Ruoff Music Center

Klipsch Music Center is a huge outdoor amphitheater about 25 miles north of Indianapolis that hosts some of the biggest names in the music business, as well as some of the industry's most memorable festivals. Klipsch seats 24,000 people –- 6,000 under its pavilion and 18,000 on the sloped lawn where everyone has a good view of the stage and the large screens that are placed in strategic locations.

Parking and public transportation at Klipsch Music Center
General parking at Klipsch is free in the large parking lots adjacent to the music center. You can pay extra for V.I.P. parking that places you closer to the amphitheater (less walking). The other advantage to paying for special parking is that you get to leave the lot ahead of general parking folks after the concert is over. Even with security officers directing traffic, it can sometimes take as long as an hour to get out of the parking lots and through the congested roads around the music center after big name concerts.

Getting tickets at Klipsch Music Center
Information on how and where to buy tickets is on the website of Klipsch Music Center's owner, Live Nation. The site explains how to order by phone or online, how to print out tickets (you cannot print them from Live Nation's mobile app – it must be done from a desktop or laptop) and advises everyone to order tickets as soon as tickets go on sale because events sell out fast.

Types of concerts at Klipsch Music Center
Klipsch has staged concerts by the Grateful Dead, Phish, Jimmy Buffet, Brad Paisley, John Denver, James Taylor, and many more big name stars. It has been the scene of Ozzfest, the Mayhem Festival, the H.O.R.D.E. Festival, Anger Management Tour and the Warped Tour. Comedy acts have performed at Klipsch, also. Check the website for this year's calendar of concerts and acts.

Other places to visit near Klipsch Music Center
Cambria Suites at Hamilton Town Centre in Noblesville keeps its bar and restaurant open on Klipsch show nights and offers shuttle service to and from concerts.

Mo's Irish Pub, also in Hamilton Town Center, is just a few minutes from Klipsch and also offers shuttle service to and from concerts.

For campers, the closest place is just across from Klipsch Gate 3 at Sleepybear Campground

Where to stay near Klipsch Music Center
Noblesville is just minutes away with several hotels, Bed and Breakfasts and campgrounds. These include Cambria Suites, Sleepybear Campground, Fairfield Inn and Suites and Quality Inn. Fishers, just a few minutes south on State Road 37, has several hotels, including Holiday Inn Express, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn and Suites and several more. Just 20 minutes southwest of Noblesville in Carmel, you will find the Renaissance hotel, DoubleTree Suites and Spring Hill Suites among others.

Insider tip for visitors to Klipsch Music Center
Food and drink prices are high, so eat well before you go and afterward, and take snacks, which is allowed. The music center's rules regarding food and drink must be followed to the letter, though. All food must be in a clear plastic bag no larger than one-gallon size. You can bring in bottled water, but it must be no larger than one-liter, has to be transparent, and must either be sealed or empty.

Author's bio: Susan Hoskins Miller is a writer who lives in metropolitan Indianapolis and works in a university library. In her free time, she enjoys being with her family and exploring places in the Midwest.