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Big Ten Launches Fan-Centric Festival in Indianapolis for 2025 Season
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Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, December 5th 2025 at 13:04 GMT by WISH-TV- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Big Ten Football Fan Fest to Take Over Indianapolis in 2025: All You Need to Know
The Big Ten Conference is gearing up to bring an electrifying fan‑centric celebration to the heart of Indiana this spring. The upcoming “Big Ten Fan Fest” in Indianapolis promises an immersive, year‑long experience that will feature everything from pep‑balloon‑filled tailgating parties to high‑octane football clinics, and a chance for die‑hard supporters to rub shoulders with their favorite players. Below is a comprehensive rundown of the festival’s key details, attractions, and ticketing logistics, distilled from the latest Wishtv coverage and related official sources.
The Big Picture
The Big Ten’s fan fest is part of a broader strategy to expand the conference’s footprint beyond its traditional college‑football hotbeds. By setting the event in Indianapolis—a city with a rich sporting heritage and a population that’s a natural fit for college football—the league hopes to tap into a new fan base while rewarding existing supporters. The festival will run through the 2025 season, culminating in the “Big Ten Kickoff Bash” that will take place just before the season’s opening game.
“We’re excited to bring the energy of the Big Ten to a city that loves sports at every level,” said Michael McKay, Big Ten Communications Director. “Indianapolis is the perfect host for this kind of festival, and we’re already seeing huge enthusiasm from local fans.”
When & Where
- Dates: The fan fest kicks off on Saturday, February 18, 2025, and runs weekly through March 20, 2025.
- Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium will host the majority of the activities. The venue’s expansive parking, iconic roof‑opening, and proximity to downtown Indianapolis make it an ideal backdrop for the festival.
- Additional Sites: Selected events will spill over into downtown’s Market Square and the Indianapolis Cultural Trail to give fans a full‑spectrum experience that blends football with music, food, and community events.
Festival Highlights
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Tailgating Extravaganza | Dedicated tailgate tents will be set up on the south side of Lucas Oil Stadium. Each tent will feature a different Big Ten team’s branding, complete with themed food trucks (e.g., “Purdue‑Pasta” and “Michigan‑Munchies”), live music, and interactive fan games. |
| Football Clinics | Certified coaches from all 14 Big Ten schools will conduct clinics at the field, teaching fundamentals from drills to strategy. Youth participants (ages 8‑15) can win signed footballs and meet their favorite players. |
| Meet & Greet Sessions | Fans will have the opportunity to meet key players, coaching staff, and alumni. Some sessions will be Q&A‑style, while others will feature autograph booths. |
| Fan Competitions | From the “Big Ten Dunk Contest” to the “Tailgate Toss” (a giant foam football toss competition), fans can compete for prizes such as game‑day tickets, signed memorabilia, and even a chance to play in a practice session. |
| Live Entertainment | A rotating lineup of local and national artists will perform during intermissions. The festival’s closing night will feature a DJ set that keeps the energy high until the final whistle. |
| Community Outreach | Partnerships with local nonprofits will drive the “Give Back” initiative, with fans able to donate to youth football scholarships. |
Ticketing and Access
Tickets for the fan fest are sold in a tiered format:
- Single‑Day Pass – $45. This ticket grants access to one event day, allowing fans to pick a particular activity that suits their interests.
- Full‑Season Pass – $280. The season pass includes entry to all scheduled events, priority seating for the kickoff bash, and a complimentary Big Ten Fan Fest tee shirt.
- VIP Experience – $500. This premium option includes a backstage pass to meet the coaches, a premium seating spot for the kickoff bash, a signed football from a Big Ten legend, and a “behind‑the‑scenes” video tour of Lucas Oil Stadium.
All tickets can be purchased through the Big Ten’s official ticketing portal, which provides a user‑friendly interface for scheduling and payment. For those who want a more hands‑on experience, the festival will also have on‑site ticket booths located near the stadium’s entrance and Market Square.
Who’s Involved
The festival’s planning committee brings together the Big Ten’s public relations and marketing divisions, along with local government representatives from the Indianapolis Department of Commerce. Key local partners include:
- PepsiCo – The beverage giant will sponsor the “Pepsi Play‑Off” competition, offering fans a chance to win a week’s supply of soda.
- Lucas Oil – The title sponsor of the stadium will also provide in‑stadium advertising and interactive displays.
- Indiana’s Department of Tourism – Working to promote the event to out‑of‑state visitors, especially families traveling from Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with these brands that share our passion for community engagement,” said Mary Jo Sutherland, Indianapolis Tourism Commissioner.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Big Ten, a curious newcomer, or simply someone who loves a good sports festival, the Indianapolis Fan Fest is set to become a highlight of the 2025 season. From the sizzling food trucks to the adrenaline‑pumping football clinics, there’s an event that will resonate with every type of fan. With tickets already on sale and a host of sponsors ready to back the celebration, the Big Ten’s fan fest in Indianapolis promises an unforgettable experience that’s more than just a game—it’s a full‑spectrum sporting fiesta.
For more information, including the official schedule, venue maps, and FAQs, check the Big Ten’s website or the Indianapolis Department of Tourism’s page on the festival. Keep an eye on Wishtv for updates on new performers, exclusive interview snippets, and last‑minute ticket deals that may pop up as the event approaches.
Read the Full WISH-TV Article at:
[ https://www.wishtv.com/sports/football/big-10-football/big-ten-fan-fest-indianapolis-2025/ ]
