Nike Central Zone Invitational 2027: Indianapolis parent travel guide

Getting there and around

• Indianapolis International (IND) About 15 miles southwest of downtown; usually 20–25 minutes by car or ride-share.
• Skywalks Many downtown hotels connect to the Indiana Convention Center by enclosed skywalks, so you can walk to the halls without going outside in January.
• Driving in Downtown is where I-65 and I-70 meet. Allow extra time on Saturday morning when thousands of families arrive at once.

Housing rules (stay-to-play)

• Book through ITS (TAP) The event uses the Tournament Advantage Program. Out-of-town teams must book through Integrated Tournament Solutions (ITS); rooms booked directly with a hotel don't count. Families must follow the event's housing rules.
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• Fees and dates ITS charges a $12 booking fee per reservation. Stays are check-in Friday Jan 22, check-out Sunday Jan 24. Changes or cancellations within 10 days of arrival may cost one night's room and tax.
• Availability As of early November many listed hotels showed sold out with a waitlist. Check ITS for current availability, or call ITS at 800-476-0060.
• No PlumJar hotel deals here Because of the stay-to-play rule, PlumJar is not lining up hotel deals for this weekend.

Eating near the convention center and team dinner tips

• No outside food inside The Indiana Convention Center does not allow outside food or drink without written consent; Sodexo Live! is the exclusive caterer. Plan team meals at restaurants or your hotel, and eat before you walk over.
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• Steps from the halls (under 0.3 mi) S Illinois St and S Meridian St have many restaurants with private rooms that host groups, plus sports bars and family-style Italian. PlumJar has no confirmed deals with any restaurant listed here; these are public listings to help you plan. Call ahead for groups.
• Circle Centre and Monument Circle area (about 0.3–0.5 mi) More sit-down chains and pizza spots a short walk away, several linked by skywalk.
• Book early With thousands of families downtown the same weekend, Saturday night tables go fast. Book a big table at least a week ahead and ask about a set group menu. Tell PlumJar your team's needs once and we'll email options as restaurants confirm.
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Parking

• Downtown garages Garages and lots around the convention center charge higher rates on big event weekends. Reserve ahead with a parking app or park once at your hotel and use the skywalks.
• Check the event site The event page has a parking section; check it close to the event for any updates.
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Weather and what to pack

• For the player Two or three uniforms, knee pads, court shoes (plus spare laces), ankle braces or tape, a big water bottle and recovery snacks.
• For the family Indianapolis in late January is cold: highs often in the 30s°F and nights in the teens or 20s°F, with a chance of snow. Bring warm coats for any outdoor walk, layers for the halls, a seat cushion and a portable charger. Leave the cooler at the hotel: outside food isn't allowed inside.

Schedule tips

• Schedule and start times The schedule link and start times are listed as TBA on the event site. Check back the week of the event.
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• Two-day event Play is Saturday and Sunday. Most families arrive Friday night; plan Sunday flights or the drive home for late afternoon or evening.

Prices, schedules and offers change; check each source before you go. PlumJar is an independent service for traveling families, and the PlumJar service is free for families. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Capitol Sports Center, the venue or any business listed, except where a deal is marked confirmed.

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