicated to each fan base of the competing teams – against each other. Each day, the top 100-yard dash winners will be revealed. And on game day, the division that generated the most energy will be crowned champion.
Kinect NFL PLAY 60 FanDome provides an immersive 360 degree inflated dome with full-body gaming on Kinect for Xbox 360. Kinect responds to body movement with controller-free gaming.
Starving? Purchase Papa John’s from a mobile kitchen near the Verizon Stage on Pennsylvania Street.
Catch the ESPN Broadcast Studio on Pan Am Plaza.
The Ice Gurus Randy Finch and Derek Maxfield from the Food Network’s show “Ice Brigade” will entertain with live ice sculpting performances
While pre-sale for ZipLine tickets has ended, walk-up sales for $10 per ride will be available daily for visitors to enjoy the 96’ tall, 800’ long ride down Capitol Avenue through the Village. Tickets must be purchased at the time of the ride, while spots last.
Tailgate Town and Touchdown Alley will provide a fun football atmosphere as you enjoy the Village.

The Huddle at Circle Centre
This key venue near the Village offers a place to booze, eat and shop before the event. Check these out while you’re there:

Chef’s Table
End Zone Beer Garden
Warming area with limited seating
NFL Ticket Exchange
LIDS Locker Room @ Circle Centre – 23,000 square feet of retail space with a wide assortment of merchandise
Entertainment
LIVE WISH-TV broadcasts from the 24-Hour News 8 Huddle at Circle Centre studio
Clear Channel Communications’ nationally syndicated Bob & Tom Show will do live morning broadcasts from The Huddle Thursday, Feb. 2 and Friday, Feb. 3. Limited space available. Check www.BobandTom.com for show details.

Show that you’re 21 or over with valid ID and pay a small cover charge for access to The Huddle After Hours Club, which will be open during the celebration leading up to the Big Game. Located at 130 South Meridian St. (formerly the men’s department at Nordstrom), the lounge flirts with top shelf cocktails, an exclusive VIP area and entertainment.

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