A proposal to launch a college auto racing series could be the answer to boosting open-wheel racing popularity to the level
it enjoyed when the first Final Four visited Indy in 1980.
The biggest chance Brad Stevens ever took, the best game plan he ever drew up, had nothing to do with a prized recruit or
some brilliant set of Xs and Os scrawled out on a greaseboard. It came on the day he decided to quit his job at Eli Lilly
and
Co. and to pursue his first love, basketball.
Butler's triumph has likely eliminated some of the direct visitor spending the city would have seen if Syracuse or Kansas
State would have made it to Indy for this year's Final Four. But corporate excitement could wipe away that loss.
About eight hours after Butler beat second-seeded Kansas State 63-56 to reach the first Final Four in school history, the
Bulldogs returned home to a large crowd and loud cheers.
Corporate hospitality at sports events has been stagnant in recent years, but organizers expect a big bounce for this year’s
NCAA Final Four in Indianapolis.
Besides an immediate bump in apparel sales, the university is expecting a jump in student applications, alumni contributions
and season-ticket sales, as well.
The goal of any host city of a major sporting event is simple: Rake in as much cash as possible during the days the event
is in town and maximize future economic potential by boosting the city’s image among everyone who watches on television.
Execution is more difficult.
The U.S. Basketball Writers Association is recognizing Hunter’s efforts on behalf of millions of children around the world
who are in need of shoes.
I have known NCAA executive Tom Jernstedt for something like 30 years and am routinely reminded that the most difficult thing to get him
to talk about is … Tom Jernstedt.
Watching the transformation of Bob Knight from a take-no-guff head basketball coach to the type of glad-handing media type
he would have detested in his previous life has been truly shocking, and a little sad, to behold.
Bernie Ecclestone appears to be interested in widening the racing series' reach in the U.S., with recent negotiations
to return to Indianapolis and now wishing aloud for a New York-based grand prix.
Graham Rahal's new full-time deal to drive for Newman Hass/Lanigan this year is positive for the Izod IndyCar Series on
many fronts, but it dramatically intensifies pressure on series leaders to turn a profit.
Indianapolis Colts' owner Jim Irsay's recent proclamation could dramatically escalate the salaries of the Colts'
and New England Patriots' franchise quarterbacks.
Tickets were snapped up fast for this year’s Final Four, almost assuring a record economic impact for Indianapolis. But two
more wins for Purdue or Butler could bring down projected visitor spending.
The aim is to spur redevelopment on the city’s blighted near-east side before the 2012 Super Bowl is played in Indianapolis.
It started as a meeting seven years ago between the NCAA, city and state officials, representatives of the Indiana
Sports Corp. and a few others. The result was an agreement
assuring Indianapolis hosts a major NCAA event every year between now and 2039.
Over and above its predecessors, this year’s event is going to blow you away.
Despite a 20 percent attendance increase at this year's men's Big Ten tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse, there are still cities looking to steal the event from Indianapolis.
Organizers credit stronger ticket-selling efforts and new promotions for boosting attendance to more than 81,000, the highest
it’s been since the tournament became an annual event in Indianapolis.
Officials from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Formula One say they’re in discussions to bring a Formula One race back
to the
city. F1 left the city in 2007 after an eight-year run.
