Gen Con Game Convention

For almost 40 years, Gen Con has been entertaining gamers. More than 25,000 people visit the convention each year. (In 2008, more than 28,000 people attended.)

Gen Con takes place at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. The convention center (attached to Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts) is located downtown, a block away from Indiana's state capitol building.

Aug. 5, 2010 (Thursday)
Aug. 6, 2010 (Friday)
Aug. 7, 2010 (Saturday)
Aug. 8, 2010 (Sunday)

Future Dates: August 4-7, 2011. August 16-19, 2012. August 15-18, 2013. August 14-17, 2014. July 30 - August 2, 2015.

Gen Con is a huge convention with something for almost everyone. Board games, collectible card games, roleplaying games and miniatures games are all featured.

Game publishers fill the exhibitor hall to show off their games, and there is plenty of opportunity to play those games in various gaming areas. Most events cost extra, so be sure to thoroughly review the Gen Con web site for information.

In 2006, there were more than 1,000 board game events, nearly 1,000 CCG events, about 1,400 roleplaying game events, and more than 500 miniatures events.

Pre-Registration, 4-Day Badge: $68
On-site Registration, 4-Day Badge: $78

Pre-Registration, 1-Day Badge: $38
On-site Registration, 1-Day Badge: $48

Many hotels are within easy walking distance of the convention center, including Adam's Mark, Comfort Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, Crowne Plaza, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, Hyatt Regency, Marriott, Radisson, and Westin. Indianapolis also has some excellent bed and breakfasts.

Plenty of parking is available near the convention center, mainly in paid lots. Rates range from about $5 per day to $18 per day.