If you are a gamer, you have probably been waiting for Gen-Con to roll into Indy since it left last year at this time. Gen-Con has set the trend in gaming for decades, serving as the original and best-attended gaming convention in the world. It is next to impossible to explain the Gen-Con experience to an outsider without simply taking them to see for themselves.
We know that most of our Cheapsters are either big fans or not, so we won’t waste anyone’s time by talking more about what the event is. We will simply point out a couple of interesting tidbits to check out if you plan to attend.
Game Paradise is holding a pre-party at their Fountain Square location on Tuesday, August 13 and Wednesday, August 14. Just flash your Gen Con badge to receive half off your evening of gaming and FREE pizza from the Nameless Pizza Company. That’s a savings of $6.50 per person and FREE dinner (because after all, these gamers know you need that extra cash to buy another t-shirt in the dealers hall on Thursday). Also look for prizes and giveaways from our friends during this celebration.
And, of course, we want to let you know about a money-saving opportunity if you plan to do more than gaming this weekend at Gen-Con. Gen-Con attendees can enjoy a discount at the Indianapolis Zoo until Monday, August 19. Flash your Gen-Con pass for the 10% discount, which makes your ticket prices:
- Adult – $13.50
- Child (2-12) – $9.50
- Senior (62+) – $12.75
Badges for Sunday’s Family Fun Day may be purchased only on-site, but they are still available, and will be throughout Gen Con Indy 2013 weekend. Badges for a family of four are just $30.
Finally, you have the opportunity to take part in an Official World Record Attempt at Gen-Con this year. Mayfair Games is attempting to break the record for “Most people playing Settlers of Catan” simultaneously. For those who haven’t heard of it, Settlers of Catan is a board game described as a cross between Monopoly and Risk. This world-record attempt will feature up to 1,012 players on a single special Settlers of Catan board. You can take part in this record-breaking game for just $10, and have fun playing a board game while earning your way into the Guinness Book of World Records.
We understand there are less than 150 slots available, so grab your seat now rather than a few hours from now.
While you’re having a good time, take a photo with the JW Marriott involved somewhere and submit it to their monthly contest. The winner receives a one-night stay and dinner credit. Click here for rules and submission instruction.
The photo that accompanies this post is the actual Gen-Con inspired menu that Scotty’s Brewhouse will have available this year. The picture looks like something directly out of a Dungeons and Dragons (Pathfinder, to those who know the difference among the versions) guidebook. Many downtown restaurants tend to switch up the menu a bit as a tribute to the many gamers in town.
Tavern on the South is the headquarters for Steve Jackson Games from August 15 – 17. Diners can expect Munchkin-themed menu items and exclusive Munchkin swag, as well as special guest appearances by Steve Jackson Games staff! “Kick open our door, eat tasty food, and take our stuff!” they invite. Just make sure you drop in between 2:30 pm and midnight.
The Ram Brewery is a tradition for most Gen-Con attendees, and if youhead over to their Facebook page, you can register for this year’s prize drawing: 10 winners walk home with the restaurants exclusive t-shirt; one grand prize winner will get the brewery tour, which includes appetizers, beer tasting, and a guided tour of the RAM’s brewery.
Obviously, there will be plenty to do at Gen-Con, and we will let you know if we find any other ways for you to save money while gaming downtown. Enjoy the discounts, and may the dice roll in your favor.
Charlotte on the Cheap is a member of 