BENNER: Can we keep the franchise the Simons saved?
The passing of Mel Simon adds more uncertainty to the Indiana Pacers’ future in Indianapolis.
Pro Sports
Articles
BENNER: Football season arrives – and so do these questions
“Is Indiana now a football state?” and other questions.
MainGate Inc. racks up revenue with NFL deals
When Brett Favre signed with the Minnesota Vikings Aug. 18, cheers could be heard at MainGate Inc.’s 7900 Rockville
Road headquarters. Predictably, Favre jerseys went flying off the shelves—about 6,000 in the first 72 hours—and
MainGate gets to keep a portion of those sales. The Vikings are one of six teams the Indianapolis-based merchandising
specialist has signed deals with in 2-1/2 years, making MainGate one of the biggest retail players in the goliath of professional
sports leagues.
Colts take lead in fighting drunk driving
The National Football League and stadium operators are sending a strong anti-drunk-driving message to fans this year as
part of an effort to expand the league’s 1-year-old Fan Code of Conduct program.
BENNER: Lin Dunn working her coaching magic on the Indiana Fever
When it comes to basketball coaching greats with Indiana ties, the question is not where to start the list—John Wooden,
Bob Knight, Tony Hinkle and Bobby Leonard would qualify as an initial Mount Rushmore—but where to end it. Among
women, the list is significantly shorter, but there’s one name that would be right at the top.
Schumacher leads Indians to 33 straight years of profits
Max Schumacher, now in his 52nd year with the Indians, runs a tight ship. His attention to detail and strategic thinking have
served the city’s minor league baseball team well.
Schumacher prepares for eventual Indians exit
Max Schumacher is healthy, feels good and wants to continue working for the Indianapolis Indians full time. But
with his 77th birthday approaching in October, Schumacher, chairman and president of the team, needs a succession plan.
BENNER: Time will prove the wisdom of building stadium
A year ago, we opened Lucas Oil Stadium. We’ve been arguing about it ever since.
Colts sign trio of stadium sponsors
The Indianapolis Colts recently signed a three-year sponsorship deal with Carmel-based James Allen Insurance Brokers to
become one of the primary sponsors at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Poll says Colts are the local fan favorite
A newly released 2008 poll shows the Indianapolis Colts thumping the Indiana Pacers in fan support, which isn’t a
surprise given the recent fortunes of the teams. But some observers say the numbers are more a reflection of the popularity
of the National Football League and the Colts’ Peyton Manning than an indictment of the Pacers.
Colts extend home sell-out streak
Despite a ticket price increase, the terrible economy, and an uncertain season ahead, the Indianapolis Colts have sold out
of season tickets, assuring the team will extend its sell-out streak to 97 regular-season home games.
Pacers coach takes to streets to combat homelessness
Even with the NBA draft approaching, Pacers coach Jim O’Brien makes time for his duties as a board member and on-the-ground
volunteer for the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention. A strong commitment to community service runs in
the coach’s family.
Practice jersey ads could boost Colts
Less than a month after National Football League officials announced teams can sell an ad on players’ practice jerseys, Indianapolis
Colts officials are optimistic they can close a six-figure deal before training camp kicks off in Terre Haute Aug. 2.
Finding bright spots amid wave of bad Indy sports news
So much sad, bad, disturbing sports news. Time to look on the brighter side.
Indy scores 2012 Super Bowl
In May, Indianapolis narrowly won the right to host the 2012 Super Bowl, beating out Phoenix and Houston at the National Football
League owners’ meeting in Atlanta.
Indiana Ice honors Schupay’s dedication to team
Afater the sudden death of Michael Schupay, the respected and dedicated Ice team president, the Indiana hockey team is striving
to honor his memory.
Gun owners, athletes or not, must be responsible
I don’t begrudge those who legally obtain and carry guns, whether their intended use is hunting or self-protection, and I
question the media frenzy that erupted after New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress was arrested for carrying a weapon
without a New York license.
Those responsible for hiring Sampson at IU should show accountability
Now that the NCAA has decided not to punish Indiana University further for basketball infractions, the athletic program must
concentrate on building an honest, successful sports program.
Pacers reforms, new Lucas Oil Stadium, NCAA 2010 tournament boost Indy’s sports reputation
The Pacers opening victory, new game innovations at Conseco Fieldhouse and retaining Danny Granger are bright spots in the
city’s vast sports scene.
Pacers cut costs, boost marketing to break even within three years
The Indiana Pacers are ratcheting up sales and marketing initiatives while cutting costs elsewhere in an effort to simultaneously
ride out the economic storm and boost attendance. The team has little hope of being profitable this year-or even breaking
even, said Pacers President Jim Morris, but he added that within three years the franchise’s financial status should be much
improved.