If you love football (or great commercials…or parties with lots of snacks), you’re probably looking forward to Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis, Indiana happening this Sunday. If you’re taking a trip to Indiana to see the big game in person, or if you’re planning to experience it all from the comfort of your couch, let Bing Maps be your insider’s guide. Our incredible aerial imagery and Bird’s Eye perspective allow you to enjoy unique, beautiful, and interactive pictures of Lucas Oil Stadium and all the best sights and attractions that make Indianapolis “the crossroads of America!” Check it out!
The Main Event
On February 5, all eyes will be on Lucas Oil Stadium, where ticketholders will be soaking in the exciting atmosphere during the game. The stadium, which opened in 2008, boasts the largest retractable roof in the NFL, covers 1.8 million square feet, and was named the 2009 Sports Facility of the Year by Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal. You can read more about the stadium here.
Also, check out these before and after aerial images of the construction process. Big improvement, don’t you think?
January 27 – February 5, visitors can enjoy the NFL Experience—an interactive theme park all about pro football—hosted at the Indiana Convention Center. Between the NFL Experience and Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Georgia Street will be transformed into Super Bowl Village (a.k.a. “The Epicenter of Awesome”). These three blocks will be packed with interactive games, restaurants, bars, concerts, live attractions, and four ziplines overhead! Learn more at www.indianapolissuperbowl.com.
Georgia Street, Bird's Eye perspective
New in Town?
Bing Maps offers helpful tools and information for visitors to Indianapolis, and also for those who simply want to know more about the city.
The Indianapolis Museum of Art holds a collection of over 50,000 pieces of art spanning 5,000 years and representing the whole world.
Indianapolis Museum of Art, Aerial view
Indianapolis Museum of Art, Bird's Eye perspective
It sits adjacent to the breathtaking 100 Acres Art and Nature Park. Best of all, the museum is FREE!
For those more interested in fashion than football, check out the Material World Exhibit, featuring “the extravagant ornamentation of textiles and personal adornment from cultures around the world, highlighting the significance of textiles in displaying wealth, status, and power.” This exhibit is open through Sunday, February 5.
Perhaps the city’s most infamous attraction, don’t miss the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indy 500. This incredible facility is offering special hours of operation during Super Bowl XLVI for tours, boasting one of the most highly visible collections in the world devoted to automobiles and auto racing. More information is available here. Enjoy several tour options of the famous 2.5 mile oval in person, or check out this image:
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Bird's Eye perspective
Traveling with kids? The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a must-see. Come explore all five floors of the largest Children’s Museum in the WORLD! Yes…the whole world. Exhibits cover science, culture, history, and the arts…and there are some frighteningly realistic dinosaurs that look like they’re roaming the grounds, looking for fun!
Children's Museum, Aerial view
Children's Museum, Bird's Eye view
If you haven’t had enough museums, you’re in luck…there are MORE! Three of Indiana’s best are all lined up in a row, for your viewing pleasure. In one visit (or click of the mouse, for those following along at home!), you can see the Indiana State Museum, the NCAA Hall of Champions, and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art.
Three Museums, Bird's Eye
For many of you, a day of shopping will ALWAYS sound more fun than a day of football. The Cultural Trail of Indianapolis is a walking/biking trails that connects all five of the downtown Cultural Districts in the city, including Fountain Square, Indiana Avenue, Mass Avenue, The Canal and White River State Park, and the Wholesale District. Each district offers fun shops, great restaurants, and lovely galleries to explore.
Find more info here: http://www.indyculturaltrail.org/
The Cultural Trail, Bird's Eye view
The Canal Walk, Bird's Eye
For those history buffs, check out the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument.
This towering structure is hard to miss, and is situated very close to Super Bowl Village. At 284 feet tall, the monument stands in memory of the thousands of Indianapolis residents who lost their lives in the Civil War. Visitors can see the city from the glass-enclosed observatory up top, or check out the historical displays about the Civil War in the basement.
If you want to brave the winter cold, the White River State Park and Indianapolis Zoo are excellent destinations. Located downtown, White River was one of the first state parks in Indiana. Check out the zoo, three museums, and an IMAX theater, all with a great view of the city skyline.
White River State Park from the air
Finally, if you’re wandering the city and looking for a quick and delicious snack, drop in at the Indianapolis City Market. This has been Indianapolis’ go-to place for fresh produce, specialty foods, delicious baked goods, and fine meats and cheeses from around the world since 1886. It’s also a great spot to relax and enjoy the sights, smells, and lively atmosphere of the city.
Indianapolis City Market, Streetside view
Need a map? We love maps…so here’s a helpful collection of maps to help you navigate all the local events: Know Before You Go.
We hope you’ll enjoy touring the city (live, or virtually) as much as we have. Continue using Bing Maps for all your travel needs, Super Bowl related or otherwise!