There’s something special about Sunday afternoons in Indianapolis, especially when baseball is on the agenda. Victory Field feels like home turf to us in the spring and summer, it’s the kind of place where you can slow down, soak up the sunshine, and make memories that stick. On Sunday, we packed up the kids and headed downtown for an Indianapolis Indians game.
The weather is typically picture perfect; sun shining, and there’s often little breeze, and that bright Indiana sky stretches wide overhead. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are a must. Our children insist on wearing their Knot Hole Kids Club t-shirt, and my son and youngest daughter carry their baseball gloves around just in case a foul ball lands near them or they get called into the game to fill in. The excitement is real.
We arrive just after the gates open because we’ve learned that Sunday games are made for families. With the “Kids Eat Free” deal in effect, our little ones score a hot dog, apple, and chocolate milk as soon as we walk in. That’s one less thing to worry about, and honestly, it makes a big difference when you’re trying to make family outings affordable.
Rowdie, the team’s friendly mascot, is there, and the kids run to him like he’s a long-lost cousin. He high-fives my son James and poses for a photo with Quinn, who beams like she just met a celebrity. We’re not even to our seats yet, and the magic has already begun.
Generally, we choose the lawn for our seats, not just because it’s more relaxed, but because it gives the kids a little room to roam without making anyone else nervous. Plus, our kids get free admission to every home game with their Knot Hole Kids Club membership (free lunch AND free admission on Sundays). We spread out our blanket near a group of other families. I love how easy it is to talk to people here. No one’s in a rush. Everyone’s here for the same reason: baseball, sunshine, and a good time together.
The pregame music floats over the PA system while players stretch on the field. Ten-year-old James is fully invested in what’s happening on the field, and nine-year-old Quinn is digging into the popcorn she’s managed to negotiate out of us, even after her free meal. Since we purchased the $10 bucket, we’ll have free popcorn refills today and throughout the 2025 season! The game starts with the crack of a bat and a cheer from the crowd, and just like that, we’re all locked in.
The 2025 season is a good one. So far, the team has won all three games that we’ve attended. I spot a couple of our favorite players warming up, guys the kids talk about like they’re superheroes. One of the great joys of minor league ball is how up close it all feels. You’re not in the nosebleeds, squinting at dots in the distance. You’re right there. You can see the smiles, the concentration, the routines; there’s not a bad seat in the stadium.
By the second inning, the kids are ready to explore. My husband takes them over to the bounce house and free trading card creating activation. I love the rhythm of the game, the little moments between pitches. A few minutes later, I hear cheers and look over to see Rowdie leading a group of kids in a dance. Of course, our kids are in the middle of it, giggling and jumping like they’ve won the World Series.
Between innings, they do a bunch of on-field games and fun kid opportunities with some select Knot Hole Kids Club members. When we sit in reserved seating (an upgrade for the Kids Club free game tickets), my kids heckle the other team a bit, giving them a hard time for their bunting and other things they’ve learned about in their Little League. Everyone is having fun.
The promotions this season are fantastic. We already have “Peppa Pig and George Weekend” and “Harry Potter Weekend” circled on the calendar, and I’m low-key planning a date night for “Margaritaville Night” later in the summer. Plus, we’ll be here for some of the $1 menu nights and Fireworks Fridays.
As the game unfolds, we go from laughing and cheering to biting our nails a bit. The Indians are down by one. Quinn grabs my hand. “Do you think they’re going to lose?” she whispers. And just as I’m about to explain that sometimes teams lose and that’s okay, there’s a huge play, and the team scores one more point. Then two! The crowd goes wild. High fives all around.
We stay until the very end, kids get to run the bases on the field every Sunday home game, and I’m pretty sure they’ll never grow tired of this cool opportunity. Then we head off to the car, which isn’t much of a walk; there’s so much convenient parking nearby. We’re all a little sun-kissed and sticky, but no one minds. Days like this are worth it.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Victory Field isn’t just a baseball stadium, it’s a memory-maker. Whether you’re watching future MLB stars take the field, soaking up the skyline views, or just lying on the grass watching your kids goof off, it’s one of the best ways to spend a Sunday in Indy.
Tickets are affordable, parking is manageable, and the experience is top-tier. Families can bring blankets and sit on the lawn for the best price. With themed nights, giveaways, and promotions sprinkled throughout the season, no two visits are ever quite the same.
So if you’re wondering what to do next weekend, here’s my pitch: grab the kids, throw on some caps, and make your way to an Indianapolis Indians game. Trust me—it’ll be a home run.
