- November 10-12, 2022
- November 9-11, 2023
- November 14-16, 2024
- November 13-15, 2025
SCHEDULE
The marching band schedule is posted for you to refer to. Link:
marching.musicforall.org/event/grandnationals21/
LODGING
The marching band will stay in a different hotel nearly every year. It is not recommended that the parents stay in the same hotel. Parents may stay anywhere else in town they feel suits them the best. There is lodging all over the place, including right downtown within walking distance to Lucas Oil Stadium. These hotels are pretty pricey and book up fairly quickly. It is recommended to make reservations about 10-11 months in advance of the competition.
PARKING
Lucas Oil is surrounded by businesses. Over the course of the event, they open up their parking lots for $10-20 (prices may vary). The prelim’s are not jam packed with people, but it is a normal business workday. That means there are only a few businesses available to park at. The big parking lot behind Lucas Oil is reserved for buses and equipment trucks. South of that lot (just north of I-70) are a bunch of businesses that have pretty decent parking areas. If you are going to attend their performance on Friday, make sure you are in the area and parking at least an hour early. You need to allow time to walk to the stadium, purchase tickets, make you way inside (must pass through security), and find a seat.
BAG POLICY
Music for All encourages spectators to not bring bags into venues. Pending each venues specific guidelines small bags, clear bags and emergency medical bags may be permitted. Bag policies are effective to expedite entry into venues and provide additional safety. Spectators will be allowed to bring items such as cameras provided, they are not in cases that would violate the bag policy at that venue.
TICKETS
All tickets can be purchased in the northeast corner of the building or the southeast corner of the building. These areas are marked with a yellow arrow on the map in this blog. I can’t remember if these ticket windows are both open all of the time or if they close one during certain hours, but I have purchased tickets at both locations before.
Tickets can be purchased online, as well. Go to the Ticketmaster website for what sections cost what. Remember, all ticket purchases will have fees - even the tickets bought at Lucas Oil.
marching.musicforall.org/grandnatsr21tickets/
FOOD
Eating in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas is exciting. My husband Mike and I like to try different restaurants that are featured on the show Diners, Drive In's and Dives with Guy Fieri. There is a great one called www.steerin.net/Home . Indiana is known for their pork tenderloin sandwiches and they have one here that is amazing. They also have amazing homemade noodles. Their food is incredible. There are many located within walking distance to Lucas Oil so pull up a map and enjoy exploring the city!
EXPO
Within Lucas Oil are dozens of companies, colleges, and services for music students to peruse. Items can be purchased here as well as being able to join organizations and try out some instruments.
Free Time:
While watching the other bands is a great use of free time, there are a couple noteworthy stops we like to make. On the way down, along 31 is an awesome farm store called wilsonfarmmarket.com/. Is is located outside of Carmel and is a wonderful place to pick up delicious bakery goods, fresh deli meats and cheeses, fudge, old-fashioned candies, pies, Amish meats, fresh produce, jellies, jams, salsas, and even seasonal goods like morel mushrooms! It is a really fun store, we highly recommend checking it out. Bring a cooler to bring home fruit pies, chicken pot pies, meats and cheeses.