Changes to boost NFL Combine’s local impact
Visit Indy projects the launch of the Combine’s first fan activity zone will increase the 30-year-old event’s economic impact 25 percent, to a total of some $10 million.
Anthony Schoettle
Articles
Big East chief: Conference financially healthy, not looking to expand
Commissioner Val Ackerman talked with IBJ on Thursday about the potential growth of the Big East, what Butler brings to the conference, and a recent claim about bullying within the WNBA, a league she used to lead.
Indians taking swing at bringing MLB back to Victory Field
The Indianapolis Indians are in discussions with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds, among other teams. A big-league game last April sold out and scored $350,000 in revenue.
Indy Fuel owners ready to take shot at new ice venues
Father-and-son duo Jim and Sean Hallett launched a minor-league hockey team—the Indy Fuel—in 2013, but the enterprise has expanded far beyond just an ECHL franchise.
Hotel hiccup could cost agencies millions
Local hoteliers and hospitality officials are bracing for a soft 2018. And some in the industry are pointing to the fallout from a controversial 2015 law as the culprit responsible for an expected one-year downturn.
Indians, CIB discussing new seating options at Victory Field
Fans of the Indianapolis Indians this year will notice a massive new scoreboard, improved sound system and spiffier concession stands. Changes to seating are being considered for 2018 or 2019.
Local country radio icon retiring from Hank FM
JD Cannon never intended to make a career in country music. But 44 years after his start spinning Nashville’s top tunes, he’s well-known among the biggest artists and producers.
CIB wants to up scrutiny on taxes paid by hotels and restaurants
CIB members initiated an effort Friday to partner with the Indiana Department of Revenue to make sure area hotels and restaurants are paying the taxes they should be.
Indians’ Schumacher scores third Sagamore, repeats support for ‘Victory’
Even though Max Schumacher’s role with the team has diminished, he still has strong opinions about how the team should be run. Don’t expect a corporate name on Victory Field anytime soon.
IndyCar in hot pursuit of younger audience with new marketing strategy
The open-wheel racing series will spend up to half of its marketing budget this year on digital and social media, up from about 20 percent last season.
New study says Colts fans get off (relatively) cheap
Ticket-buying fans of the Indianapolis Colts pay less than fans cheering for 20 other NFL teams—and a whole lot less than the Chicago Bears.
Locally based CEDIA sells massive electronics trade show
Visit Indy officials don’t expect the sale to affect the 2021 CEDIA show in Indianapolis and say they are hopeful it won’t have an impact on the city’s bid to host the event in 2024.
WTTV Channel 4 loses morning, noon anchorman
The station continues to revamp its morning newscasts, which have struggled in the ratings. Three of its morning personalities have been replaced in the last three months.
Indy Eleven’s owner, investment group say there’s urgency to MLS bid
The window on Ersal Ozdemir’s dream of bringing a Major League Soccer franchise to Indianapolis might be closing—fast.
Group business has historic French Lick Resort on a roll
At a time when revenue from its work horse—a casino that opened in late 2006—remains unpredictable, French Lick Resort is rolling the dice on a new strategy: one built on pursuing group sales to increase bookings at the resort and build exposure that will bring guests back for leisure visits. It’s already paying dividends.
Indy Eleven name investors for MLS bid, identify stadium site
The team says it has put together a plan to raise the estimated $320 million needed to cover the expected $150 million Major League Soccer franchise fee, a new 20,000-seat downtown stadium and start-up costs for the team.
Will Butler’s basketball success lead bigger schools to recruit its coach?
Four of Butler’s last five coaches have moved on to bigger, better-paying programs.
Could an IndyCar-themed attraction be in downtown’s future?
Many convention visitors and business travelers staying downtown want to experience the IMS, but don’t necessarily want to travel the four miles or so west to the track to do so, said Visit Indy CEO Leonard Hoops.
NCAA offering early peek at top seeds for March Madness
The NCAA plans to use a February television program to detail how the potential top four seeds in each region are stacking up at that point in the season.
Indianapolis visitor spending rises for 4th straight year
Visitors to Indianapolis continue to boost the region’s economy with new levels of spending, according to a study unveiled Tuesday at Visit Indy’s annual meeting at the Indiana Convention Center.