Where to watch football games around Indy

If you’re not watching football from the stands at Lucas Oil Stadium, there are a few nearby watering holes that bring a similar camaraderie and atmosphere for football fans.

Photo by @coltsevents via Twitter

There’s nothing like a Colts tailgate before the game on a cool fall afternoon.

Photo by @coltslife

Football season is here + the countdown to the Colts’ kickoff is on. We’ve got the 411 on where to catch all the action around Indianapolis.

Whether you’re a Colts, Hoosiers, or Boilermakers fan — here’s where to watch football games in Indianapolis.

The Hangar | 501 Madison Ave., Ste. 106
This season, enjoy all the football fun at The Hangar. Pro tip: Fans can score big with unlimited brick oven pizza, wings, and nachos, plus two drinks for just $30 while watching both home and away games.

Tom’s Watch Bar | 140 S. Illinois St.
With emcees, giveaways, and prizes alongside delicious food and drinks, downtown’s newest sports bar is sure to be a hotspot on game day.

INDYtoday: INDY_Tom's Watch Bar sports_FEB25

At Tom’s Watch Bar, you can watch major sporting events on a stadium-sized screen and 135 other high-definition displays.

Photo by INDYtoday team

Tavern on South | 802 S. West St.
This little brick building was built in 1910 and sits in the shadow of Lucas Oil Stadium. Formerly known as Stadium Tavern, Tavern on South is a hole-in-the-wall spot that features a 60-seat second level deck that looks out to the downtown skyline.

The Bulldog Bar & Lounge | 5380 N. College Ave.
You may recognize this Broad Ripple staple as the site of former Moe & Johnny’s, which closed during the pandemic after 20+ years. The old favorite made a comeback as The Bulldog featuring a full-service bar with two 24-tap walls for self-serve beer, plus a bourbon lounge.

INDY_Slippery Noodle Inn_exterior street view_MAY2021

In more recent years, The Slippery Noodle has changed ownership.

The Dugout | 621 Virginia Ave.
This sports bar in the Fountain-Fletcher District has been offering a relaxed atmosphere for watching sports since 1954. It’s a go-to spot for cheap drinks, good food, and plenty of seats for watching the game. If you don’t need a TV screen, it also has a spacious outdoor patio.

The Slippery Noodle | 372 S. Meridian St.
Known as one of the oldest operating bars in Indiana, The Slippery Noodle Inn has been around since the 1850s + has served as a bar, restaurant, theater, and a stop on the Underground Railroad. Located right by Lucas Oil Stadium, it offers a Colts pregame special and Game Day brunch and reserved seating.

Do you have your tickets yet? There are five main ticket options — Season Tickets, Single Game tickets, Premium Seating tickets, and Group Seating tickets. Prices start at $50 for select single games. The ticket office is located at 7001 W. 56th St.

Know of a Colts, Hoosier, or Boilermaker bar that’s not mentioned above? We’d love to add it to our list. Email us your favorite spot to spend game day in Indianapolis.

More from INDYtoday
What’s there to do in Indianapolis when you’re an introvert? We’ve cooked up a few ways you can get out on the town while staying in your comfort zone.
Dining in Indy is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
Get your sweat on with something a little less common than your standard HIIT or yoga class.
Whether you’re looking to save money, improve your physical fitness, or something else, find the resources you need to stick to your New Year’s resolutions in 2026.
At these 10 miniature art galleries in the Indy area, you can take a piece of art or leave one for your neighbors to love.
Explore the options for giving your old tree new life, from dropping it off to be turned into mulch to creating a wildlife haven in your yard.
Fellow stargazers, consult our chart for a few spots around Indy to escape the light pollution of the city and look to the sky.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
According to the library’s data, you couldn’t get enough of these books last year. See which titles you missed, plus staff picks.
A grassroots effort is helping Indianapolis properties become part of a nationwide habitat network.