50,000 Catholics expected at Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis
The event will be the church’s first national gathering in more than 80 years, marking one of the most significant religious events the city has ever hosted.
Visitor Spending
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All-Star Weekend organizers promise fan-friendly vibes
Most of the 125,000-plus fans who are expected downtown for the NBA All-Star Weekend Feb. 15-18 won’t be at the big game. But local residents and others without game tickets will still have plenty of opportunities to get in on the action.
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Event planners stake claims at venues for All-Star Weekend
All-Star Weekend has become synonymous with parties that attract celebrities and people who gravitate to celebrity. And demand is high for venues downtown, an area long celebrated for its compact layout and track record of hosting large events.
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College Football Playoff title game generated $156M in spending
Commissioned by the local organizing committee, the study generally covered a four day period from Jan. 7 to 10. It found about 56,000 people visited Indianapolis for the game, spending an average of $281 per day.
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State tourism agency plans to ask for huge funding boost
Tourism officials are introducing a campaign they hope will set the stage for a significant funding increase from the General Assembly next year.
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Articles
College title game is important test of Indianapolis’ hospitality
Local organizers of the College Football Playoff National Championship say Monday’s title game can help solidify the city’s reputation as a place where big events shine.
Crowded field of holiday attractions is gift to consumers
From “A Christmas Carol” at the Indiana Repertory Theatre to drive-through lights at Ruoff Music Center, the holiday season is prime time for arts and entertainment budgets.
College football championship organizers prepare for kickoff
IBJ sat down with leaders of College Football Playoff Inc. and members of the local host committee to discuss the preparations underway to make the January game a reality.
NCAA tournament could give city ‘moment’ on par with Pan Am Games, Super Bowl
Hosting the entire 68-team NCAA men’s basketball tournament is likely to be a landmark event for Indianapolis and another boon for the city’s hospitality efforts, industry observers say.
North-side hotels capitalize on Grand Park, leisure travelers
Hotels across the metro area are starting to slowly rebound from this spring’s shutdown, but north-suburban properties are making up ground faster than anyone else.
Area businesses could take $85M blow from Grand Park closure
While the expected economic impact to the region is high, Westfield officials say they don’t expect the closure to have a game-changing impact on the city’s budget.
Big changes coming to the NFL scouting combine this year
Fewer assistant coaches will watch those prospects run through drills in person this year, and downtown Indianapolis bars and restaurants should be quieter as many of the on-field drills move from morning and afternoon into prime time.
Las Vegas ready to bid to host numerous big NCAA events
This is the first year that Las Vegas is eligible to bid after the governing body for college sports indefinitely suspended a ban last year that prevented events from being hosted in states that accept wagers on single games.
Splashy designation: National park status raises Indiana Dunes’ profile
Already, area tourism offices are receiving phone calls from people across the country who want to plan a visit. And CNN stopped by this month to tape a tourism special about the area.
NRA facing internal, external strife as convention starts in Indianapolis
National Rifle Association insiders and longtime observers describe an organization at war with itself over a central question: Has it strayed too far from its original mission of gun safety and outdoor shooting sports and become too political?
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.
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.
State incentives help keep FFA convention in Indianapolis through 2031
Under an agreement with the state, FFA will receive $500,000 annually over the seven-year extension, which will help pay for convention-related expenses.
Tourism officials expect another big impact from Big Ten Football Championship Game
Tourism bureau Visit Indy has spent about $60,000 on advertising over the past two weeks targeting Ohio State and Northwestern fans in Columbus, Ohio, and Chicago.
Citing hotel deal, Gen Con extends Indy contract
Gen Con President David Hoppe said “new hotel developments, along with Indy’s desire for technological upgrades, have made our decision to extend with Indianapolis an easy choice.”
Permanent venue at White River State Park could mean more concerts
White River State Park Development Commission Executive Director Carolene Mays-Medley told members of the State Budget Committee on Tuesday that the commission wants to add a permanent stage, seating, restrooms and an artist amenity building to the park.
Attendance remains steady for third running of Red Bull Air Race
Attendance for this year’s Red Bull Air Race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway was down only slightly from a year ago. The event was in the third year of a three-year contract, but IMS officials aren’t ruling out a return.
Local tech firm lands deals to run radio stations for airport, Georgia Street
Fishers-based audio marketing technology company Vibenomics Inc. on Tuesday announced it has signed deals with the Indianapolis Airport Authority and Downtown Indy Inc. to provide custom audio packages.
Indiana Black Expo moves concert indoors over weather concerns
The move could cut potential attendance at Friday evening’s show from about 30,000 to no more than 8,000.