NFL wild-card round ratings up 12 percent over last year
Of the weekend’s four NFL playoff games, the Indianapolis Colts-Houston Texans matchup averaged the least number of viewers.
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Colts dominate Texans for first playoff win since 2015
Quarterback Andrew Luck and running back Marlon Mack powered the team to a 21-0 halftime lead, and the defense turned back a surging Texan offense late in the fourth quarter for a 21-7 win. Next up: the Kansas City Chiefs.
Lawmakers to tangle over sports wagering, Gary casinos
Hate-crimes legislation and increasing teacher pay might be the big talking points at the Indiana Statehouse this session, but it’s a safe bet that gambling will stir up a few debates, too.
Area attractions appeal to winter adventurers
Several temporary outdoor ice rinks return to central Indiana this winter, and communities are making changes to improve the experience for visitors.
Colts unveil changes to cheerleader uniforms, programming
Nearly 65 years after introducing the NFL’s first pep squad, the Indianapolis Colts are making several changes to their cheerleading program amid the backdrop of the #MeToo movement.
Lawyer: Michigan State hampered probe of its Nassar dealings
Special counsel Bill Forsyth released a report Friday that accuses the school of fighting the release of certain relevant documents and releasing others that were “irrelevant.”
Pacers to play games in India as part of NBA’s international push
The two preseason tip-offs between the Pacers and Sacramento Kings will mark the first time a major American sports league has staged games in India, where the NBA is trying to develop a fan base.
MIKE LOPRESTI: A December full of gifts for local sports fans
Colts, Pacers, Hoosiers, Boilermakers and Irish all find something under the tree this year.
Indiana AG says his office is investigating USA Gymnastics
Indianapolis-based USA Gymnastics says it’s cooperating with the investigation.
Gov. Holcomb wants to keep Pacers in Indy, will consider plans to improve CIB facilities
The Capital Improvement Board of Managers will ask lawmakers for more long-term funding that could be used in part for improvements at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The governor says he’s ready to listen.
Pacers sign multimillion-dollar jersey sponsorship deal with Motorola
Christmas came early for the Pacers in the form of a sponsorship deal a source said likely will pay the NBA franchise up to $10 million over two years.
IndyCar promotes Frye to president in reorganization
Frye, head of competition and operations for the past three years, will add marketing and communications to his responsibilities.
Pacers promote longtime Fever exec Krauskopf, giving NBA its first female assistant GM
Kelly Krauskopf, a significant player in Pacers Sports & Entertainment for 19 years, will relinquish her duties as head of the group’s esports initiative to join the front office full time.
Pacers rethinking fieldhouse fan experience
The $200 million in upgrades to the Atlanta Hawks’ arena might provide hints as to what Pacers Sports & Entertainment is seeking in hush-hush negotiations with the Capital Improvement Board.
MIKE LOPRESTI: From Cheez-Its to cherry juice, bowl games come in variety of flavors
The proliferation of post-season college football contests crowns a champ: consumerism.
Report: USOC, others failed to act in response to concerns about Nassar
An independent report details a toxic pattern of bureaucratic paralysis among U.S. Olympic Committee leaders who reacted slowly, if at all, after they knew former doctor Larry Nassar was suspected of molesting young gymnasts.
Local merchandiser MainGate lands deal with NASCAR track owner ISC
Indianapolis-based retail merchandiser MainGate has inked an exclusive deal with the owner and manager of numerous NASCAR tracks, including Daytona and Talladega, to provide licensed gear and set up a new web store.
IBJ Podcast: Indiana Pacers Bikeshare is undergoing its first expansion—and it’s a big one
Kären Haley, executive director of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, talks with guest host Anthony Schoettle about the timeline for the bikeshare expansion and why it was important to locate stations outside of downtown.
MIKE LOPRESTI: Unheralded IUPUI has its own interesting hoops story
Two buddies from a small town in Kentucky are determined to put the Jaguars on a winning course.
USA Gymnastics bankruptcy might leave sex-abuse victims unpaid
In court filings, USA Gymnastics said it might not have the estimated $75 million to $150 million needed to settle lawsuits from dozens of claims from victims of Larry Nassar.