You’ve probably stood in the security line outside the Old National Centre on a rainy Tuesday night, shivering in your hoodie while wondering if the show is actually worth the wait. It usually is. But once you clear the metal detectors and head up those stairs, the vibe changes instantly. You aren't just in a concert hall anymore. You're in a fever dream of 1920s occultism and Gilded Age excess. The Egyptian Room at Old National Centre Indianapolis is, quite honestly, one of the most polarizing spaces in the Midwest. People either love the intimate, sweaty energy of a sold-out rock show there, or they spent the whole night complaining that they couldn’t see over the guy in the tall hat standing right in front of them.
It’s iconic.
Originally opened in 1909 as the Murat Temple, the building itself is the oldest stage house in downtown Indy. The Egyptian Room specifically was part of a massive "Egyptomania" trend that swept the United States after various archaeological finds in the early 20th century. While most venues from that era have been gutted or turned into sterile "multi-use spaces," the Old National Centre kept the weird stuff. We’re talking hand-painted murals, massive gold-leaf pillars, and hieroglyphics that probably don't say what the original artists thought they said.
The Layout: A Blessing and a Curse
Let's get real about the floor plan. If you’re heading to the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre Indianapolis for the first time, you need to know it's a flat-floor room. There is no permanent seating.
This means a few things for your night.
First, if you’re short, get there early. Like, "doors open" early. Because the floor is flat, the sightlines can be tricky if you’re stuck behind a literal wall of humans. However, the room only holds about 2,000 people. Compared to the massive Gainbridge Fieldhouse down the street, this is basically a private performance. You can see the sweat on the lead singer's face. You can hear the actual acoustic snap of the snare drum before it hits the PA system. It’s loud. It’s dense. It’s exactly what a concert should feel like.
The stage is elevated just enough to give the front half of the room a great view, but the back half can turn into a bit of a neck-straining exercise. Some people swear by the "Soundboard Spot." If you hang out near the lighting and sound techs in the back-middle, you usually get the best audio mix and enough breathing room to actually move your arms.
Why the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre Indianapolis Beats the Stadium Experience
Size matters, but not in the way most people think.
In a stadium, you're watching a screen. At the Egyptian Room, you're part of the show. There is a specific kind of magic that happens when a band like Queens of the Stone Age or a comedian like John Mulaney plays a room this size. The energy bounces off those gold pillars and stays trapped in the room.
The acoustics are surprisingly decent for a room that looks like a Pharaoh’s tomb. Because the ceiling is high and the walls are decorated with intricate plasterwork, the sound doesn't "slap back" as harshly as it does in a concrete box. It’s warm. It’s heavy.
The Logistics of a Night Out
Parking in downtown Indy is its own circle of hell, but the Old National Centre has its own lot. It’s expensive. You’re going to pay a premium for the convenience of not walking six blocks in the wind. Pro tip: look for the surface lots north of the building near Alabama Street. You might save twenty bucks, which is basically the price of one and a half beers inside.
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Speaking of drinks, the bars inside the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre Indianapolis are efficient but pricey. They’ve got the standard Live Nation selection. You know the drill—tallboys of domestic beer and "craft" cocktails that come in a plastic cup.
- The Coat Check: Hidden downstairs. Use it in the winter. The room gets incredibly hot once 2,000 people start jumping.
- The Bathrooms: They are old. They have character. They also have lines during intermission that rival the DMV. Plan accordingly.
- Security: They are strict. Don't bring a big bag. They will make you walk it back to your car, and you will miss the opening act.
History You Can Actually Feel
Most people don't realize that the Murat Shriners still have a presence in the building. This isn't just a corporate-owned shell; it's a living piece of fraternal history. The "Egyptian" theme wasn't just a decoration choice—it was part of the Shriners' lore and ritual aesthetic. When you look at the ceiling, you aren't looking at wallpaper. You’re looking at decades of smoke, music, and history baked into the paint.
The room underwent a massive renovation in the late 90s to save it from the wrecking ball. Before that, it was crumbling. Now, it’s a weird hybrid of high-tech lighting rigs and ancient-looking masonry. It feels like a movie set. Honestly, it’s the kind of place where you half-expect Indiana Jones to swing from the rafters during the encore.
Dealing with the Crowds
If you’re claustrophobic, the Egyptian Room will test you. When a show sells out, the "standing room only" vibe is literal. There is no "back of the room" to escape to because the bars take up that space. You are in it.
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But that’s the draw.
I’ve seen shows there where the floor literally flexes because the crowd is in such a synchronized rhythm. You don't get that at an outdoor amphitheater. You don't get that at a seated theater like the Clowes Memorial Hall. You only get that in a room that forces everyone together.
What to Do Before and After
The Old National Centre is located at the top of Mass Ave. This is the best part about the venue. You aren't stuck in a barren parking lot wasteland.
- Eat at The Eagle: It’s a short walk. The fried chicken is world-class, but the wait times on show nights are brutal.
- Drinks at Rathskeller: Right down the street. It’s a massive German beer hall. If the weather is nice, the biergarten is the best pre-game spot in the city.
- Late Night: If the show ends and you’re still buzzing, Pearl Street Pizza is usually open late enough to grab a slice and talk about the setlist.
Making the Most of Your Visit
The Egyptian Room at Old National Centre Indianapolis isn't perfect. The pillars can block your view if you're unlucky. The air conditioning sometimes struggles to keep up with a sold-out crowd. The floor can get sticky enough to claim a loose shoe.
But it’s ours.
It’s the room where Indy saw the White Stripes before they were huge. It’s the room where local legends and international superstars share the same oxygen. It’s a weird, golden, loud, beautiful mess of a venue that defines the Indianapolis music scene.
If you're going, go all in. Wear comfortable shoes. Leave the oversized jacket in the car. Get a spot near the soundboard. Look up at the ceiling at least once during the night and appreciate the fact that we have a venue this strange and historic right in the middle of the city.
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Actionable Insights for Your Next Show:
- Arrival Time: Aim for 45 minutes before doors if you want a "front rail" experience; otherwise, arrive 30 minutes after doors to skip the initial security bottleneck.
- Check the Weather: The line often wraps around the building with zero cover. If it’s raining, bring a disposable poncho you can toss.
- Ride Share: Use the designated drop-off zone on North St. to avoid the gridlock on New Jersey St.
- Accessibility: If you have mobility issues, contact the venue in advance. They have a designated ADA platform that offers some of the best unobstructed views in the house, but space is limited.
- Merch Strategy: Buy your shirts during the opening act. The line at the end of the night is a 40-minute disaster.