INDIANAPOLIS — Downtown Indianapolis is ready to host the Iowa Hawkeyes and Michigan Wolverines in the Big Ten Championship this weekend.
Indiana Sports Corp is expecting more than 100,000 people to be in the city and generated just over $20 million in economic impact.
It’s the thirteenth time Indy has hosted the title game. While hosting the conference championship is a guarantee in 2024, what comes after that is up in the air. Indiana Sports Corp says the city has placed a bid to secure the game for four more years.
Here are some of the events promoting the game set for this weekend:
Big Ten Kickoff Concert: Friday 5-9 p.m. on Monument Circle
Rod Tuffcurls and the Bench Press will perform live on Monument Circle on Friday, Dec. 1. Ticket prices are “donate what you can” to benefit Gleaners Food Bank as they fight hunger in central Indiana. Food and drink will be available for purchase, and fan giveaways will be happening throughout the night, including two tickets to the Big Ten Football Championship Game.
Big Ten Fan Fest: Friday 5-9 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Indiana Convention Center
More than 200,000 square feet in the Indiana Convention Center will be dedicated to interactive games, entertainment, performances by participating team bands, giveaways, food and beverages, and opportunities to show off your football skills.
Admission to the Fan Fest is free with a game ticket. For individuals without game tickets, Fan Fest tickets may be purchased on-site at the Georgia Street Ticket Office located outside of Hall J in the Indiana Convention Center starting at 3:30 p.m. on Friday and 9:30 a.m. Saturday.
Prices for adults are $12 and youth (ages 3-12) are $6. Children ages 2 and under are free. Individuals with a military ID will gain complimentary access.
Fan Fest band performances will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2, with the Michigan band and cheerleaders performing at 5:15 p.m., followed by the Iowa band and cheerleaders at 6 p.m.
FOX Sports Cares Night – Friday 5-7 p.m. at the Indiana Convention Center
In partnership with Fox Sports, the Community Service Committee will work to recruit 120 Indiana Special Olympic athletes to take part in basketball, cheer and football clinics within Fan Fest concluding in a special awards ceremony and cheer performance at the end of the evening. Clinics will be executed by USA Football, clinicians from the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament youth clinic, and Indiana University Red Steppers.
Big Ten Tailgate Town on South Street on Saturday from 10-8 p.m.
Lot B of the Convention Center across from Lucas Oil Stadium. Free admission.
The Big Ten Tailgate Town includes a Major League Eating Contest ,where the top ranked eaters in the country see who can eat the most St. Elmo shrimp cocktail at 3 p.m., food and beverage sales, college football action on the video screens, a live band and DJ, merchandise sales, sponsor giveaways, and photo opportunities.
Schedule:
12:30 - 2:30 p.m.: Alaina Renae Music Performs
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.: St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail Eating Contest
4:30 - 6:30 p.m.: Karma Brand Performs
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.: DJ Lockstar Performs
Game Information:
Iowa Hawkeyes are taking on the two-time defending champion Michigan Wolverines. The game is on Saturday at 8 p.m. at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The game is sold out.