Be a Part of Big Ten in Indy
You don’t need a game ticket to join the Big Ten Championship weekend excitement; downtown Indianapolis is bursting with activities for fans of all ages. With one-of-a-kind experiences, nonstop excitement, and celebrations across the city, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the weekend.
Fan Fest at the Indiana Convention Center
Saturday December 6, 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM EST
Stepping into Fan Fest at the Indiana Convention Center feels like walking into a giant indoor tailgate, filled with football-themed games, skills challenges, and activities spread across the entire venue. Aspiring athletes can even join complimentary youth flag football clinics hosted on site by USA Football. Throughout the event, fans can enjoy appearances from mascots and special guests, spirited performances from participating team bands and spirit squads, and a full lineup of giveaways, sponsor activations, and on-site contests. Food, drinks, and official Big Ten merchandise help round out the game-day atmosphere. And don’t forget to put the “I” in Indy—snap a photo with the NDY sculpture to commemorate your experience! Game tickets are not required.
Ale Emporium Hermanaki Wing Eating Championship
The Big Ten Fan Fest brings an exciting new highlight this year with the debut of the Wing Eating Contest, featuring Ale Emporium’s iconic Hermanaki® wings, a beloved sweet and savory Indianapolis favorite. For years, the Fan Fest eating competition has tested competitors with the legendary punch of St. Elmo’s shrimp cocktail, and now fans can watch top-ranked Major League Eating athletes go head to head with these famous wings. The lineup includes world number 1 and Westfield native Joey Chestnut, number 5 ranked Miki Sudo, the top female eater in the world, and number 6 ranked Nick Wehry. With elite talent and a legendary local flavor on the table, this showdown is set to be an unforgettable part of the weekend’s festivities. Spectators only need valid Fan Fest admission (included with a game ticket or via a Fan Fest-only ticket); there is no separate ticket for the contest.
IU Rally Towels at Social Cantina and The Tap
Looking to bring some of that iconic Indiana game-day energy to the Big Ten Championship? Social Cantina and The Tap are joining forces with the IU Alumni Association to hand out coveted IU rally towels at their downtown locations. Stop by Social Cantina (148 S. Illinois St.) or swing through The Tap (306 N. Delaware St.) to grab a towel, enjoy great food and drinks, and show your IU pride before cheering on the team.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Birthday Bash
Bringing the little ones? Come celebrate 100 years of curiosity and wonder at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, for its Centennial Birthday Bash. The entire museum will be alive with games, party favors, birthday activities, and exciting adventures on every level, including a roving magician, Hedgehog Hannah’s interactive animal show, a centennial dance party, party games, and more. Guests can play I Spy for hidden plush Rexes, watch a speed sketch artist in action, create a Centennial Photo Frame keepsake, and enjoy cake for purchase, all while exploring the museum’s five floors of exhibits and its new centennial one-of-a-kind art mural, Memories, Wonders, and Dreams. Join the celebration, contribute to the museum’s birthday cake kit drive, and wrap up the day with a special birthday parade with Rex! The Birthday Bash is free with museum admission; birthday activities will conclude at 3 p.m. The Children’s Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Caresource Invitational
The Big Ten Football Championship isn’t the only game in town. Downtown Indianapolis will also be buzzing with basketball excitement as the IU Men’s Basketball Team takes on the Louisville Cardinals in the Caresource Invitational at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Ranked No. 25, the Hoosiers will face off against the No. 6 Cardinals in a matchup between two storied programs with a long and competitive history. Fans can expect a high-energy atmosphere as the teams’ supporters fill opposite halves of the arena, cheering on every fast break, three-pointer, and clutch play in what promises to be a must-see matchup.
Buckeyes-only Performance with TBDBITL
Buckeye fans won’t want to miss a special performance by The Ohio State University Marching Band at the Indiana Convention Center. Enjoy the iconic sounds of TBDBITL and join thousands of other Buckeyes to fill the room with scarlet and gray pride. Doors open at 4:15 PM. Ballroom is standing room only.
Big 10 Football Championship Game
Capping off the weekend, the excitement peaks in downtown Indianapolis as Lucas Oil Stadium hosts the Big Ten Football Championship Game, the only city to ever stage this prestigious matchup since its debut in 2011. Ohio State returns to the championship with fans in full force for the first time since 2019, after their 2020 appearance had limited attendance due to COVID-19 restrictions. Meanwhile, Indiana makes its debut in the Big Ten title game, giving Hoosier supporters a historic first opportunity to cheer their team to victory. With the nation’s top two teams going head-to-head, this Big Ten Championship is set to be an unforgettable experience that fans won’t want to miss.
Big Red Warm Up
Fans of the Indiana Hoosiers can gear up for the game at the Big Red Warm-Up, a family-friendly pregame event at the Indiana Convention Center. Attendees can enjoy a food buffet, a cash bar, and live music from the official IU DJ. The Marching Hundred, cheerleaders, and Hoosier the Bison will also make appearances, and every guest will receive an official rally towel to show their Hoosier pride.
