Indianapolis Tailgate

LuvBigFloppers · Post by **LuvBigFloppers** » August 3, 2005 9:19 am

Can someone run through the tailgating details for an Indy virgin? I've heard conflicting stories. Can you tailgate in the venue parking lot? If I come in an RV will they make me move after the show? Is this campsite across the road my best option? Is it $20 per person to stay there and can I stay the night with my RV? I assume from description this is just a field and there is no place to plug in. Thanks for any help anyone can give.

roosterfrog · Post by **roosterfrog** » August 3, 2005 10:16 am

Per a conversation I had with someone in the front office at Verizon Wireless Music Center, they are allowing tailgating in the parking lot for the Jimmy Buffet concert. And yes, there is a farmer's field that you can camp in across the road for $20. However, there is also a camground on the Verizon property which opens at noon the day of the show and will remain open until noon the following day. I am taking an RV and camping in the Verizon campground. I do know that neither campground has any hook-ups, that's where the generator comes in handy. Also, the Verizon lot allows for bon-fires after the show. The cost is $55 and you can reserve or pay for a spot at:

http://www.vwmccamping.com/

Also, the Verizon Campground is much closer.

Quiet and Shy · Post by **Quiet and Shy** » August 3, 2005 2:38 pm

In generaly, Indy tailgating rules are:

Parking lot opens at 3 pm
No glass
No grills
All vehicles must leave the Verizon grounds that night after the show

LIPH · Post by **LIPH** » August 3, 2005 2:41 pm

I took the bus from CIP with the PHIndy club when I was there last year. I just did what I was told.

melissa newton · Post by **melissa newton** » August 4, 2005 11:37 am

I've only been to Indy for Buffett one time and the parking lot that we were put in wasn't a whole lot of fun, nothing compared to Tinley Park. Is there a different parking lot where more of the action goes on?

msu#1 · Post by **msu#1** » August 4, 2005 10:26 pm

The Indy verizon campground sucks, we were there last year because we knew someone who got us a site for free, there was only like 10 other cars tailgating. They werent real friendly either, just drank by oursleves and almost started a fist fight with my best friend-vowed to never go back...........but Im thinking about it again.

I would stay at sleepy bear if I was camping

LuvBigFloppers · Post by **LuvBigFloppers** » August 5, 2005 10:05 am

Okay, I'm confused. The campground sucks and there is very little tailgating. The venue doesn't allow tailgating and you can't even go in until 3:00PM. Where is the party at? I've got an RV but I want to be where the action is. Can an Indy veteran help me out here? I'm used to Cincinnati where its a massive tailgating drunk fest.

melissa newton · Post by **melissa newton** » August 5, 2005 4:52 pm

There is tailgating at the venue, but when I went it was right after 9/11 so I don't know if it was just very strict, or if we should've just went in different gates. I have friends who live in Indy that said they were there the same year and where they were parked it was a blast. So I thought maybe someone could give me some insight as to which end of the parking lot to go in. But I know what you mean, Cincy is a blast and Tinley Park we all start across the street at the hotel parking lot early in the morning. Actually, when we went to Verizon last time, a bunch of people just parked outside of the gates along the road and started partying.

roosterfrog · Post by **roosterfrog** » August 8, 2005 8:42 am

MSU#1, which night did you stay at the Verizon Campground last year?

And where on the property is the campground in relation to the lawn?

You suggested camping at Sleepy Bear, were there a lot more people partying/camping there?

Duffett · Post by **Duffett** » August 8, 2005 10:25 am

O.K. You guys are scaring me. I booked at the verizon campground. We just liked the location because it was walking distance and we didn't want to have to drive anywhere after. Is it really sucky? Should we find another location? How far away is this sleeping bear camp site?

We are coming from Michigan and don't know the area at all.

roosterfrog · Post by **roosterfrog** » August 8, 2005 4:11 pm

I say we make it the place to be. I've got 15 to 20 people coming to the Verizon campground around 2 or 3 to get things started right. And we plan on having a bon fire and keeping the party going after the concert is over.

blank1127 · Post by **blank1127** » August 9, 2005 2:02 am

I can't say that I've been to either the Verizon campground, or the Sleepy Bear campground, but I read on another thread that at Sleepy Bear they give each guest a armband and if they spot somebody not wearing one they kick them out. Might keep undesirables from roaming around your rig or tent. The Verizon site used to say no alcohol was allowed at their campground but maybe that doesen't get strictly enforced. As for the tailgating, the main lot has the best of it. Enter off 146th st. There is a rear lot that I believe is alot smaller, only been in it once and not for JB. It's not like Cinci, but it's not a complete waste either. As far as restrictions go, no open fires are allowed. Not sure about running generators on Rv's. I keep reading that no glass is allowed, but We've been bringing Corona in bottles for nearly a decade and never been hassled by security so far. Hell one year I walked up to the gate drinking one and dumped it in the trash before entering. Nobody said a word. That's how it was last year, and I plan on brining bottles this year so we'll see. The main lot is gravel and quite large, so walking around to find good pockets of tailgating is usually best. There is limited tailgating after the concert, since it takes a good hour or more to empty out the lot. We usually sit for at least 20 min before even starting up. There is also a Cheeseburger in Paradise that just opened up last week, about 15-20min south on I-69 at 96th st. Go to their website for directions. I'm sure there will be tailgating there, probably starting at around noon. There's also a Bahama Breeze a few miles W on down 96th, I've heard band members occasionally hit those places after the show, not sure if they've ever done that here though. Let me know if you have any further questions, I've lived in Indy for most of my 32 years, been going to JB since 95. If you see a Jeep Cherokee in the lot flying a big Jolly Roger, that's me. Stop by and say hi.

dcsouth10 · Post by **dcsouth10** » August 9, 2005 8:31 pm

I camped at Verizons campground last year and yes there weren't a whole lot of people but it was still a great time. You don't get hasseled, and you can have a bonfire all night long. I'm coming with about 12 parrotheads and I agree with the other post why don't we just make it the place to be. We'll be arriving at the gate at noon when they open.

roosterfrog · Post by **roosterfrog** » August 10, 2005 9:15 am

See you there dc.

spainjane · Post by **spainjane** » August 10, 2005 10:06 am

We went to sleepybear last year and had an awesome time. We had an RV, but there were also people in a tent area.
Lots of people, lots of partying going on there.
I don't remember anything about arm bands though...

roosterfrog · Post by **roosterfrog** » August 10, 2005 10:38 am

spain jane, what are the rules at sleepy bear? what time can you get in / what time do you have to be out? Are there bonfires allowed? and how many people would you guess were there? thanks

spainjane · Post by **spainjane** » August 10, 2005 11:00 am

http://www.sleepybearcampground.com/

Here's the website, it has a phone number so you can call and ask questions.
I don't remember any rules!!!

It was one of the best tailgates we went to last year, especially because we didn't have to worry about driving

roosterfrog · Post by **roosterfrog** » August 10, 2005 12:06 pm

thanks!

LuvBigFloppers · Post by **LuvBigFloppers** » August 11, 2005 1:35 pm

Okay, I made reservations at SleepyBear campground. I hope your are right and its the place to be. See you there!

roosterfrog · Post by **roosterfrog** » August 11, 2005 9:20 pm

I think I'm going to take my chances with the Verizon Campground, less rules to follow.

BuffettNews.com

Indianapolis Tailgate

Indianapolis Tailgate

Tailgating at Verizon

Good Times