Best Sports Venues in Indianapolis

Indianapolis is filled with great sports venues. From the old classics like Butler's Hinkle Fieldhouse to new beauties like Lucas Oil Stadium, sports fans are sure to have a good time in Indianapolis. Here is our ranking of the stadiums and arenas of Indianapolis, perhaps the best sports downtown area in the country.

1. Lucas Oil Stadium - Home of the Indianapolis Colts

   

   Named as the best sports stadium in 2011 by Stadium Journey Magazine, Lucas Oil Stadium has everything that a fan of the NFL would want. It will be curious to see how the experience changes with a new QB at the helm in Andrew Luck.

2. Hinkle Fieldhouse - Home of the Butler Bulldogs

   

   Movie magic aside, this venue provides historical significance, and modern day excitement. It is without question, an absolutely great place to see a game. The student section is small, sandwiching the court on both baselines, but the energy is pervasive. This aided by a solid pep band, and a ridiculously large cheerleading and dance squad.

3. Bankers Life Fieldhouse - Home of the Indiana Pacers

   

   Built in 1999, Bankers Life Fieldhouse has withstood the test of time and still remains one of the best places to watch a game in the NBA. Formerly known as Conseco Fieldhouse, the arena has won multiple architectural awards both for its roof design commemorating the Indiana high school fieldhouse design as well as for its layout, which makes guests feel like they are at a high school basketball game in Indiana.

4. Indianapolis Motor Speedway - Home of the Indy 500

   

   The Indy 500 is now an Indiana and American tradition that is over 100 years old with the first race being held in 1911. The race has become deeply embedded in the sports institutions of Indiana. Before each race, Jim Nabors sings, “Back Home Again in Indiana” for the ceremonial beginning to the race. After the race, the winning driver is treated to a bottle of milk that began as a tradition in 1933 when a local dairy farmer supplied the first bottle.

5. Victory Field - Home of the Indianapolis Indians

   

   Basketball always comes to mind first when thinking of sports in Indiana, but this town has a long history of professional baseball. Since 1887, there have been baseball teams in Indianapolis, including a stint as part of the National League for four years. Since 1902, the team has been known as the Indians, even though they have been affiliated with the White Sox, Phillies, Expos, Reds, Brewers, and currently the Pirates.

6. IUPUI Gymnasium - Home of the IUPUI Jaguars

   

   With a capacity of 1,215, there isn’t a bad seat in the house. The small, intimate environment is what makes IUPUI Gymnasium one of the best gymnasiums in the Summit League to watch a basketball game.