Downtown properties scramble to ramp up for NCAA influx
Five of the city’s most prominent hotels, accounting for more than 2,800 rooms, will house the 68 teams in the three-week NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament that tips off March 18.
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IBJ Podcast: What must Indy do to be ready to host all of March Madness?
The logistics needed to pull off the entire NCAA tournament are incredible. But Indianapolis officials tell IBJ reporter Mickey Shuey they are up to the task. So podcast host Mason King talks with Shuey about what he’s learned and what’s left to figure out.
NCAA’s March Madness will be test Indy was ‘made for’
The herculean effort over the next 2-1/2 months will involve city and state officials, tourism and civic leaders, and likely thousands of volunteers.
Undaunted by COVID, city tourism pros pack events into early 2021
Officials are hopeful new virus cases won’t ruin plans to host two dozen events in the first quarter of 2021—including efforts to bring the full NCAA men’s basketball tournament here.
IBJ Podcast: Can Indy pull off hosting the entire NCAA tourney?
Host Mason King talks with IBJ reporter Mickey Shuey, who has been covering the story, as well as Mark Ganis, co-founder of Chicago-based Sportscorp. Ltd., and Larry DeGaris, a University of Indianapolis professor and sports marketing consultant, about a proposal to have the city host all of the NCAA tournament games.
NCAA leaders say ‘everything is on the table’ for March Madness amid outbreak
The Indianapolis-based National Collegiate Athletic Association is examining all options for its upcoming men’s basketball tournament, including the possibility of holding games without fans, as the coronavirus continues to spread across the United States.
NCAA moves early-round basketball tourney games to Indy in 2022
The games had been scheduled for Cincinnati, but the NCAA said the city needs time to complete renovations of its arena.
Once a pioneer, Indiana Sports Corp. now faces stiff competition from other cities
With a big assist from the Indiana Sports Corp., Indianapolis has had quite a run, hosting more than 450 sporting events over four decades, including a Super Bowl, seven NCAA men’s basketball Final Fours and dozens of amateur world championships.
Indianapolis chosen to host NCAA Final Four in 2026
The event, scheduled for April 4 and April 6, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium, will be the ninth time the city hosts the men’s basketball championship tournament.
Hectic city schedule makes hosting football national championship trickier
Indianapolis officials say they’re up for the challenge of hosting the eighth annual College Football Playoff National Championship in January 2022, even as they’re planning six other big sporting events that take place within a 13-month stretch.
Organizing committee to seek $16M in corporate support for college championship
That compares to $30 million the Indianapolis business community contributed in cash and in-kind services to support the 2012 Super Bowl held at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Analysis: Is the Indy-based NCAA serious about gay rights?
As NCAA committees meet next week to discuss which cities will host championships through 2022, the organization finds itself in the middle of a national discussion on civil rights that will test its ability to influence public policy and its commitment to its own stated values.
March Madness betting likely to top $10B, but don’t tell NCAA
Although bracket contests and the money wagered on them have driven the tournament’s popularity for decades, the NCAA takes pains not to condone gambling or filling out brackets for anything more than fun.
Longtime Lucas Oil Stadium director departing for speedway
Mike Fox, who spent 33 years as stadium director at Lucas Oil Stadium and the Hoosier Dome, will now oversee facility operations at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
NCAA announces New Orleans will host 2022 Final Four tournament
The NCAA stated that its men's basketball committee decided to forego the traditional site selection process for the 2022 Final Four.
NCAA to survey potential host cities on discrimination laws
The survey is an additional step under a new NCAA requirement for event hosts to provide a safe and discrimination-free environment for all athletes.
Indy officials confident city measures up to NCAA’s new standards
Local officials say Indianapolis should continue to host NCAA events despite rules adopted by the association on Wednesday to assure LGBT rights and protections.
NCAA tournament deal with CBS, Turner extended through 2032
The Indianapolis-based NCAA on Tuesday announced an eight-year, $8.8 billion extension of its March Madness deal with CBS Sports and the Turner Broadcasting System.
NCAA to mull playing 3 women’s finals in same city again
The decision to play the Division I, II and III women’s basketball championships at one site drew praise from coaches and players. The NCAA will evaluate whether it was a one-time thing or something it should do again.
Losing in the NCAA men’s Final Four tourney can be costly
Licensees and retailers are preparing entire product lines, orders, shipping plans and marketing campaigns in advance. Four different sets of championship plans are being prepared—only one will ever see the light of day.