GenCon 09 Debrief
GenCon 2009
Well, it has been almost a week since GenCon 09, and I am sure everyone got their fill of GenCon related posts, but I still feel like I need to debrief my readers on my experience. I have attended every GenCon since it migrated to Indianapolis but one, and each has been an entirely different experience for me. This year was no exception.
I’d like to apologize if my writing seems a bit… off. I am currently swimming in a sudafedrine induced miasma due to some oddball virus (I’m dubbing it GNCN-09).
Last year I had every hour of my schedule packed with RPGA events, leaving only about 4 hours of breaks a day. All I did was game, and it was the best GenCon I had until this year. This year due to untimely badge registration with me and my group of friends that make the yearly pilgrimage, we couldn’t pre-order event specific tickets.
Also, this year two of us had evolved and were attending the convention in new roles. I was attending as a proto-industry professional (attending the ENnies as a nominee, being a panelist, published author, and Nevermet Press founder) and one of my good friends was going as an RPGA game master. So my perspective had changed a little.
Personally, I was torn between the desire to just relish in gaming as a gamer and my ambitions to network with established professionals in the industry. I am what I consider a passive networker; I will introduce myself to professionals and strike up conversations but if it appears they are not interested I cut things short and move on. I can just imagine all the fanboy-wanna-bes that get in the face of the publishers, developers, and designers at cons. I certainly don’t want to come off as pushy.
There is also a part of me that just wants to leave the business at home and relax by throwing down some dice, networking be damned. Despite my passive networking, I think I did manage to meet several professionals and make an impression. I’ll have to follow up with them soon and see if they remember me…
The following is a list of highlights by day.
Wednesday: Day 0
Technically GenCon didn’t start until Thursday, but that doesn’t stop the hardcore gamers. My pal Bruce arrived early for RPGA meeting where they hand out shirts and badges. My other GenCon comrade, Mike tried to get his 4-Day badge, but was turned away. After that, we decided to grab some people and run slot 0s. Bruce ran the new Adventuring Company module, which was interesting.
I’d like to point out that since Bruce started DMing for the RPGA (with the release of 4e) he has improved tremendously as a game master. He has slowly expanded his DM bag’o’tricks along with some useful equipment that definitely enhances and smooths play. So yeah, just want to give a shout out to BH2 for growing into an awesome DM.
Thursday: Day 1
I arrived early and got my Press Badge, which I would like to extend a hearty thanks to Stacia and her crew for hooking me up. There was at least one irate press member that was being a dick. All I have to say is you need to have more class, especially considering you’re getting a free badge with fringe benefits. Like the special pass to get into the exhibit hall an hour early, which I took advantage of. It was that pass that allowed me to be present on the inside and see the crowd nearly trample each other to get to the Paizo booth at which I was already standing. I quickly grabbed my copy of the Pathfinder book and a giant purple Paizo d20 and stepped in line where Jason Bulmahn, lead designer, signed my book.
Folks, the line for the Pathfinder book was insane; it wrapped around their booth twice and then went back to the corner of the hall. Even the local Channel 8 news crew was on hand to ask attendees what all the hubbub was about. After I checked out and marveled at the Paizo crew greeting just about every face in line, I went and hooked back up with my own crew.
We got some generics and squeezed in some RPGA events. It was the only day I did any real gaming, and the gaming caused me to miss the RPGBN panel that I wanted to attend. I apologize to my blogging friends for not showing, but I think gaming is an acceptable excuse. I don’t remember what happened during the rest of the afternoon except that we all went and ate at the RAM. I had a pint of their GenCon brew, two thumbs up!
Then I grabbed another buddy of mine, who goes by “Bubby” but whose real name is David, and went down to IUPUI for Tracy Hickman’s Killer Dinner and a seminar on the importance of story (not necessarily in gaming). I participated in the Killer Dinner and lasted a surprising 9 minutes and 15 seconds. During play, I managed to get [EDIT: ah... I managed to leave out the previous very important word, get] hit on by a well-manicured young guy with a heavy German accent (much to the enjoyment of my old prof, Mat Powers, who organized the event; he was the guy dressed like the swamp magi near the gaming booths). I’m as hetero as you can get but I rolled with it. Unforgettable.
After the KD, Tracy gave a very moving seminar on the importance of story and how each person creates a unique experience when they read a novel. I think I’ll save the details for later as it also fits with some other research I have been doing with story theory. I hope Mr. Hickman is feeling better, because despite his awesome performance during the dinner, he looked exhausted and I didn’t see him again the whole con.
Friday: Day 2
Friday morning consisted of Mike and I updating our Pathfinder Society characters to the new rules, which was easy considering we were only third level, but we also took some time to actually read much of the book too. I have a negative energy channeling Osirion Cleric of Pharasma (Death & Water domains) with Selective Channeling. I totally can’t wait to play him (since we had an epic fail to actually get in on some PF Society action).
Oh and for anyone attending a con, if you see someone creating a character with a brand new, just published core book, don’t ask them to borrow the son-of-a-bitch to create your own. First, I’m using the goddamned thing myself and second, it’s brand new and I would rather not have some stranger adding wear & tear. Go buy a frillin’ copy for yourself in the exhibit hall!
Then I met and old friend of the guys I game with, a very nice gal who loves True Dungeon (which is too expensive for me) and is getting back into gaming. Well, we ended up going to the exhibit hall to get some more autographs for my Pathfinder book when something amazing happened. I won’t name names, but a certain Paizonian staff member made an impression on my new friend. Needless to say, I hear things are currently going great between them. If you keep up with the Paizo message boards, you’ll know who I am talking about, but I am trying to respect their privacy as much as possible (while still geeking out about it here on the blog). I am totally claiming responsibility for anything interesting that becomes of their meeting.
I topped the evening off by attending the ENnies awards ceremony. If you haven’t heard, Chgowiz accepted the Silver medal for Swords & Wizardry for Best Free RPG, which is just an outstanding accomplishment. I think it sort of validates a lot of the good stuff the new-classical gaming movement is doing. I would also like to congratulate Obsidian Portal for beating everyone in the Best Website category by taking Gold. Last, but not least, I hereby give Wolfgang Baur and Open Design/Kobold Quarterly the ability to request me to accept any awards on their behalf should they not be able to attend next year.
That night, Bubby and I managed to run into Jess Hartley (of White Wolf fame), who much to my surprise, Bubby is good friends with. She asked us to playtest a new card game, Tinker’s Damn, she is developing that casts players as steampunk inventors. Bubby and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and I can’t wait to see it on the shelves. Jess, if you read this I’m available to playtest anytime.
Saturday: Day 3
I slept in late because I had a splitting headache, and I didn’t even drink anything! So I didn’t get to the convention center until around 1300, when I thought my panel was scheduled. I quickly found out it had been re-scheduled for 1600, but burned most of the time by talking to fellow panelist Quinn Murphy (At-Will) and Mike Shea (Sly Flourish).
Then I took my seat for the 4e Bloggers Panel. Those that read this blog may not realize that I create 4e content, but I have collaborated on the Skill Challenges of War series with Jonathan Jacobs and Quinn Murphy for The Core Mechanic. I have also been published in Kobold Quarterly #10 as a co-author (collaborating with the same people) via an article including skill challenges. I think the panel went rather well and I believe it will be turned into a podcast. I did manage to give a shout-out to Eddy Webb from White Wolf who was sitting in the audience. I know, White Wolf during a D&D panel, sacrilege!
Speaking of White Wolf, my pal Bubby and I managed to squeeze invites out their staff for the infamous Succubus Club. That evening, Mike, Bubby, and I descended upon the ICE Lounge downtown for the exclusive party. Needless to say, the environment made me miss my wife very much. I made some new friends and contacts (shout to the folks at the ENnie winning All Games Considered) and got very drunk on White Wolf’s tab. We also got invited to the after party in the Omni and thanks to our Designated Driver, made it safely home. Thank you White Wolf for the great time (publishers take note).
Sunday: Day 4
We wrapped the weekend up with a final walk through the exhibit hall. Mike had seen a live-action hentai movie, and was dying to show us, but we think the vendor actually closed up shop early. After we were done with the exhibit hall, we all piled into a car and drove to Monument Circle and had coffee while we debriefed each other on our GenCon experience which included gaming, networking, and romance.
Want to read more about conventions? Check out this month’s well timed RPG Blog Carnival hosted by Chgowiz. Also, you can check out my other articles on GenCon.
Other GenCon Articles:
GenCon: IUPUI Events
IUPUI School of Informatics
My alma mater, Indiana University – Purdue University of Indianapolis, has invited Tracy Hickman (of Dragonlance & Ravenloft fame) to speak at the campus during GenCon. His presentation is on the critical role of storytelling in gaming, after which he will engage the audience in the roleplaying event, Killer Dinner (he usually hosts the Killer Breakfasts at GenCon).
Tracy will be at the School of Informatics (Informatics & Communication Complex) on Thursday, August 13th at 1900 hours. For non-students, tickets will be available for sale at the School of Informatics (really, the Media Arts & Science discipline) booth at GenCon Indy on that Thursday for $5 a seat. I’ll present the canned text at the end of the article.
Beyond getting tickets to hear Tracy speak and participate in the Killer Dinner, you should definitely check out the IUPUI booth at GenCon. I’ve had the priviledge of being able to keep tabs on what the students in my old discipline have been preparing, and I’m blown away by the hard work they’ve put into it.
First, be sure to participate in their Augmented Reality Game, which a certain GenCon Lifetime Industry Guest will be participating in. The stills I’ve seen of the Augmented Reality part of the game are outstanding.
The School of Informatics booth will also host samples of student work including some Flash games that I hear have been all the rage with fellow students and faculty and definitely have some intriguing gameplay concepts.
I’m also hoping that the sequential narrative students will be showing off some of their comic book work, because I have heard (and seen) some really good things coming out of the Advanced Sequential Narrative ccourse. The course is instructed by my former professor, Mat Powers, whose is also spearheading the GenCon activities. Keep up the excellent work!
Become a fan of gaming and storytelling in education by visiting their Facebook page.
About Tracy Hickman & Killer Dinner
Tracy Hickman:
In 1981, Tracy approached TSR, Inc., the makers of Dungeons and Dragons, with two role-playing games. TSR, Inc. saw the potential in Tracy’s creativity and offered him a job as a game designer. Through this connection, he has made a significant contribution to the way role-playing games have evolved.
While working at TSR, Inc., he teamed up with editor Margaret Weis where they wrote their first publication together, The Dragonlance Chronicles. Since that time, he has authored over 35 novels, many on the best-seller list, and has written over 15 role-playing games. Tracy is also the writer and co-designer (with wife, Laura Hickman) of Apogee of Fear, the first science-fiction movie filmed in space aboard the International Space Station in October 2008.
Welcome to Killer Dinner!
Tracy Hickman takes on all comers in an extreme version of his classic, wacky, no-holds-barred role-playing game, leading you down the path to CERTAIN DEATH as he masterfully engages you in his killer game! A rampaging gamemaster, relentless hordes of first-level characters facing certain death against monsters that will kill them on an initial roll alone … and show-stopping musical numbers (well, maybe), is what Killer Dinner is all about!
The rules are simple: you join seven other players on stage armed only with your pathetic, pre-generated first level character sheet against the worst Game Master you’ve ever faced. Your weakling warrior, meek magic-user, or all-thumbs thief immediately faces outrageous situations that spell CERTAIN DEATH.
Only three things will save you: if you do something extremely brave, or something extremely stupid – usually the same thing – or you do something extremely entertaining! As long as you keep the Killer Dungeon Master happy, you’ll live for another round! The moment your death is more entertaining than you are, your character dies and you are immediately replaced by the next player in line.
Remember, in this game, it’s not how long you live-for you will die-but how well you live that makes it fun! (Oh, and if you are expecting dinner, there is none!)
Want to read more about conventions? Check out this month’s well timed RPG Blog Carnival hosted by Chgowiz. Also, you can check out my other articles on GenCon.
Other GenCon Articles:
Listening to: Tesla - Psychotic Supper - Edison’s Medicine
Beyond GenCon: Local Gaming
I know most gamers who converge upon at the Crossroads of America in Indianapolis for GenCon rarely have time to do anything else but game, talk about games, or shop for games. However, just in case any of my readers have some free time, arrive early, or leave later, I am writing a series of articles that present attractions and events that might pique your interest. This second article of the series deals with the local hobby game scene as well other types of gaming.
HOBBY GAMING
First up are Indianapolis’ friendly local gaming stores. These stores serve as hubs for the local hobby gaming community and we’re lucky enough to have several fine establishments in the area.
Arsenal Game Room
Indy’s only downtown location dedicated to hobby gaming. The Arsenal not only has three themed game rooms (dungeon, back alley, and board rooms) but they also have a cafe that offers modestly priced food (I recommend Troy’s pulled pork sandwich). It may actually be the cheapest place to grab a bit to eat in the immediate vicinity. A buddy of mine, Mr. Givens, has secured the Arsenal for a couple of old WoD LARPs he is currently running. The Vampire game is held every 2nd Saturday and the Werewolf game is held every 4th Saturday.
If you are looking for a decent place to play outside of the con, I recommend you check out the Arsenal and see if you can set up in the board room.
Downtown Comics
Downtown Commics has been around for 15 years, and is a very established geek hangout. Though not only focused on gaming, Downtown Comics does support a lot gaming, and they have an annual post-GenCon Heroclix Big Battle (1200pts). Also, since they are celebrating their 15th Anniversary during GenCon, you can get in on some special deals (check out their website for more information).
Gamerz
Not far to the south, in the suburb of Greenwood, is Gamerz. It is a fairly new addition to the hobby community and has recently changed proprietors. Though it is new, I believe it is making excellent strides in providing gamers a friendly place to network and organize events. Gamerz is often the meeting place of the Indy Gamers meetup group (boasts 413 members on their site) Last I checked, they were also gearing up to open a new cyber cafe for LAN and online gaming.
Games to Die For
Located north of the airport in Indy’s west side suburb of Avon, Games 2d4 is also a new fixture in the local gaming scene. I haven’t been there recently, but the store was heavily focused on wargames (and there is certainly nothing wrong with that) when I visited. In fact, I picked up my Lich Lord Terminus from Games to Die for while I was there (it was after the price increase by Privateer Press, but it still sported a pre-increase price tag).
The Game Preserve
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention The Game Preserve. TGP is a local mainstay and it has been around as long as I can remember (the original store being established in 1980). It now has four locations: Keystone Crossing Fashion Mall (northeast), Greenwood (south), Bloomington, and West Lafeyette. So not only does The Game Preserve serve the Indianapolis area gamers, but it is also an icon for the two largest universities in Indiana (IU & Purdue). The Game Preserve locations in Indy are small but pack a lot of merchandise.
NON-HOBBY GAMING
If you scratch a tabletop gamer, you’ll often find pixels. Many hobby gamers also play video games, albeit just to fill the downtime between being at the table. I’ve also included action pursuit gaming, because who doesn’t like live-action wargaming? Besides, sometimes you need to get off your rear and move around.
Gameworks
Gameworks Studio is located on the 4th level of the Circle Centre Mall and is your typical arcade. I mourn the old Mechwarrior pods that used to be located here, but there are plenty of the newest generation arcade games here to throw your quarters at.
Xscape
Xscape offers many of the same arcade games as Gameworks, but adds additional amusement attractions like bowling, bumper cars, and go karts. It is located further north off I-65 on Lafeyette Road. They also have more variety in food.
Jillian’s
Is a three-level sport’s bar located in downtown Indianapolis. The first level is primarily sports events presented in hi-def (and the best place to sit and eat), the second floor has over 100 video games, and the 3rd floor is bowling and billiards.
Dave & Buster’s
D&B’s just got an Indianapolis location, situated on the northeast side in Castleton. It is a nationwide (located in Canada too) restuarant, bar, and arcade. I haven’t been there yet, but I have heard good things.
Mission Control
Located west of the airport in Plainfield, Mission Control is one of the few gaming cafes in the Indianapolis area that I am aware of. I know for sure that they have Xbox 360 and PC gaming available. Mission Control’s claim to fame was that they were featured on a local news channel’s story about profanity and online gaming. At least the story offered sound advice: parental involvement!
Toxcity
Toxcity is located on the southside in Greenwood and offers 20 XBOX and 360 stations, GameCubes, PS2, Wii’s, and 12 PC stations, 4 110″ Screens, 150″ Movie Theater with 5.1 surround and hundreds of games. They also do collectable trading card games and offer all-night lock-in parties with live music.
Dark Armies
Dark Armies was my first paintball experience, and it was fantastic. DA is located in an underground warehouse and takes place in almost absolute darkness. It really exudes a post-apocalyptic/survival vibe. Especially when they send out the guy in a Predator costume (don’t know if they still do, but I hope so). In October, Dark Armies is transformed into the Necropolis haunted attraction.
White River Paintball
Located in Anderson, about 20 miles northeast of Indianapolis off of I-69, White River Paintball offers 125 acres of paintball field. They have eight signature fields: air strip, woodsball, Bedlam City, Omaha Beach, battlefield, dunes, Fort Field, and Skid Row. They offer open play, scenarios, and private parties. They also have a Pro Shop on the premises.
Want to read more about conventions? Check out this month’s well timed RPG Blog Carnival hosted by Chgowiz. Also, you can check out my other articles on GenCon.
Other GenCon Articles:
Listening to: Stabbing Westward - Darkest Days - Drowning
GenCon Restaurant & Pub Guide
This article was originally posted August 3rd, 2008. I have added several new restuarants to this for this year.
If anyone is like me, a few hours of gaming gives you an appetite. And since a lot of GenCon attendees will not be familiar will with downtown Indianapolis, I figured I would give a list of my favorite wining (or at least beer drinking) and dining locations.
With more than 260 destinations for food and beverage in the greater downtown Indy area, it may be difficult to find a decent place to grab some grub. The conveniently close restaurants like the Subway and the McDonalds (in the Hyatt basement), and Circle Centre Mall’s food court, and the Steak’n'Shake are all standing room only.
Nothing downtown is cheap because we all have to pay for that new fancy Lucas Oil stadium they are building beside the Hoosier (RCA) Dome [update: the RCA Dome has been demolished]. That’s not a joke, they actually placed an additional tax on restaurant food (which is why I’m packing my lunch). I am not going to provide directions, because that is just tedious, and because I am confident that if a gamer can figure out game mechanics, they can read a map.
I have actually been to all these establishments and give my official seal of approval on them. If you would like to find out more about downtown Indy visit this IndyDT (though be warned about broken links and the freakin’ irritating mouse icon!).
MBL’s Top 13 Locations:
1. Ram Brewery
140 S Illinois St
(317) 955-9900
Get directions
- Food – ****
- Beer – *****
- Price – $$$
- Atmosphere – ****
- Other – Privateer Press usually make their home here.
2. The Rathskeller
401 E Michigan St.
(317) 636-0396
Get directions
- Food – ****
- Beer – ****
- Price – $$$
- Atmosphere – ****
- Other – German cuisine and beer, go to the Biergarten!
210 S Meridian St
(317) 635-6325
Get directions
- Food – ****
- Beer – *
- Price – $$$
- Atmosphere – ****
- Other -Huge portions, Excellent for the family
4. The Claddagh
3835 E 96th St
(317) 569-3663
Get directions
- Food – ****
- Beer – ****
- Price – $$$
- Atmosphere – ***
- Other – Pretty good Irish Pub, sometimes the seating can suck
5. The Arsenal Game Room & Cafe
874 Virginia Ave
(317) 822-4263
Get directions
- Food – **
- Beer – :(
- Price – $
- Atmosphere – ****
- Other – Hey, its a game store with a cafe! No beer, but really good for snacks, open late (1am)
- Food – ***
- Beer – *
- Price – $$
- Atmosphere – ***
- Other -If you have a large group, these guys do family portions for cheap!
7. New Bethel Ordinary
8838 Southeastern Ave
Wanamaker, IN 46239
(317) 862-5020
Get directions
- Food – ****
- Beer – *
- Price – $$$
- Atmosphere – ****
- Other – The best pizza I have ate in a while, its a little out of the way, but worth it if you have some time to burn.
8. Acapulco Joe’s
365 N Illinois St
(317) 637-5160
Get directions
- Food – ***
- Beer – ?
- Price – $$$
- Atmosphere – **
- Other – Probably the best Mexican food downtown, small, cramped, and packed
Circle Centre Mall
49 W. Maryland St. Suite 104
(317) 488-1230
Get Directions
- Food – ****
- Beer – *****
- Price – $$$
- Atmosphere – ***
- Other – I really dig the Dark Ale Smoked Ribs and their Sinister Double red belgian.
1 Virginia Ave.
(317) 571-0808
Get Directions
- Food – ***
- Beer – ****
- Price – $$$
- Atmosphere – ***
- Other – They don’t offer their own brew, but they have a very wide selection of imports/micros as well as some odd mixes.
372 S. Meridian St.
(317) 631-6974
Get Directions
- Food – **
- Beer – ***
- Price – $$$
- Atmosphere – *****
- Other – Excellent live music and most recently recognized for their blues offerings.
It should be noted that I am a fan of hip-hop, (c)rap, or country. My interests lie in face melting guitar riffs and double kick drums. That being said, the following bars/clubs I have actually had a good time in.
12. Howl at the Moon
20 E Georgia St
(317) 955-0300
Get directions
Dualing pianos… nuff said.
13. The Pub
30 E Georgia St # A
(317) 822-9730
Get directions
The next bar over from HatM!
Want to read more about conventions? Check out this month’s well timed RPG Blog Carnival hosted by Chgowiz. Also, you can check out my other articles on GenCon.
Other GenCon Articles:
Listening to: Tesla- Mechanical Resonance - Little Susie
Beyond GenCon: Local Museums
I know most gamers who converge upon at the Crossroads of America in Indianapolis for GenCon rarely have time to do anything else but game, talk about games, or shop for games. However, just in case any of my readers have some free time, arrive early, or leave later, I am writing a series of articles that present attractions and events that might pique your interest. This first article of the series deals with museums.
King Tut Exhibit
Indianapolis Children’s Museum
Distance from Downtown/Monument Circle: 2.94 miles
This is probably my favorite museum and don’t let the title fool you, adults love it too. Their boxed text says it’s a nonprofit institution committed to enriching the lives of children, is the largest children’s museum in the world. The more than 400,000-square-foot facility houses eleven major galleries that explore the physical and natural sciences, history, world cultures and the arts.
The Children’s Museum is a place to learn and do. Whenever possible, exhibits are “hands-on” or participatory in nature. The Children’s Museum strives to be one of the vital links in the lives of children as it supports their intellectual curiosity and love of learning. The museum, situated on 14 acres of land in Indianapolis, presents thousands of programs and activities each year.
You just missed the Walking with the Dinosaurs exhibit which features life-sized animatronic dinos, but you’ll still be able to catch Star Wars: The Clone Wars exhibition as well as the spectacular Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs exhibit.
Yeah, actual artifacts from King Tut’s burial chamber will be on display! Ancient Egypt is one of my favorite periods of history and their imagery automatically sends me into gamer mode. If you’re in town and have any spare time, I HIGHLY recommend the Children’s Museum.
The Children’s Museum is open daily, 10 am – 5 pm.
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art
Distance from Downtown/Monument Circle: 0.57 miles
This museum, along with the neighboring Indiana State Museum, is literally right across the road from the convention center. I was always fascinated with the American West (especially the Wild West) and this place could be the ultimate source of historical inspiration for many Deadlands gamers out there. What better way is there to spice up your Wierd West campaign than with actual artifacts and cultures from the American West?
The Eiteljorg Museum is unique, one of only two museums east of the Mississippi with both Native American and Western art. Located in downtown Indianapolis, the museum is within walking distance of the Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium, Circle Centre mall and major downtown hotels.
The building’s distinctive design was inspired by the land, people and architecture of the American Southwest. The American Western Gallery includes works from the Taos, New Mexico Artists’ Colony, as well as pieces from such legends as Remington and Russell.
Contemporary artists who tell the story of today’s West are also represented and the Native American collection includes pottery, basketry, sculpture and other artifacts from all 10 North American native cultural areas. And it’s only getting better.
The Eiteljorg is open Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday: Noon – 5 pm.
Indianapolis Museum of Art
Distance from Downtown/Monument Circle: 4.12 miles
Just a short drive or bus ride from downtown Indianapolis on 152 acres of gardens and grounds, the Indianapolis Museum of Art is the fifth largest general art museum in the United States, with a collection of more than 50,000 works that spans a wide range of cultures and eras.
The IMA has one of the most outstanding collections of Japanese Edo-period paintings in the nation. It also has significant holdings of African art, Chinese ceramics, West Asian rugs, fashion arts, and a rapidly growing contemporary collection from emerging and internationally renowned artists.
The IMA is open Tuesday – Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm and Thursday – Friday, 11 am – 9 pm, closed Monday.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame
Distance from Downtown/Monument Circle: 4.51 miles
I know there are some avid race fans out there in the gamer world, and Indianapolis is famous for the sport. We have the Indianpolis Motor Speedway (Home to the Indy 500 & Brickyard 400) as well the O’Reilly Raceway Park. I’ll cover racing events later, but for those racing history buffs, the Motor Speedway Hall of Fame is right up your gasoline alley.
One of the world’s largest, most varied collections of racing, classic and antique cars is housed here featuring more than 30 Indianapolis 500 winning cars. Tony Hulman Theatre presents a 20-minute film depicting the history of the track and race highlights. Bus tours around track are available when track is not in use for racing or testing.
The museum is open daily, 9 am to 5 pm.
Civil War Museum
Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum
Distance from Downtown/Monument Circle: 0.00 miles
For the wargamers and armchair war historians in the gaming community, a museum list would not be complete without something dealing with war. Recognized as one of the world’s outstanding monuments, the structure has come to symbolize both the City of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana.
The Limestone used for the monument is gray oolitic limestone from the Romona quarries of Owen County. It stands 284 feet, 6 inches high, only 15 feet shorter than the Statue of Liberty.
Located in the lower level of The Soldiers and Sailors Monument in the center of downtown Indianapolis this 9,000-square-foot exhibit explores the effects of the civil war on the people of Indiana. A historic and unique gallery space posed challenges for the design and production that in turn enhanced the visitor experience. Large rear projected local re-enactment video engages the visitor in real war situations.
The Civil War museum is open Wednesday-Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm.
Indiana War Memorial
Indiana War Memorial
Distance from Downtown/Monument Circle: 0.39 miles
Dominating the five-block picturesque setting of War Memorial Plaza in downtown Indianapolis is the Indiana World War Memorial. Sitting 210 feet above street level, this mausoleum-style limestone and marble memorial pays homage to Hoosiers killed during World Wars I and II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
The Shrine Room, with 24 stained glass windows, is a magnificent architectural setting for the 17-by-30 foot American flag that is suspended from the center of the room. The main floor houses exhibit space, administrative offices, meeting rooms and the Pershing Auditorium. Also on this level is a listing of the names of all Hoosiers who participated in World War I and all Hoosiers who were killed or are MIA from World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
A military museum in the basement allows visitors to follow the history of Indiana soldiers from the Battle of Tippecanoe through the most recent conflicts.
The IWM is open Wednesday-Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm.
Connor Prairie
Distance from Downtown/Monument Circle: 16.5 miles
Certainly not a traditional museum, at Connor Prairie, the Smithsonian Museum Institution’s only Indiana affiliate, you’ll find that “Look, don’t touch” becomes “look, touch, smell, taste and hear.” As you explore five themed historic areas on 200 beautiful, wooded acres, you’ll discover more exciting, memorable ways to experience the past than your family or group can pack into a day.
During the days from April through October, you’ll take in the hustle and bustle of pioneer Indiana, jump in and help with chores in a Victorian farm community or hold newly hatched chicks at the Conner Homestead. Throw tomahawks in an Indian trading post and feel the thrill of soaring 350 feet above Conner Prairie’s landscape in our newest historic area, 1859 Balloon Voyage.
Did you read that? A Victorian era hot air balloon! Airship pirates-in-training apply inside.
The Prairie is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm, closed Monday.
Want to read more about conventions? Check out this month’s well timed RPG Blog Carnival hosted by Chgowiz. Also, you can check out my other articles on GenCon.
Other GenCon Articles:
