What a venue, what a show, what a night. I was at Nickel Plate District Amphitheater for the Built…read moreto Spill / Yo La Tengo concert, and it was amazing. Live music feeds the soul, and this concert fed me well. I've been listening to Yo La Tengo since high school, and Built to Spill since several years ago, and never did I anticipate that I'd see them in real life. They just lived in my mind and in my headphones as soul-nourishing entities. And yet, I got to see them play live! In Fishers, Indiana, of all places! I love that Nickel Plate District Amphitheater has been able to bring in some top-notch musical artists lately. It's so great to see bands that I consider elite playing so close to home.
I don't even know if I should mention this. But, at one point, I left the venue proper, and was standing outside of the barriers. I could hear and see the concert as clear as if I were in the venue! One of the advantages of an outdoor concert venue. So, I don't know: If you happened to walk up to the venue and didn't have a ticket, but you were a big fan of the artist playing, you would get a satisfactory experience even just standing near this outdoor venue. I'm just saying!
Nickel Plate makes it easy on its guests to get through the gates. You do not need a clear bag -- any bag will do, but they will check it. You're allowed to bring your own chairs and blankets. They say no outside food and beverages, but I had an unopened bottle of water in my bag, and they didn't say anything about it. Basically, this is a chill venue at which to see music.
They don't allow you to bring alcohol, but if you wanted such a thing, there are two tents available with drinks for sale like canned cocktails, beer, sparkling wine and TCH/CBD-infused beverages. They will make you a gin and tonic, if you want. (Ask me how I know! Actually, don't.) There are also food trucks, with some very tasty food options.
There's lots of room in the grassy general seating area to spread out. Everyone I came in contact with was super respectful of space. No one stood in front of me and blocked my view like I thought might happen. (This happens to me a lot -- it's all a part of being a shawty.) Overall, Nickel Plate was a great place to see two bands I love in an outdoor space on a perfect-weather day.