Tourism experts disagree on wisdom of planned convention center expansion
Overall attendance at Indiana Convention Center events has stagnated, but annual major conventions have seen explosive growth.
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Music venues awarded $121K in grants for COVID relief
The grants to 17 Indianapolis businesses are to be used for overhead costs, which could include monthly rent or mortgage payments and utility bills.
Trade group report: Gambling economy hit hard by coronavirus
The pandemic and efforts to fight it led to a nearly 79% drop in commercial gambling revenue for the second quarter of 2020, the industry’s trade association reported Thursday.
AMC to offer 15-cent tickets on first day of reopening
The openings of more than 100 theaters nationwide include two theaters in Indianapolis.
Independent music venues face closures without help
About 60 entertainment stages, bars and studios across Indiana have joined forces in a new association to fight for government assistance they say is needed to survive.
Pavilion at Pan Am owners eye new venue to replace soon-to-be-razed building
The operators of the Pavilion at Pan Am Plaza event center are considering building a $15 million venue in downtown Indianapolis to replace the one Kite Realty Group plans to turn into rubble as part of its massive redevelopment of the plaza.
State announces $10M fund to help arts, cultural organizations
The program was developed to assist and preserve the Hoosier Hospitality destinations and organizations that help enhance the quality of life the state offers.
Eldorado Resorts has shaky record of horse-track management
To say Indiana’s horse racing industry had concerns about Eldorado Resorts Inc. taking over the state’s two horse-racing casinos would be putting it mildly.
Proposed 40-story Signia at Pan Am Plaza to shake up hotel landscape
The $300 million hotel will be the most expensive and elaborate new lodging project built in the city since the $450 million JW Marriott complex was completed in 2011. And it will compete directly with the JW.
City to close Indiana Avenue for 5 days for Black Lives Matter mural
The Indianapolis Department of Public Works will close Indiana Avenue from Blackford to West streets from Thursday afternoon until Monday afternoon.
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra cancels indoor season due to pandemic, ‘economic pressures’
A joint statement from the symphony’s management and musicians said they were working together to try to provide health insurance for furloughed orchestra members.
As AMC postpones reopening, movie theaters implore studios: Release blockbusters
Movie houses say that despite far from ideal circumstances, it’s time for new movies. Four months of near-zero revenue has brought the $50 billion annual business to its knees.
Penrod Arts Fair canceled due to coronavirus concerns
The annual festival, which for more than 50 years has served as the unofficial kickoff of the fall arts season in Indianapolis, typically attracts more than 20,000 attendees and hundreds of artists and performers.
Eldorado’s $17.3B merger with Caesars clears final hurdle
The deal, which affects five Indiana casinos, was approved by New Jersey regulators on Friday.
Eldorado’s $17.3B merger with Caesars nearing final approval
The Indiana Horse Racing Commission signed off on the deal this week, paving the way for what will be the world’s largest casino operation. The merger, which awaits approval from New Jersey regulators, affects five Indiana casinos.
Volunteers to paint Black lives matter street mural Aug. 1
The mural will be painted between the Madame Walker Legacy Theater and the Indianapolis Urban League in the Indiana Avenue Cultural District, which was historically a Black business, entertainment and population center.
Longtime Children’s Choir executive director to leave post
Don Steffy, executive director of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir, plans to step down at the end of the year after 14 years in the position, the ICC announced Monday.
Indiana Gaming Commission approves $17.3B Caesars-Eldorado deal
The Indiana Gaming Commission on Friday approved Eldorado Resorts Inc.’s acquisition of Caesars Entertainment Corp.’s four Indiana casino properties, with major conditions.
North-side hotels capitalize on Grand Park, leisure travelers
Hotels across the metro area are starting to slowly rebound from this spring’s shutdown, but north-suburban properties are making up ground faster than anyone else.
Capital Improvement Board misses May revenue mark by nearly 70%
The CIB, which operates the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, on Friday said May income fell significantly short of both previous-year and budgeted totals because of the pandemic.