About The Pavilion
The Pavilion at Pan Am was a unique multi-use event venue in downtown Indianapolis, IN. It occupied a full city block on Capitol Avenue within the Pan Am Plaza complex (graftonpeek.com ). The building – originally built in 1987 as part of the Pan Am Plaza project – had once housed a regulation-size ice hockey rink (the Pan American Arena) (indyencyclopedia.org ). In 2015 it was converted into a concert and events hall with a capacity around 3,000 (indyencyclopedia.org ). This modern, open-floor space stood out among Indianapolis venues, blending its post-modern exterior with a flexible interior stage setup and full sound/light rig (venuekonnex.com ). Its central location – just a few blocks from Lucas Oil Stadium and the Monument Circle downtown landmark (graftonpeek.com ) – made it a notable addition to the city’s cultural scene (it was listed alongside theaters like the Old National Centre and Hilbert Circle Theater in local guides (encycloreader.org )). In short, The Pavilion welcomed large crowds for concerts and special events in the heart of Indianapolis until its recent closing.
Events and Programming
The Pavilion hosted a wide variety of events. It was run as a “full-service” event space for concerts, weddings, corporate parties, fundraisers, art shows and more (graftonpeek.com ). On the music side, it booked national and regional artists spanning many genres. For example, big-name hip-hop and R&B acts played there – Nelly and Busta Rhymes each headlined Pavilion concerts in early 2022 (www.concertarchives.org ). EDM and dance talents like Steve Aoki, Deadmau5, and Slushii also took the stage (www.concertarchives.org ). Indie bands (Mt. Joy) and bluegrass acts (Greensky Bluegrass) turned up as well (www.concertarchives.org ). Country-rock singer Jelly Roll and West Coast rockers Dirty Heads are among the other artists who appeared. In addition to touring concerts, the venue even hosted local festivals and special events – attendees recall things like a downtown “Taco Fest” in the Pavilion lot (amusements-parks.com ). Recurring open-air arts markets, lifestyle expos, industry conferences and private community events were also on the calendar. Overall, the program was diverse: a promotional site noted that The Pavilion annually brought country, rock, hip-hop, R&B, pop and many other genres to Indianapolis audiences (www.premiumseating.com ). In short, if it was a music tour or big celebration in Indy, The Pavilion at Pan Am was often on the list.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Pavilion events were sold through the usual channels – the venue’s official box office (when open), reputable ticketing outlets and authorized resale platforms. Sale dates varied by show, but concerts often went on sale a month or two in advance. Popular shows at the Pavilion were known to sell out quickly, so fans often signed up for mail alerts or fan presales to snag passes early. Pricing depended on the act: lower-profile shows might start around $20–$30 for general admission, while major headliners typically ranged from about $50 up to $100 or more for premium seating. (For instance, resale listings for headliner shows often showed face prices in the mid-$70s range.) The Pavilion box office was located on site – for events that weren’t sold out, a limited number of tickets might be available at the door on event day. In general, organizers advised arriving well before start time, as latecomers might be admitted only between performances. Season pases or VIP packages were occasionally offered for festival-style events, and group sales were handled through the venue’s events department. Regardless, buyers were always urged to use official ticket outlets and check authenticity – resale sites explicitly guaranteed validity for Pavilion tickets (www.premiumseating.com ).
Seating and Layout
Inside, The Pavilion had a large, open-floor layout. The main event area was a high-ceilinged hall (a converted ice-arena) that could be arranged for general admission standing or flat-floor seating. There was a permanent stage on one end with professional sound and lighting systems built in (venuekonnex.com ). For concerts, a common setup was general admission on the floor closest to the stage, with limited risers or reserved seats off to the sides or rear as needed. For seated events, partition walls could create smaller “ballroom” sections within the big hall. In most cases, the best view was close to the stage: early-arriving fans would line up to get front-of-stage spots in GA shows. Seats or areas to avoid were usually just far back or behind support pillars (side areas could sometimes have partial sight-line issues). Acoustically, the space was lively and loud – its hard walls gave a full concert sound, but some reviewers found that being near the soundboard or side stands helped balance the mix. Because the building was wide-open, sound could get muddy off-axis, so many fans preferred standing fairly central. In short, if looking for standing-room, the front-center floor was premier, and if seated, mid-stalls (center rows) gave the clearest view of the stage. The venue also included a separate lounge/bar area along the back wall and offered quick exits to outdoor patios on nice nights.
Getting There and Parking
The Pavilion’s address was 201 South Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46225 (www.ticketweb.com ). It sat in the West Congress Street area of downtown Indy, just south of Monument Circle and north of Georgia Street. Driving in, guests often used I-70 or I-65 to exit downtown (for example, take Exit 84B for West Street, then proceed north to the venue). For parking, the primary option was the large Pan American Plaza underground garage (1200+ spaces) beneath the block – event patrons parked there for a standard downtown parking fee (indyencyclopedia.org ). There was also limited street parking and nearby surface lots, but spaces filled fast for big shows. In practice, many visitors found it easier to park several blocks away and walk in, especially since downtown lots and garages tend to charge by the hour. Public transit options included downtown IndyGo buses and the Red Line (BRT) route: the Red Line stops at Washington Street and Capitol Avenue (about one block north of the venue) and at Illinois Street & Maryland (just steps east) – both are a short walk to the Pavilion. Several IndyGo routes also pass through nearby streets like Capitol or Washington. For those using rideshares or taxis, drop-off points were commonly at the corner of Capitol & West Washington (right by the front entrance) or Capitol & Louisiana. A passenger pickup area was usually arranged behind the venue. Overall, public transit and rideshares were popular alternatives during busy events, since finding convenient parking could be challenging (amusements-parks.com ).
Inside the Venue
When you walked in, The Pavilion felt like a modern warehouse turned concert hall. The main entrance opened into a large lobby and bar area with merchandise stands and several concession counters. From there, you passed security and entered the big event hall. As one attendee described of a Pavilion event, it had a “big open area indoor and out” layout (amusements-parks.com ) – the indoor space flowed out to a covered patio at the rear. The interior was industrial chic: exposed steel beams, black-painted walls, and concrete floors. The stage end had pro audio speakers and theatrical lighting rigs hanging from catwalks. Throughout the space you’d find drink stations and mobile bars (including beer walls during concerts) plus occasional food trucks or vendor carts on the patios. Restrooms were located on the sides and back, plus there were ADA-accessible restrooms near the lobby. Coat check was available near the entrance for night shows, and a small merchandise booth often sold artist tees. Overall the vibe was lively but casual: people could move freely between the dance floor and lounge areas. The Pavilion had modern climate control, so indoor events stayed reasonably cool or warm as needed. (During outdoor events, the back patio area was covered but open-air, so audiences sometimes felt a breeze.) In all, expect a festival-like atmosphere with easy access to bars and vendors, plenty of open dance space near the stage, and comfy lounge seating along the edges.
Nearby Amenities
The Pavilion’s downtown location put it within walking distance of many restaurants, hotels and nightlife spots. For pre-show dining the options were excellent: for example, within two or three blocks were major eateries like Ruth’s Chris Steak House and St. Elmo Steak House (www.tripadvisor.com ) (www.tripadvisor.com ). (Ruth’s Chris is about 0.2 mi away on Capitol, and St. Elmo’s legendary steak & seafood is about 0.3 mi up Capitol) (www.tripadvisor.com ) (www.tripadvisor.com ). Other nearby restaurants included upscale American/steakhouses like Harry & Izzy’s, casual eateries like Weber Grill (American barbecue), and comfort chains like Cantina Laredo on the Circle. For quick bites or a fun block-arcade dinner, the Georgia Street corridor a block north had pizza spots, gastropubs and sushi bars. As for nightlife, the Mass Ave entertainment district (just east) had craft cocktail lounges and music clubs (the East Side areas like Fountain Square were a short drive away). Many concert-goers combined Orlando events with a night out downtown on Mass Ave or the Circle. Accommodations were plentiful: nearby hotels included the JW Marriott Indianapolis (attached to the convention center), The Westin, and Marriott Courtyard/Residence Inn on Capitol, as well as budget-friendly chains downtown. A new Signia by Hilton hotel (800 rooms) is even being built adjacent to the Pavilion site as part of the convention center expansion (www.ibj.com ). In short, visitors could easily find dining and drink options within a few blocks of The Pavilion, and plenty of lodging choices (from luxury to economy) just steps away.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Pavilion at Pan Am was special for several reasons. Architecturally, it repurposed an old ice arena into one of the city’s few large-capacity concert halls. Its full-city-block footprint and postmodern exterior gave it a distinctive look downtown. Culturally, it drew big-name performers to a walkable urban setting, filling a niche between small clubs and giant stadiums. Its diverse lineup – from hip-hop stars to EDM headliners to bluegrass bands – reflected Indianapolis’s varied music tastes (www.concertarchives.org ) (www.concertarchives.org ). Many fans remember Pavilion shows as high-energy, multi-genre events in a downtown park-like environment. Urban lore: it even hosted local favorites like a Taco Festival or anniversary parties for Indy bands (something you just didn’t see at other Indy venues). The Pavilion was often mentioned as a landmark in the revitalized downtown nightlife area. Its proximity to Monument Circle and the canal walk meant that saying “Meet at Pan Am” would ring a bell with any local music lover. Finally, its role in the city’s sports/culture history adds to the story: the same downtown plaza was built for the 1987 Pan Am Games and later became a hockey center (indyencyclopedia.org ), and then transformed again into a concert hall (with a 3,000 seat capacity (indyencyclopedia.org )). In short, The Pavilion carried on Indianapolis’s tradition of athletic and cultural events under one roof, making it a beloved if uniquely short-lived landmark in the downtown scene.
Visitor Tips and Information
Plan Ahead: For big concerts or popular shows, arrive early. If it’s general-admission, fans often line up 1–2 hours before doors to secure front-of-stage spots. Even for reserved seating, arriving 30–45 minutes early helps you avoid the rush. Keep in mind that during sold-out events, parking and traffic downtown can become very congested. A seasoned attendee noted that there is “no real parking” adjacent to the venue (amusements-parks.com ), so you’ll likely need to park a few blocks away (city garages) or use public transit/rideshare. Rideshare drop-off areas are normally at Capitol Ave (near the main entrance), and taxis or Uber/Lyft are plentiful downtown.
What to Bring: Standard venue rules applied. Small bags or clear bags (per venue policy) are allowed, but large backpacks and coolers are not. Expect a security check at the door. Outside food or drink was not permitted, but small bottled water was usually OK to carry in. Phones and small cameras were fine for personal use – just keep your flash off during shows. Earplugs are a good idea for loud concerts, especially at the front. If it’s an outdoor festival event, bring layers or a light jacket for changing weather. ID is required if you plan to buy alcohol.
Accessibility: The Pavilion was ADA-compliant with wheelchair ramps and accessible restrooms. Elevators connected to upper levels (if any) and staff could assist patrons with mobility needs. If you require special accommodations (companion seating, etc.), contact the box office in advance. The venue staff was generally helpful, but note that line queues could be long during peak events, so allow extra time if using a wheelchair or other mobility device.
Policies: Smoking and vaping were not allowed inside the building. The dress code was informal – most people wore casual or trendy concert attire. While some events served alcohol, open containers could not leave the venue, and drinking was restricted to designated areas. Remember that some shows might be 18+ or 21+ (check the event notice); children were usually allowed at family-friendly events if accompanied by an adult. For coat check, small items could be left at the lobby check counter for a modest fee during evening concerts.
Avoid Common Pitfalls: One mistake is underestimating the downtown weather – even if a show is indoors, you might have a walk from parking. Another is waiting until rush-hour to leave: on-event nights, downtown streets fill up quickly after a show ends, so consider extending your stay for a post-show snack or wait in the lounge area. Lastly, always verify show details (start time, openers, set times) on your ticket or the event website; schedules can change. Checking venue announcements or customer reviews can also help – for example, many fans praised the food/drink variety at The Pavilion (amusements-parks.com ), so budget a bit extra for concessions if you plan to grab dinner/beer on site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy tickets for events at The Pavilion?
Tickets were typically sold through official channels: the Pavilion box office (on event days), primary ticket sellers (like Ticketmaster or TicketWeb), and approved resale sites. It’s key to use authorized sellers to avoid scams. For big shows, tickets often went on sale weeks in advance. Some events offered advance presales (fan clubs, email lists) before the general public sale, so sign up for newsletters or social media alerts. If a show didn’t sell out, a limited number of tickets might be available at the door, but many concerts did sell out, so advance purchase was recommended.
How much do tickets usually cost at The Pavilion?
Ticket prices varied by performer. For smaller or local acts, general admission tickets might have been as low as $20–$40. Major touring artists typically charged around $50–$90 for mid-range seats, and top-headliner or VIP packages could exceed $100. (For example, mid-2022 hip-hop concerts were in the $60–$80 range.) Some events also offered student or member discounts. Since fees and promotion mark-ups apply, fans often found final prices a bit higher than face value. In any case, check the event’s listing for exact prices and beware of inflated resale prices on secondary websites.
Are tickets ever sold at the door or box office?
Yes, for events that were not sold out, the Pavilion typically hosted an on-site box office on show days. That meant you could sometimes buy tickets at the door before the event, usually beginning one to two hours before start time (times varied by show). However, for very popular concerts, door tickets were often limited or unavailable because advance sales had sold out. To avoid disappointment, many concert-goers purchased in advance. If you do plan for door purchase, expect only general-admission or remaining seats, and be prepared to wait in line early in the afternoon or evening.
What parking options are available around The Pavilion?
The main parking option was the Pan American Plaza garage, which has about 1,200 spaces (indyencyclopedia.org ). This lot usually charged a flat fee per event. Besides that, downtown street parking (metered) and surface lots were available nearby, but they filled up fast on event nights. Some fans parked a few blocks away in cheaper garages and enjoyed a short walk. Valet parking was not typically offered. Given the limited immediate parking, many visitors preferred rideshare or transit instead of driving, especially for sold-out shows (amusements-parks.com ).
Is public transportation available to get to The Pavilion?
Yes. IndyGo’s downtown bus routes make the Pavilion accessible. In particular, the Red Line BRT passes very close by – the Washington & Capitol (at Massachusetts Ave) and Washington & Illinois stops are each about a block away. Other IndyGo local routes along Capitol or Georgia Streets can drop you within a few blocks. You can also take the free Indianapolis Cultural Trail shuttle (“neighborhood trolley”) in the downtown core. Check IndyGo’s schedules for the latest routes and times. For late-night departures after events, rideshares and taxis are often easier as buses run less frequently late.
Where should I be dropped off if I use Uber or Lyft?
For ride-hailing dropoff and pickup, it’s best to use the main entrance area on Capitol Avenue. Tell your driver to head to “Capitol Ave & West Washington St” or “Capitol Ave & Louisiana St.” (Nearby address: 201 S Capitol Ave.) There is space to pull up right in front of the venue. On busy nights, event staff typically direct drivers to a passenger loading zone along Capitol. After the show, cars will often queue at these same corners for pickups. Always check posted signs, as the city sometimes adjusts curbside zones on event nights.
What are the seating and standing arrangements? What are the best spots?
Seating at The Pavilion depended on the event. Many concerts were general admission (standing) on the flat main floor. For those shows, the very best spots were up front, directly facing the stage. Fans often lined up early to secure front-row or center-floor positions. For seated events, the stage end had floor seating and a few reserved sections; mid-floor seats gave the clearest view. In either layout, seats near the center offered the best sightlines. Beware corner or far-back seats – the angle and distance could partially obstruct the view. Also avoid standing at the far rear of the floor or behind speakers, as sound can get muffled. If available, platforms to the side (soundboard decks) gave a balanced view and sound. Overall, early-arrival on the floor or mid-center seats were the safest bet for a great experience.
Is there general admission standing room only, or are seats available?
Both formats occurred at The Pavilion. Many rock, pop and electronic concerts were general admission standing on the main floor; others were fully reserved seating. Often the ticket or event information will specify which – look for “All Ages GA” or similar wording. Fest events sometimes offered a mix (floor GA plus some ringed-off seating). If it’s GA, it means you can move around in the crowd and stand up front. If seats are assigned, they will tell you row/section on the ticket. Either way, the venue’s open design means even GA floor can accommodate chairs or stools if they set up alternative configurations. If you prefer a guaranteed seat, pay attention to the ticket type when you buy.
What can I bring into The Pavilion? Are there bag or camera rules?
Standard concert venue rules applied. Carry-on items were limited to small purses or clear bags (policy could vary with the event). Large backpacks, food, outside drinks, weapons or sharp objects were not allowed. Everyone went through a security check at the door. On the tie of photography, personal cameras and phones were allowed for snapshots, but professional photography gear (large DSLR with lens, etc.) was usually prohibited unless you had a press pass. Flash photos might be disallowed at live music shows. Bring ID if you plan to buy alcohol. Other than that, you can light jackets or ponchos, earplugs, and a refillable water bottle (empty upon entry) without issue. Always check the specific event listing, as occasionally extra rules (like no selfie sticks or banners) are posted ahead of big shows.
Are Pavilion events all-ages, or is there an age limit?
It depends on the event. The Pavilion itself did not have a fixed age limit – events ranged from family-friendly festivals (all ages welcome) to 18+ or 21+ concerts serving alcohol. Always check the show’s details. Typically, if alcohol was served freely, audiences were 18+ or 21+ only. Otherwise, minors (under 18) could attend many shows with a guardian. For example, country or pop concerts were often all-ages, while late-night hip-hop or EDM shows might restrict under-18. In short, look at the ticket or official event page: it will say if a show is 18+ (or sometimes “No Minors”). If in doubt, call the box office. Street-wise parents often dropped off teens with teenage-appropriate shows and accompanied kids to family events.
Is the Pavilion wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The Pavilion was built (or retrofitted) to meet ADA standards. There were wheelchair ramps at the entrance, spacious main-floor seating areas, and elevators to any elevated lounges. Accessible restrooms were available. Every event layout (whether seated or standing) included designated wheelchair-viewing spots near the stage with companion seating. Venue staff were generally available to assist with any special needs. If you or a guest require specific accommodations (like ALS-approved hearing devices or floor ushers), contact the venue ahead of time. Overall, patrons in wheelchairs and those with mobility challenges found The Pavilion quite accessible.
What food and drinks are available inside?
A variety of concessions were offered on site. The venue had permanent bars serving beer, wine and cocktails, as well as multiple portable counters or carts for food. Offerings ranged from standard arena fare (pizza by the slice, hot dogs, nachos) to local favorites at special events. For example, at music festivals you might see taco trucks or BBQ stands on the patio. There was always bottled water and soft drinks available. Many visitors praised the selection – one review specifically mentioned “several food options” and a lively barbeque-style atmosphere inside (amusements-parks.com ). Prices were in line with other concert venues, and full meal orders (like a burger + fries) were available. The Lafayette Restaurant & Bar menu was similar to other Indy clubs – nothing fancy but convenient, and they often featured festival vendors outside on warm nights.
Are there restrooms and coat check available?
Yes. Modern restroom facilities were located backstage and at the lobby level. During large concerts, staff often brought out extra portable toilets on the patio, but never in the main stage area. Coat check was offered for evening performances (check-in at the front lobby for a small fee). If you have a jacket or other carry-on to store during a show, coat check was convenient. Keep your claim tag (given at check-in) – there were strict cut-offs right at showtime. Accessibility restrooms were also provided. Observation: lines for restrooms could get long during intermissions; large groups found it helpful to hit the restroom as soon as they entered, before the show got bustling.
Is there Wi-Fi or good cellphone coverage inside?
Public Wi-Fi was not provided inside The Pavilion. Cellphone coverage depended on your carrier, but most users reported decent cell service near the front and lobby areas. However, deep in the crowd (especially when packed), signal could be weak or slow. If you need connectivity, stand near the rear or by an exit where you can get a better signal. Many concertgoers set their phones to airplane mode just to avoid draining battery, then reconnected to data after leaving the stage area. In short, don’t count on venue Wi-Fi – assume you’ll rely on cell data, which generally worked OK in the main hall except right under metal rafters.
Was alcohol served at Pavilion events?
Yes – for age-appropriate events. There were full bars serving beer, wine and mixed drinks. Most concert and club events had a cash bar or card-only bar. Standard drink prices applied (beer ~$6–8, cocktails ~$8–12). Only guests 21+ could order alcohol, and wristbands or hand stamps were used to verify legal age. If your event is all ages, expect a separate 21+ area for alcohol. Keep in mind outside beverages aren’t allowed, so buying drinks inside was the only option if you wanted them. After one show, some patrons noted that the beer selection included local craft drafts, giving Indianapolis brewers a presence in the lineup.
What was the capacity of The Pavilion?
The Pavilion could hold on the order of 3,000 people when fully configured (indyencyclopedia.org ). That number was for a packed general-admission concert layout. For seated events, actual capacity was a bit less (to make room for chairs). Some sources list it at around 1,000–3,000 depending on setup, but the venue’s full-floor capacity was about 3,000. This made it one of Indianapolis’s mid-sized venues – larger than small clubs and theaters, but smaller than stadiums. The combination of wide open floor and high ceilings gave it a spacious feel even when full.
Is The Pavilion indoor or outdoor?
The main event space was fully indoors – it was a converted arena with a roof and walls. However, parts of the venue spilled outdoors. The back wall of the hall opened onto a covered patio, so some events had both indoor and outdoor components. The lobby and bar areas were indoors on Capitol Street. If weather was calm, a show might use the patio for additional seating or dancing. So while ticket holders were protected from rain inside, you would go outside only to walk around the plaza or use outdoor concessions. Overall, think of The Pavilion as an indoor arena with an attached outdoor courtyard.
What was The Pavilion before it became a music venue?
Historically, the building was an ice arena. It was originally called the “Pan American Arena” and housed a full-size hockey rink for ice sports. In fact, it served as a training center for the Indiana Ice junior hockey team as recently as the early 2010s (indyencyclopedia.org ). When the ice rink closed around 2013, local developers took over and renovated the structure. By 2015 it was reborn as the Pavilion at Pan Am, transforming the rink floor into a concert and events hall. So the venue literally moved from ice skates to stage lights as part of its history.
Is The Pavilion still open?
No. As of early 2024, The Pavilion at Pan Am has closed. The building on the Pan Am Plaza block was slated for demolition to make way for a new convention center expansion and hotel project (www.ibj.com ). The last concerts were held in 2023, and then the block was cleared. In other words, the old Pavilion structure no longer exists. Any future events under the “Pavilion” name would happen in a new venue (plans are underway for a replacement), but for now visitors should not expect shows at that address.
