On Indianapolis

If you stay at a hotel near the circle downtown, don’t park in the Chase lot, adjacent to the Hilton. Here’s my story:

Last year I went to the Wooden Classic in Indy and had a fairly miserable time. UofL lost, which sucked, but that wasn’t the worst part.

I stayed at the Hilton Indianapolis, right downtown. They offer parking in a garage (I believe it is the Chase garage, but I’m not sure) and valet parking for a bit more. The final day there I packed up my car, checked out, and walked around the city for a bit. When I returned to my car in the garage that evening I saw that my car had been broken into, one window shattered and several things stolen. Now, we could say that I might be at fault because I left all my stuff in a car in downtown Indy, but that wasn’t what upset me. A security guard came by, saw may car and said, “Oh, they got another one.” Five cars had been broken into in that garage that day. He said that there’s always care being broken into there, but there are no cameras an nobody has ever been caught. I called the police and went into the Hotel lobby to wait. It was cold out, there was snow on the ground, and I was missing a window in my car. The valet saw that my car had been broken into and assumed that I had parked in the garage adjacent to the hotel. He said that he never lets friends or family park there because it is notorious for break-ins. He said that the valet lot is secure, with cameras, a gate, and 24 security officers. When I told the Hilton staff they acted like I was a fool for parking my car where they recommended, saying that their valet lot was far more secure. Had anyone I encountered that night acted with any concern I would have been far more forgiving. Everyone I talked to from Hotel employees to the police acted like I should expect to have my car broken into if I used that garage.

Sad story, but good info for Mike.

Does that picture feature the arena where the games will be played? Intimate. I guess the Grand Canyon was already booked?

…about 6 weeks ago, took a chance that we’d be the 2 seed in Indy. Everything has worked out perfectly so far. There should be TONS of tickets available because the place seats 70K. Not nec. good seats, but seats.

Where should we park? Driving up Friday and probably not staying the night. Not going to plan for Sunday until the drive back Friday night hopefully.

have to stick with suffering through CBS broadcasts…

I was trying to get tickets last night through the NCAA site, and had no luck. I went on Stubhub and found tickets for $180 (all sessions), so I would imagine there are some good deals still available.

I was in Indy for the Big 10 conference tournament (just the semifinals and finals…there was nothing better to do), and I had parked off of Illinois St. (I think that was the name of it)…Everything is pretty close together, and the walking isn’t too bad.

It already feels like the week is dragging…

I bought six tickets on Ticketmaster last Monday. Section 413 – $120 apiece. They’re pretty high up but in the center of the court. Not too bad of a deal considering you get three games. Right now, I’m seeing tickets available on Ticketmaster in Section 440, center of the court on the other side.

anyone who wants to split gas let me know

in the student lottery, so I’m super excited. I’ll be leaving Friday at about 11, so if you’re interested in car pooling, let me know. Email at ryan.e.leonard@gmail.com