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.

Parking Tips for 2012 Big Ten Tournaments

Planning a visit to Indianapolis for the 2012 Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament or the 2012 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament? Both tournaments will be played at Bankers Life Fieldhouse (formerly Conseco Fieldhouse) in downtown Indianapolis. Visit our Big Ten Tournament Parking page for tips and information about parking during the college basketball events.

Tips for Indiana Pacers Parking

The Indiana Pacers are off to a strong start this season. Now that Super Bowl festivities have wrapped up, more fans will flock downtown to check out the young team. Of course, you'll need parking. Check out our Indiana Pacers Parking page for tips. To book a spot in advance, click here.

Super Bowl 2012 Parking Tips

Editor's note: This page contains information about Super Bowl parking in Indianapolis. For information on the upcoming Super Bowl in New Orleans, visit the Super Bowl 2013 Parking Guide.

Finding a parking space in downtown Indianapolis during the Super Bowl week will be a tough task both for local residents and out-of-town visitors. Many garages and lots will be set aside for use by the NFL and corporate sponsors. Most meters will be closed. Other spaces will be replaced with tents for parties or other events. Traffic restrictions surrounding Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center could make it difficult to access the remaining lots.

The Super Bowl Host Committee has designed a transportation plan, including a map showing recommended travel routes. Additional road closures are planned from Feb. 3 through Feb. 5. Here are some tips for those making parking plans for Super Bowl festivities:

Reserve your 2012 Super Bowl game day spot in advance
Several parking garages and lots allow you to make a parking reservation (book now) before you head downtown on gameday. Booking early means you can plan your route into the city and know exactly how close you'll be to Lucas Oil Stadium for the big game, or the Indiana Convention Center for the NFL Experience. It won't come as a surprise that parking spaces closest to the action are most expensive, up to $495, but that allows you to set up a tailgate and stick around for several days. If you do plan to tailgate, make sure the lot where you're booking allows it.

Book with the NFL
The league has agreements in place reserving hundreds of spaces around downtown for use by game attendees. The spots are available for $60 per space plus the cost of Fedex shipping and will only be sold to verified and approved ticket holders. The NFL-controlled spaces in some cases are several blocks from the stadium and are pricier than some privately managed lots, so depending on availability it could be a better bet to opt for a private lot. Reservations are recommended (See above). More information on permits for NFL-controlled spaces is here.

Hoping for a metered spot? Wear comfortable shoes
Downtown has hundreds of metered street parking spaces that typically are the best option for visitors. But all of the spots within several blocks of Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center will be closed during Super Bowl activities due to traffic restrictions and reserved parking. Plan to arrive very early and willing to walk if you want to park using a meter. Meters are free on Sunday.

Parking for non-game Super Bowl festivities
Checking out Super Bowl Village or NFL Experience? You can reserve a spot in advance for one of downtown's numerous parking garages or lots. Another option is Circle Centre mall, which plans to charge a $20 event rate for up to 8 hours of parking and $40 for 8-12 hours, starting Jan. 27. If you opt for Circle Centre, make sure to have a back-up plan since the garages tend to fill up fast. The mall is planning to charge an $80 flat rate on Super Bowl Sunday.

Park and ride to the NFL Experience, Super Bowl Village - SOLD OUT!!
The Super Bowl Host Committee has arranged a special park-and-ride option for downtown visitors. Shuttles will run from Friday, Jan. 27, to Saturday, Feb. 4, picking up at the parking garage at 327 N. Illinois St., the old airport's long-term parking lot at 2155 S. High School Road, and the Market District Garage at 101 N. New Jersey St. The $2 park-and-ride spaces are sold out.

Additional transit options
During weekdays, the Indy Express Bus runs from Carmel and Fishers to Indianapolis for $5 each way. The service also plans to add Saturday service on Feb. 4. Details are here. And starting Feb. 2, the Super Bowl Host Committee plans to offer a shuttle service to downtown from several area shopping malls, including Greenwood Park, Clay Terrace, The Fashion Mall at Keystone and Metropolis Mall. Pick-up times and locations are here.

Still have questions? See our Super Bowl Parking FAQ. 

Editor's note: Links have been updated to provide information on parking in New Orleans for Super Bowl 2013.