Candlewood Suites lands $10M in financing
Candlewood plans to use the money for extensive renovations at its 142-room property.
Tourism & Hospitality
Articles
Hoteliers oppose legislation that’s tied to convention center expansion
Some of the biggest hotel operators in Indianapolis say the city would not be able to absorb the 800-room and 600-room hotels planned by Kite Realty Group Trust alongside the proposed expansion of the Indiana Convention Center at Pan Am Plaza.
Kurt Vonnegut Museum planning to buy building on Indiana Avenue
The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library is hoping to raise $1.5 million to acquire the building, which would house the museum and a cafe operated by the owners of Bluebeard restaurant.
NFL Combine could ink new Indy extension deal later this year
The five-day NFL Combine has been hosted in Indianapolis since 1987, and efforts are underway to ensure the showcase calls the city home for the next several years.
Indiana Senate approves sports betting, casino moves
The legislation would legalize sports wagering, let horse-track casinos add table games this year as opposed to waiting until 2021 and allow two Gary casinos to move.
Study finds rail-with-trail idea much costlier than trail-only plan, Fishers says
The city of Fishers has released a study that says constructing a trail on the Nickel Plate Railroad corridor would cost at least $20 million more if the development maintained a rail line alongside the trail.
Vision for Nickel Plate Trail in Fishers includes rec center, playgrounds, reading nooks, plazas
Fishers intends to start construction on the first section of the trail, from 106th Street to 126th Street, later this year.
Developer seeks OK for 16-story addition to historic downtown tower
The owner of a historic downtown office building that’s being redeveloped into a hotel is seeking city approval to build a towering addition that would replace most of an adjacent 96-year-old building.
Pacers roll out hat-knitting initiative ahead of 2021 NBA All-Star events
The Nothing But Knit campaign is the first community initiative tied to the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, and aims to collect up to 5,000 knitted beanies for distribution to volunteers, hospitality workers, players and league officials.
Bill transforming state tourism office clears hurdle in Statehouse
The proposal would turn the Office of Tourism Development into the Indiana Destination Development Corp., a quasi-governmental group that could accept funding from tourism organizations.
White River plan envisions ideas for more accessibility in Hamilton, Marion counties
A firm charged with drafting a plan to revitalize and activate the river in the two counties has unveiled a series of concepts that include both passive and active nature experiences.
Carmel holiday market attendance more than doubles in second year
In its sophomore year, Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt drew 328,000 people to Carmel’s Center Green. Sales revenue also jumped significantly.
Visit Indy reports seventh straight year of rising visitor spending
A record 28.8 million people visited the Indianapolis in 2017, generating a $5.4 billion economic impact, according to figures released Wednesday afternoon by Visit Indy as part of its State of Tourism event.
Bill would boost CIB funding, require new 25-year deal with Pacers
A bill filed by Senate Appropriations Chairman Ryan Mishler would extend the life of multiple tourism- and entertainment-related taxes that help fund the Capital Improvement Board and expand the footprint of what’s known as the Professional Sports Development Area to capture even more tax revenue for the CIB. But there’s a catch.
Longtime CIB leader Levengood announces retirement
Nearly 30 years after coming to Indianapolis to head the city’s convention efforts, Barney Levengood is retiring later this year.
State may revamp tourism department, create quasi-governmental agency
Several lawmakers, lobbyists and state officials are pushing for sweeping changes to the state’s tourism bureau.
State lawmaker expects Indianapolis to be considered for casino
The Indiana General Assembly is likely to consider a proposal that would allow Gary’s two casino licenses to be relocated this year—one would stay in Gary, while the other could move to another city in the state.
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.
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.
Orange County economic-development veteran to become state tourism director
Misty Weisensteiner succeeds Mark Newman, who had been in the post six years when he stepped down in August to become executive director of Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations.