TOPIC: Any Suggestions For First Time Travelers Going to Indy?

Anyone know about parking at the hotel? I can't find via the website any cheaper local spots. I'm leery about going too far, I want to check on my car daily as it was not only broken into, but stolen the last (and first) time I went to GenCon (in Wisconsin). I also have hip problems so I have a limited walking distance per day before I'm howling in pain. Any locals know any secret safe locations?

I've heard the hotel is going to run us about 20 a day, which is a lot of money.

Above all. Go with good friends. Your friends make the trip all more pleasurable.

Last year was my first time going to GenCon. I met up with a friend from college. I flew in and took a bus to the convention center. I learned that I do not like to play in tournaments. 8-P I was sitting there for ~8 hours and often not doing anything. My friend and I left before the thing was finished. But, live and learn.
I too cringe to buy water in a bottle. I wouldn't mind it so much if it didn't cost more than a soda. Hot tea in restaurants bugs me too. Its hot water and a 1-cent tea bag. Is it too much trouble for refills! But, anyway... there is Kool-aid too for homemade drinks away from home.
One thing that I saw at the convention that I found nice was a UPS store that allowed people to send packages to themselves of the things they purchased at the convention. Handy for those weight limits at the airport. I didn't use it so I don't know what kind of prices they charge.
David

Thanks for that info David, much appreciated. Hmm, wonder if they would charge you any less for just the hot water since I plan on bring my own chamomile tea bags and mint tea bags and honey sticks.
Thanks again.

Arrion, there is relatively cheap parking right next to the Crowne Plaze, across the street from the Dome, about a block down from the Con Center itself. It's underground...turn in just before the Crowne Plaza entrance, which is itself just before the underpass right next to the Dome. You might drive past it once, but it's easy to find after that. I can't remember the cost, but it was cheaper than hotel spots, I recall.

wonder if they would charge you any less for just the hot water since I plan on bring my own chamomile tea bags and mint tea bags and honey sticks.
Thanks again.

The hotel rooms have "coffee makers" in them where you can heat up water for tea (or oatmeal). You might just bring a thermos and make up some ahead of time.

I am fairly certain we can find a source of hot water for the breakroom as well.

As far as parking goes there are many alternatives to the hotel parking. Some hotel lots range from $16-20. The mall allows for overnight parking at about $16. The farther away you walk from the convention center, the less expensive overnight parking will be. There may be fairly cheap surface parking options, but of course the security may be somewhat less. Carpooling, if you can is the best option, that way everyone pays a portion of the cost and the hit to anyone is minimized.

Dave

I also hear that there's some very cheap parking to the south(?) of the Con Center...'behind' the Dome from the Con Center, across the tracks, a couple blocks away. I think that's south...Big open surface lots. Might be, as dbradical mentioned, less secure, but might be cheaper as well.

I also hear that there's some very cheap parking to the south(?) of the Con Center...'behind' the Dome from the Con Center, across the tracks, a couple blocks away. I think that's south...Big open surface lots. Might be, as dbradical mentioned, less secure, but might be cheaper as well.

I parked at this spot last year for free. I think it is an overflow parking spot for the Colt's games. There was no signage or anyway to pay...so I just drove out on Sunday. I don't recommend this however, since I got a $10 ticket for doing the same thing at the Star Wars convention. There is simply no signage to explain the spot. Perhaps a local could shed some light on this wonderful yet mysterious parking lot?

As I said, I don't know about the spots that far out. Two years ago I parked in a lot right across the tracks...had a little guard gate, was $5 a day, pre-paid, no ins or outs.

Came back Monday morning to find that they'd TOWED my truck about thirty feet. Hooked up big steel hooks to my truck and dragged it 30 odd feet. Apparently, I had parked in a legal parking spot, but one that was right where they wanted to march some marching bands that weekend (don't ask me, that's what they said). The lot manager said they had tried to page the owner of the truck...and for those who have been to Indy, imagine trying to hear a page, even if you happened to be in the Exhibit Hall, the only place I've been told that has a page system.

That lot was full last year...don't know if they brought in any more marching bands or dragged anyone else's vehicles around on metal hooks.

Other than that, it was a sweet deal, and I'm not as bitter about it as I might sound above. I think the marching band thing was an aberration. I'd park there again if it was available.

Well see my reason for the fear and caution is at GenCon in Wisconsin, it was a lot where you had to leave your keys (so they could shuffle the cars around) I didn't want too but being my first GenCon I bit the bait and did it. The bastards gave my carkeys to some random idiot who said it was his car. Didn't check ID or anything. When I came to collect my car they gave me someone elses keys.

(Then I discovered my car was gone)

I'm so leery.

Yeesh. Yeah, I'd be leery too. But I haven't found a parking lot in Indy that makes you give them your keys. Lock the car, alarm if if you have one, hide or remove the valuables, and unless you're driving a ferrari, you should be alright, even without 24 hour surveillance.

Eep, I'm awful sorry to hear that Arrion.
I hope you are able to get the parking situation cleared up and hopefully close enough where the walking won't put you into pain. :