Avoid Parking Woes This Thanksgiving

Downtown Indianapolis will be action-packed during Thanksgiving weekend, as more than 200,000 people head downtown for a bevy of events including the Circle of Lights tree lighting and a Pacers game Friday, a Carrie Underwood concert Saturday and a Colts game on Sunday. Plan to attend one or all of the above? Don't forget about parking. IndyParking.com is your resource for tips and advanced reservations. Find your event below for updated parking information and how to reserve a guaranteed space in advance.

 Select your weekend event:

•  Circle of Lights Parking
•  Indiana Pacers Parking
•  Carrie Underwood Parking
  
•  Indianapolis Colts Parking
  

Ready for Colts football?

Colts football is back, and fans are feeling optimistic thanks to promising performances by rookie quarterback Andrew Luck. Tickets are selling fast, and the team appears poised to record another sellout season at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Attending a game or games? Don't overlook parking in your planning process. Prepare for game day by visiting our complete Colts Parking Guide including information on parking meters, surface lots and how to book a parking space in advance.

Visiting Indy for the FFA Convention?

• First off, welcome back to Indianapolis!
• You have several options for parking ranging from metered street spaces to parking lots and garages around the city. You can explore them using the navigation options above and at right.
• If you'd like to reserve a space in advance, there's a convenient surface lot at Washington and Delaware streets selling a limited number of advanced spaces for $7 per day. (Per 12-hour period. You can set specific arrival and departure times.) Check back next time to book a space.
• Finally, you can read up on FFA parking options direct from the organization.

A Friday Night Parking Nightmare?

Rarely are so many downtown events planned for the same evening: The Gen Con gaming convention, Blake Shelton concert, Motorcycles on Monument Circle for the Indianapolis GP and Fringe Fest all will draw folks downtown the evening of Aug. 17. Traffic could be heavy, and parking prices likely will rise to event rates rivaling those for Colts games.

Headed downtown? Your options range from finding a metered space (free after 9 p.m.) to trying to snag a spot at Circle Centre (these will fill up early with Gen Con visitors). If you want to ensure you'll have a space, you can reserve a Bankers Life Fieldhouse VIP space at the Maryland Street garage for $22. (Click on the Aug. 17 Blake Shelton link and book your parking via an IndyParking.com partner.) Also check out our Indianapolis Downtown Parking Tips.

Countdown to Gen Con 2012

It's that time of year again: The world's largest gaming convention is returning to Indianapolis. Gen Con Indy 2012 is scheduled for Aug. 16 through Aug. 19 at the Indiana Convention Center. One of the biggest questions for attendees is, "Where do I park?" You've come to the right place for answers. We've set up a Gen Con Indy parking guide with tips and advice on where to park for the convention. Check back for regular updates.

Indianapolis Indians Baseball is Back

The weather is nice and the boys of summer are back at Victory Field. The Indianapolis Indians, the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, kicked off their season in April and will be playing at Victory Field through September. The 12,200-seat stadium known as one of the best minor-league ballparks in the country is also a hit when it comes to parking. There are more than 6,000 spaces within an easy walk of the ballpark, and rates are typically just $5. For more information and to book your parking spot in advance, check out our Victory Field Parking page.

Parking for Indianapolis Fireworks

This year's downtown Indianapolis fireworks display could break attendance records, despite the sweltering heat. That's because the drought conditions led several surrounding communities to cancel their fireworks displays. Armchair pyrotechnics aren't allowed to shoot off their own fireworks this year for the same reason. Hence: Make sure you plan your route into downtown in advance, including parking, for the Donatos Downtown Freedom Blast, which starts at 10 p.m. July 4. Here are a couple of ideas to help you avoid a parking headache: 

• Head downtown early and watch the Indianapolis Indians take on the Louisville Bats. Reserve your Victory Field parking spot now and stay in your seats after the game to enjoy the downtown fireworks display.
• Park at a metered space. Meters are free on the Fourth of July. But a word of caution: Many such spaces on main thoroughfares will be blocked for traffic-control purposes.
• Decide on your preferred fireworks vantage point: Is it War Memorial Plaza, White River State Park, IUPUI or a nearby neighborhood? Then consult our list of Indianapolis parking garages and lots to find a nearby parking lot or garage.

Bottom line: Stay alert and safe, and have fun. If you watch in person, remember to tune your radio to 97.1 Hank FM, 93.1 WIBC or 1070 The Fan for music synchronized to the fireworks. If you're staying home, the whole thing will be broadcast on Fox 59.