Here's everything you need to know to attend (or avoid) Red for Ed Action Day

Thousands of marchers are expected to descend on Downtown Indianapolis tomorrow for the Red for Ed Action Day at the Statehouse.

Here’s everything you need to know if you’re planning to attend the event or trying to avoid it.

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Where is Red for Ed?

The Red for Ed event is being held on the grounds of the Indiana Statehouse, 200 W. Washington St.

According to the schedule released by the Indiana State Teachers Association, the day will start on the south lawn, which is the area just north of Washington Street. That’s also the place to be to hear the speakers, who will be on the south steps.

The march will start from the south lawn, move north along Capitol Avenue, turn west onto Ohio Street for several blocks and head back south along West Street and then east along Washington Street in front of the Indiana Government Center, back to the Statehouse.

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What’s the Red for Ed schedule?

8:30 a.m.: ISTA is expecting crowds to start arriving, although the Indiana State Police is recommending participants arrive as early as possible. There will be an ISTA tent for participants to check-in.

9 a.m.: ISTA is planning to make human tunnels around the entrances to the Statehouse.

10:30 a.m.: Remarks on the south steps from ISTA President Keith Gambill and Becky Pringle, National Education Association Vice President.

10:50 a.m.: March.

Noon: Lunch. There will be food trucks on the Robert Orr Plaza, just north of the Indiana Government Center.

12:30 p.m.: Marchers will enter the Statehouse.

1:15 p.m.: ISTA members will share their stories in the south atrium of the Statehouse.

1:35 p.m.: Action day activities, like a “grade-in” and postcard writing, will take place in the south atrium.

3 p.m.: The event ends.

Where can I park for Red for Ed?

There is metered parking downtown, which you can find using ParkIndy.net. Metered parking along Washington Street will not be available, though, to make room for buses to unload passengers. Other parking finders, like Parking Panda, can help you find garage spaces. There are a variety of garages and surface lots within walking distance of the Statehouse. ISTA has a list of more options online.

Why they're marching:Thousands expected for Red for Ed Action Day at Statehouse

There are a few options for bus parking.

• Gate Ten, 343 W. McCarty St.: Cost is $45 for buses and $25 for 15+Passenger Vans. A shuttle is provided to and from the lot.
• Indianapolis Zoo: Cost is $20 with no shuttle service.

ISTA is also encouraging members to use the Red Line, Indy’s new bus rapid transit route, to get downtown. You can park at the College Avenue garage in Broad Ripple, catch the bus at the stop right outside the garage and hop off at the stop just outside the Statehouse.

What should I bring to Red for Ed?

The National Weather Service is calling for sunny conditions and temperatures in the mid- to low-40s Tuesday, but marchers planning on spending several hours outside should still dress warm, wear comfortable shoes and be sure to bring hats and gloves.

There will be plenty of signs but only those that are 24 inches square or smaller and not mounted on a stick can be taken inside the Statehouse.

Also, bring your patience. Expect to wait if you’re going into the Statehouse, where everyone will have to pass through security. There are likely to be long lines at pretty much anywhere to eat near the Statehouse, too.

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What shouldn’t I bring to Red for Ed?

Anything you don’t need. If you’re planning on entering the Statehouse, you will have to go through security. Everyone will have to pass through a metal detectors and all bags will go through an X-ray inspection.

Will there be any streets closed?

Law enforcement agencies said there are no planned street closures. The Indiana State Police said, though, that there may be some lane closures to accommodate buses to on- and offload. 

Metered parking along Washington Street will be bagged to allow for bus drop-off and pick-up. 

Buses will also be picking up groups in the afternoon on Maryland Street, next to the convention center.

What if I want to avoid the crowds?

For people who work downtown or otherwise have to be downtown Tuesday, plan your arrival and departure times. People will likely start arriving downtown by 8 a.m., which could complicate the morning commute. The event ends at 3 p.m., so expect more traffic at that time.

If you don’t have reserved parking, that could be an issue, too. Most available open parking will be taken. Metered parking along Washington Street will be bagged to allow for bus unloading.

You’ll also want to steer clear of the Statehouse, Indiana Government Center, State Library and Robert Orr Plaza.

If you work in the area, you may want to pack a lunch. The Indiana Government Center Cafeteria, museum restaurants and Circle Center Mall food court are all likely to be packed.

Call IndyStar education reporter Arika Herron at 317-201-5620 or email her at Arika.Herron@indystar.com. Follow her on Twitter: @ArikaHerron.