New tourism CEO says he was ‘designed for’ industry
Hamilton County Tourism Inc. this month named David West, a 27-year veteran of the tourism marketing industry, as its next CEO.
Tourism & Hospitality
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Alamo Drafthouse to open at intersection of movies and motorsports
Auto racing dominates the decor of the Alamo Drafthouse that will open Monday about 4 miles north of Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Indianapolis keeping NFL Scouting Combine through at least 2026
The decision, announced by the league Thursday, will keep the five-day event in the same city where it has been held since 1987.
Corteva inks naming-rights deal for Fairgrounds Coliseum
The $4 million deal replaces a 10-year agreement between the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Indiana Farmers Insurance.
Westfield City Council hears new $1.2B plan for Grand Universe development
The Westfield City Council on Monday night heard an introduction for the 66-acre development centered on space exploration and science education east of Grand Park Sports Campus.
Ice skating returning to downtown’s Bicentennial Unity Plaza
Bicentennial Unity Plaza, just north of Gainbridge Fieldhouse, is frequently home to an outdoor basketball court, but it has also been used for ice skating, roller skating, volleyball and pickleball.
ASL interpreters helped to complete the picture of ‘Eras Tour’ in Indianapolis
Indianapolis-based company LTC Language Solutions sent two interpreters to each night of Taylor Swift’s shows at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Stephanie White’s return to Indiana Fever seen as homecoming
New Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White and members of the team’s front office expressed their thoughts on White’s return to the franchise during a Monday afternoon introductory news conference.
Taylor Swift updates: End of final show in Indy; more photos; celebrities among Swift fans
IBJ is covering Taylor Swift’s three-day visit to Indianapolis and the 200,000-some fans expected to converge on the city to attend (or try to find tickets to attend) one of the concerts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Check back regularly for updates.
Swift fans say city’s efforts to impress have succeeded
Some 200,000 people were expected to be downtown for three Taylor Swift shows, and tourism officials have used music performances, activities and Swift-related decor to encourage them to return to the city.
Count Indianapolis hotels and restaurants among fans of ‘Eras Tour’
In a year that’s included the NBA All-Star Game and U.S. Olympic swimming trials, Taylor Swift’s concerts are generating comparable business.
Taylor Swift and fans celebrate past, present during Indianapolis show
Swift opened her three-night stand in Indy on Friday with a whopping 69,000 people in the house who registered up to 114 decibels of adoration during part of the concert.
Photos: Taylor Swift performs on first night of Eras Tour stop in Indianapolis
The show, which ran 3-1/2 hours, included nearly 50 songs from Swift’s discography and featured up-and-coming artist Gracie Abrams as the opener.
Airport welcomes thousands of Taylor Swift fans with music, Girl Scout friendship bracelets
The airport expects to see 20,000 to 21,000 departures on Sunday and Monday each, which would put those days near the top of the venue’s busiest ever, alongside the Monday after the Super Bowl in 2012.
Local businesses go all-in for Swift weekend
Taylor Swift-related products, events and drink specials are popping up all over Indianapolis to fill the niche of entertaining ticketless locals, pre-show roamers and those looking to fill time through two-night hotel minimums.
College students get inside look at Swift tour, will help visitors navigate Indy
Local college students are getting a “pop-up course” in hospitality and civic engagement while helping host a massive event this weekend when Taylor Swift performs in Indianapolis.
Giant friendship bracelets from Swift’s New Orleans shows come to Indianapolis
The 140-foot-long strands, consisting of 7-foot inflatables resembling beads, were designed by contemporary artist Shawn Kolodny and will be affixed below the north window of the Lucas Oil Stadium on Thursday.
Swift concert merchandise sales dominated largely by locals on first day
Local fans waited in line Wednesday at the Indiana Convention Center to secure limited-edition Taylor Swift T-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, friendship bracelets and other bracelets.
Spirit launching nonstop from Indy to Atlanta, seasonal to New Orleans
The Florida-based budget carrier will begin daily service to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on May 7 and seasonal nonstops to New Orleans for Mardi Gras.
IBJ Podcast: What Indy tourism guru Chris Gahl learned from his father’s murder, surviving cancer
Under the care of a legend in the Indianapolis medical community, Gahl got a clean bill of health last year. But he’s still sorting through the repercussions of the loss of his father.