Hotels, restaurants expect record payoff from 50th anniversary of Gen Con
Officials announced early this month that four-day badges are sold out for the first time in the event’s history—which dates back to 1968.
Tourism & Hospitality
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Gen Con closing in on its first sellout in 50 years
Local hospitality officials are expecting the 50th edition of the annual gaming event to be one of the biggest conventions the city has ever hosted.
Brown County officials announce plan for $10M concert venue
The county-owned Maple Leaf Performing Arts Center, planned near Nashville, is expected to host concerts in multiple music genres, according to hospitality officials.
Vintage-car racing group’s new vision ushers in glory days
The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association’s racing series rolls into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this month for an event expected to draw hundreds of competitors and tens of thousands of spectators.
Construction begins on $1M sky lift for Indiana State Fair
The Subaru Skyride will rise about 35 feet above the ground and travel east and west between the Swine Barn and the Midway.
Busy travel season expected; airlines could set record
By air or car, traveler numbers are expected to rise over last year thanks to a decent economy and stable gasoline prices.
IUPUI preserves Indianapolis 500 artifacts using 3-D technology
Race fans can now view more than a dozen pieces of Indianapolis 500 history not on view in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum by using a new 3-D internet database.
Bankers Life Fieldhouse ups security after Manchester explosion
One of Indiana's top concert venues is stepping up security measures following a suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, that killed 22 people.
Coalition to craft splashy vision for White River development
A coalition of government, business and community groups is posing a big question: How can Indianapolis and surrounding counties best capitalize on the White River?
Competing interests debate future of Nickel Plate Railroad
The fate of the historic Nickel Plate Railroad could be decided this summer—but there’s no consensus on what the corridor should look like or on the impact or costs of projects.
Carmel hires consultants in effort to land luxury hotel brand by Marriott
The Carmel Redevelopment Commission on Wednesday approved spending $20,000 per month for hospitality industry advice that could help it bring an Autograph Collection hotel to the City Center project.
Flooding from rains prompts closure of Indianapolis monument
Days of heavy rainfall have forced the temporary closure of downtown Indianapolis’ historic Soldiers and Sailors Monument.
Check out what’s new in attractions across Indiana
A mascot museum, a hydroplane race and new sections of an existing southern Indiana cave are among the newest adventures awaiting tourists.
UPDATE: Pacers hope to lap field with splashy bid for NBA All-Star Game
Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird on Monday delivered the city’s bid to host the 2021 NBA All-Star Game to NBA executives in New York City in a specially-themed IndyCar.
NCAA returns events to North Carolina after repeals
The NCAA has awarded coveted men's basketball tournament games and other events to North Carolina, effectively ending a boycott that helped force the state to repeal parts of a law that regulated bathroom access for transgender people.
Running low on funds, Vonnegut museum seeks speedy outcome to legal fight
The museum devoted to the late local novelist says its lease dispute with a building owner on Massachusetts Avenue threatens the survival of the not-for-profit.
Gen Con to more than double space usage in Lucas Oil Stadium
Gen Con this year plans to use more than 750,000 square feet in the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium and in the connector between the two facilities. It’s the most space ever booked for an Indianapolis convention.
Carmel’s Dorothy Mengering, better known as Dave’s mom, dies at 95
David Letterman’s mother, a Carmel homemaker, became an unlikely and beloved celebrity in her 70s as she baked mystery pies and covered the Winter Olympics for her son’s late-night show.
Ben & Ari’s closes in Fishers after 18 years in business
The owners of the popular miniature golf course, arcade and party-hosting facility have sold the property along busy State Road 37 to a buyer who plans to open a used-car business.
City reaps $1.2M from Conrad hotel investment
Here’s a little-known fact: The city of Indianapolis has an ownership stake in two of downtown’s most luxurious hotels and has received nearly $1.2 million so far from one of the investments.