Victory Field - Indianapolis Indians

If you think of Indianapolis, quickly race cars and Colts enter the brain. While the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Lucas Oil Stadium are quite the sights, you’re going to want to turn your eyes to Victory Field, home of the Indianapolis Indians, AAA affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Want to be victorious at Victory Field? Get your ultimate FANHOOD experience here!

The stadium is on the corner of West and Maryland Streets in downtown Indianapolis. No need to purchase tickets in advance; walk right up to the ticket counter. If seats do sell out there’s always the lawn! Tickets range from $9-$14, unless you’re in the Knot Hole Kids Club, then it’s FREE (or $4 for a box seat). You may want to check the promotions schedule, especially if you’re going on THRIFTY THURSDAY! $15 gets you a box seat, hotdog, soda, and a gift; I missed out on this one. Monday’s feature the dollar menu – traditional ballpark grub is only $1!

If you’re not in the Knot Hole Club, but want to pretend to be, make sure to wear red, white, & black. Pittsburgh Pirate gear is also acceptable. If you’re lacking, pick up a shirt in the stadium!

There is ample parking in the garages surrounding the stadium. Be ready to pay $5 cash, but if you’re like me and rarely carry cash, then you’ll have to head down Maryland a few blocks and pay $14 to park in that garage. Lesson learned.

Grab your ticket and enter through the Victory Field arch. Grab some grass on the lawn; it’s a great way to spend time with your family. You may even catch a home run ball! Bonus on the lawn, you can bring a cooler in! Sorry, no alcohol, but your picnic fare is most likely cheaper and lower in sodium than concession food!

Find Rowdie, the Indians mascot and take your picture with him!

Head to Center Field and try your arm at the speed pitch and other games! Duck into the teepee!

Grab some food at one of the many concession stands, you’ll find all the basics, hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, BEER. For those over 21, grab a Sun King, the local brew.

Head to your seat and take in the view. You’re in the BEST stadium in all of minor league baseball as dubbed by Sports Illustrated.

Pay attention, you never know what future major leaguers you'll see play here.

See that hotel across the way? It's still under construction, but when this Marriott affiliate is open for business, stay in the penthouse and catch all the action! You'll never have to leave your room! Believe me, I rode the skip (the construction elevator) all the way up there!

Find my friend Larry, a retired man who’s ushered for about 7 years. What a great guy to chat with. I wish I’d taken his picture!

7th inning, get up and DANCE! You might just grab a t-shirt!

If you want to grab a frosty beverage after the game, The Ram, Alcatraz Brewing Company, and Rock Bottom are all breweries within walking distance. If you’re more of a “Coyote Ugly” fan, head to the Wild Beaver, Busch Light is their Wild Beaver tap. Coincidence? I think not.

If you’ve got the blues after an Indians loss, you can hit up The Slippery Noodle, not quite a mile away.
Hopefully you saw some future major leaguers battle it out on the diamond and your FANHOOD experience trumped your Peyton Manning sighting. Did I miss anything on my short Victory Field visit? If so, leave your comments in the comments section, I hope to head back that way sometime this season!