Indianapolis plans to make 2021 All-Star Weekend a tribute to basketball
Fresh off a trip to Chicago for this year’s NBA All-Star Weekend, city officials are contemplating how best to celebrate the sport when the city hosts the event next year.
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Distillery Trail map features 18 Indiana locations
The Distillery Trail brochure and map lists 18 distilleries that are part of the Indiana Grown initiative and produce craft spirits, such as whiskey, vodka and gin.
Longtime Indiana amusement park verifies closure after 94 years
Indiana Beach officials confirmed that the business has closed after 94 years of operation in a statement issued Wednesday, a day after news of the closure broke.
Speedway Indoor Karting planning expansion to Daytona Beach
Former IndyCar driver Sarah Fisher and husband/business partner Andy O’Gara, who opened Speedway Indoor Karting nearly four years ago, plan to open a second karting facility next door to Daytona International Speedway, they announced Wednesday.
Conservationists vie for zoo’s $250,000 Indianapolis Prize
The Indianapolis Zoo on Tuesday announced the six finalists for this year’s $250,000 Indianapolis Prize, which is considered the world’s leading award for animal conservation.
Economic fallout from China’s coronavirus mounts across globe
Among the first tangible impacts in the U.S. is a decline in the number of Chinese tourists. Visitors from China represent a lucrative market for American airlines, hotels, luxury retailers and entertainment venues.
Amish Acres tourist site to continue operation after auction
The new owners of Amish Acres’ tourism-related components said they plan to continue using the facilities to host stage events as well as an annual arts and crafts festival but will likely make some changes.
Children’s Museum prepares to invest millions on new programs, exhibits, upgrades
Three temporary exhibits will open this year, and a handful of existing spaces will receive substantial upgrades—including the popular Dinosphere space.
China virus outbreak rams global tourism, costing billions
Businesses around the world that have grown increasingly reliant on big-spending tourists from China are taking a heavy hit, with tens of millions of Chinese residents restricted from leaving their country as the coronavirus spreads.
Indiana casino approval delayed while state probes former Centaur execs
The Indiana Gaming Commission confirmed Friday that is postponing approval of a new Indiana casino while it investigates allegations that top executives at former Indianapolis racino business Centaur Gaming were involved in directing illegal campaign contributions to an Indiana congressional candidate in 2015.
Indy Championships Fund raises more than $20M for major sport events
The money is expected to go a long way in funding three events on the city’s calendar: the NBA All-Star Weekend and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four in 2021 and the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2022.
Hostel planned for former church, event center in Fountain Square
Plans for the hostel have been recommended for approval by city staff, because it “would be appropriate and would recognize [the building’s] historical and architectural value.”
Wine bar, bistro extends lease in Conrad, readies for renovation
To expedite the top-to-bottom transformation, owner Ross Bailey plans to close the 3,500-square-foot establishment in the Conrad Indianapolis’ lobby for at least six weeks.
Children’s museum reports record attendance in 2019
New exhibits such as “PAW Patrol Adventure Play” helped the museum trump its previous record-breaking tally in 2009, when it featured a King Tut exhibit and the launch of “Take Me There: Egypt.”
Indiana Dunes National Park to build erosion-fighting sand traps
Officials are asking the public to steer clear of the area as heavy equipment is used to install and fill the sand traps and fight erosion during a time of high water levels on the lake.
10 news events that changed central Indiana in 2019
There was no shortage of huge news stories in central Indiana this year—with Roger Penske’s purchase of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the launching of the Red Line and the closing of trucking giant Celadon.
Indiana ski resort closes slopes amid warm spell
The resort has long used snow machines to supplement natural snowfall, but the temperature must be 30 degrees Fahrenheit or lower for the process to work.
Indianapolis lands major convention for people who make decisions about conventions
The American Society of Association Executives expects draw more than 6,000 people to Indianapolis for its four-day conference in August 2026, putting Indianapolis under the microscope of key decision-makers for their respective associations.
Ike & Jonesy’s to close as building owner develops boutique hotel
After a 36-year run, the owners of the downtown nightlife institution say it will close after its New Year’s Eve party and a “Last Hurrah Celebration.”
Big Ten football title game draws near-record crowd
The contest was only the second deemed to be a sellout by the Big Ten in the title game’s history. The other came in 2015 when Michigan State played Iowa in a battle that featured two teams ranked in the top five.