Grand Nationals 2022

This week is it!  It is hard to believe but Nationals is this week.  I know parents are excited to get to Lucas Oil and cheer our kids on.  For future reference, here are the next few years dates for Nationals: 

November 14-16, 2024
November 13-15, 2025  

SCHEDULE
The marching band schedule is posted for you to refer to. Link:

https://marching.musicforall.org/event/grandnationals22/

Jenison performs at 8pm.  Friday is a free day so enjoy Indy.  There is an IKEA close by, the children's museum is awesome if you have younger kids and tons of great places to eat.  Around 9ish Friday night, they will announce who is moving on to semi finals.  We usually stream it from Box5 (you have to pay to watch).  Details will be released about the agenda depending on those results.
 
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.

Buy Grand Nationals 2022 Tickets Online

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! 


Lucas Oil also has many food vendors, but prices will be your typical arena price gouging amounts. Also, it might be a good idea to bring a pop bottle cap or water bottle cap in case they do not provide that to you. Many arenas are keeping the cap so you can’t seal off your drink.

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.
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