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Sports Business
Hoosier Tire still racing: For nearly a half-century, Lakeville company has competed with the big boys
December 11, 2006
Anthony SchoettleWhen the rubber meets the road, auto racing experts say there are few-if any-companies that outperform Lakeville-based Hoosier
Racing Tire. Hoosier tires, industry sources said, are equal to their better-known brethren in racing-related sales and on-track
performance. "This company has gone head-to-head with Goodyear on the biggest of all racing circuits," said Dick Berggren,
editor of Speedway Illustrated and a retired racer. "I can't think of a business where the costs of entry are steeper or the
level of technology...
MoreBar-restaurant is graduating to the big city: Scotty's Brewhouse opens first Indianapolis location, branching out from its
roots in Hoosier college towns
December 4, 2006
Justin HesserScott Wise compares his Scotty's Brewhouse expansion to a washed-up college band that finally hits it big after 10 years.
If that's the case, his fourth location-and first in Indianapolis-just might go platinum. Before it opened Oct. 30, Wise estimated
the 96th Street restaurant would gross $3.5 million in its first year; it's already on track to reach $5 million. Wise, 33,
tapped the college-town markets of Muncie, Bloomington and West Lafayette before taking on Indianapolis. He hopes the name...
MorePacers seek bigger share of NBA revenue
December 4, 2006
Anthony SchoettleIndiana Pacers co-owner Herb Simon has thrown his support behind an effort to pressure National Basketball Association Commissioner
David Stern to implement more aggressive revenue sharing among NBA franchises.
MoreSPORTS: Butler's Bulldogs rule-and so does Marvin Harrison
December 4, 2006
Bill BennerTalk about the straw that stirs the drink. That youngster gives maximum effort every second. And while it's early, I'd stack
Graves and his running mate, Michael Green, against any backcourt tandem in the country. Though they couldn't come out and
say it, the NCAA folks who now run the Preseason NIT had to be inwardly thrilled to watch Butler and Gonzaga University reach
the championship game on the Madison Square Garden stage. Their rosters are filled with players who...
MoreSympathy for New Orleans may ruin Indy's Super Bowl bid
November 27, 2006
Anthony SchoettleThe stiff competition facing Indianapolis' bid for the 2011 Super Bowl just got stiffer. Besides Glendale, Ariz., and Dallas,
New Orleans officials have told NFL officials and team owners they want to host the championship game again as part of the
city's recovery from Hurricane Katrina.
MoreSPORTS: Forget today-for now; Let's talk Pacers history
November 27, 2006
Bill BennerIn honor of the Indiana Pacers' 40th anniversary season, let's stroll down memory lane and gather some all-time picks: MVP:
Reggie Miller First team: center Mel Daniels; forwards Roger Brown and George McGinnis; guards Reggie Miller and Vern Fleming
Second team: center Rik Smits; forwards Billy Knight and Chuck Person; guards Mark Jackson and Don Buse Third team: center
Jermaine O'Neal; forwards Dale Davis and Herb Williams; guards Freddie Lewis and Johnny Davis Best player that would have
made the...
MoreMellencamp a reluctant pitchman in Chevy ad
November 27, 2006
Anthony SchoettleU.S. celebrities making pitches for large corporations is nothing new. But John Mellencamp has been long known as an artistic
purist with a disdain for commercialism. His debut this fall as a pitchman for Chevrolet's Silverado pickup truck has surprised
many and touched off a torrent of criticism.
MoreSchools warm to economic development: Colleges crank out programs to fit latest initiatives
November 20, 2006
Chris O\'malleyAcademic purists often hold contempt for politicians and executives seeking help with economic development initiatives. It
doesn't take a political science degree to wonder if someone is trying to stoke votes, ambitions or profits-on the cheap.
But in Indiana, more colleges are tailoring their curriculum to support economic development priorities, realizing what's
good for the region can be good for their enrollment. "An increasing number of universities don't view themselves as ivory
towers anymore," said Uday Sukhatme, executive vice chancellor...
MoreRCA ends 15-year run as sponsor of tennis tournament
November 20, 2006
Anthony SchoettleAfter a 15-year run--the longest on the ATP Tour's North American Circuit--Thomson Consumer Electronics' RCA brand is ending
its title sponsorship of Indianapolis' professional men's tennis tournament.
MoreSPORTS: You can't fathom 'the Luke' until you've been inside
November 20, 2006
Bill BennerGrowing up, my brothers and I had the usual constructiontype toys: Lincoln Logs, an Erector Set, Tinker Toys and-if memory
serves me-this kit from Kenner you could use to assemble the plastic skyscraper of your imagination. Among the things I tried
to build, however, were gymnasiums and stadiums, because I always was fascinated with places that brought together large numbers
of people. But since I had the attention span of a gnat and the conceptual engineering skills of an eventual...
MoreBRIAN WILLIAMS Commentary: Indy is ready (and waiting) for rapid transit
November 13, 2006
A new survey demonstrates yet again that community leaders recognize it is time to fix traffic congestion, improve air quality,
reduce aggregate fuel use and enhance area accessibility. The study was taken last summer of 377 members of the Lacy Leadership
Association, a group of local opinion leaders, by Walker Information, a local market research firm. More than 90 percent of
survey respondents indicated that rapid transit is an important component of the solution to these problems. In addition,
respondents...
MoreSpeedway's windfall leads to speculation: Questions arise about possible new hotel, turn-two suite upgrades and acquisition
of adjacent land
November 13, 2006
Anthony SchoettleThe Indianapolis Motor Speedway's announcement this month that it would sell its stake in Chicagoland Speedway for $69 million
has racing industry experts wondering if the famed Brickyard is planning an expansion. "There are a number of things [IMS
President] Tony George could use that money for," said Dennis McAlpine, a New York-based financial analyst covering motorsports
and entertainment. "That's not to say he's hurting for cash, but I believe he has projects on his plate." IMS and Daytona
Beach,...
MoreSPORTS: Glimmers of hope give Painter a long honeymoon
November 13, 2006
Bill BennerIn terms of a transition game, Purdue University's Matt Painter hasn't yet been able to get out on the figurative fast break.
First, there was the year he spent as associate head coach during Gene Keady's long goodbye, when the Boilers struggled to
a woeful 7-21 mark. Then, last season, when Painter assumed full control of the Boilermakers, injuries and suspensions factored
heavily into a 9-19 record and a last-place, 3-13 finish in the Big Ten. And this year? With...
MoreMassive hotel project could advance without city help: Redevelopment would be on a smaller scale
November 6, 2006
Cory SchoutenLand near Victory Field could get hundreds of additional hotel rooms even if the developers that control the site don't receive
city incentives they're seeking for a huge convention hotel project. Merrillville-based White Lodging Services Corp. and Indianapolis-based
REI Real Estate Services are asking the city to invest $45 million to $55 million toward a $250 million campus of hotels on
land that's now home to a 235-room Courtyard by Marriott and a TGI Friday's. If they don't win the...
MoreSPORTS: IU's Sampson prepares for his toughest audience
November 6, 2006
Bill BennerCHICAGO-Yes, Kelvin Sampson has the job. It's been his since March. Nonetheless, the audition begins next week in Conseco
Fieldhouse, when his IU Hoosiers basketball team opens the preseason NIT against Lafayette. Sampson will need to be into multi-tasking.
Coach his team. Rise to stratospheric expectations. Restore reputations. Quiet the critics who can't get over the fact that
he arrived with baggage that included more than his clothes. And, just win, baby. That will take care of virtually all of...
MoreLucas Oil launches high-end motorcycle biz in Indy
November 6, 2006
Anthony SchoettleLittle known in this market less than a year ago, Lucas Oil Products is roaring into town with its first brick-and-mortar
operation. Founder Forrest Lucas has set up a sister company, Lucas Cycles, to make fancy, fuel-injected motorcycles.
MoreSPORTS: Football triple-header has its highs and lows
September 25, 2006
Bill BennerThere's nothing better than Friday night at a high school football game. Unless it's Saturday afternoon at a college football
game (even if it is Indiana University). Or Sunday afternoon at an NFL game. Then again, how about all the above on an idyllic
late-summer weekend? So, my wife, Sherry, and I set out for a tripleheader gridiron adventure. And before I proceed, let me
say it's terrific to have a bride who will happily endure three football games in...
MorePreparation is key to surviving disasters of all kinds: Financial experts offer tips to keep your records safe in emergencies
September 25, 2006
Tracy DonhardtLast year's hurricane disasters in the Gulf Coast region brought to light how easily and quickly personal financial records
can be lost or destroyed in a catastrophe. While hurricanes aren't likely to hit Indiana, tornadoes, fires and floods are
always a possibility, as are crimes such as theft, vandalism and identity theft. Financial planners emphasize that it's important
to keep records safe from various disasters that can hit without warning. In fact, they say, it's good to have a plan...
MoreSPORTS Bill Benner: Little-noticed Horizon League prospers and grows
September 18, 2006
Bill BennerSPORTS Little-noticed Horizon League prospers and grows From his fifth-floor office in Pan Am Plaza, Horizon League Commissioner
Jon LeCrone has a view of the Indianapolis skyline. His only wish is that the city would look back. Not at him. At his nine-member
league, which will grow to 10 next July when upstate Valparaiso joins Butler in the league's Indiana contingent. Alas, it's
a prime example of good news making no news. Or of the media, local and otherwise, determining...
MoreRCA Championships secures ATP support: Local tournament working on TV, sponsorship deals
September 18, 2006
Anthony SchoettleIn the wake of rumors that a mini offseason for players could interrupt the RCA Championships' calendar slot, the ATP-the
association representing men's professionals tennis players-has come out in strong support of the local tournament. "There's
no uncertainty about the future of this tournament from the ATP's perspective," said Mark V. Young, ATP's CEO for the Americas.
Young confirmed that ATP officials, who set the men's professional calendar, have discussed shortening the schedule at the
behest of players, who claim...
MoreDIFFERENT TAKES: IS IT IMPORTANT FOR COMPANIES TO STAY LOCAL?
September 18, 2006
Mergers not only good for investors Keeping local roots is high priority DIFFERENT TAKES IS IT IMPORTANT FOR COMPANIES TO
STAY LOCAL? When entrepreneurs or investors start companies, they do so with a goal in mind. That goal might be to create
jobs, create value for investors or shareholders, develop local talent, build long-term capabilities for the company and the
state's economy, produce a profit, or all of these. Chances of success rise as we embrace the idea of an...
MoreECONOMIC ANALYSIS: Does the economy care who wins in November?
September 18, 2006
Patrick BarkeyIf you ever visit Indiana's past through the eyes of our state's excellent historians, you uncover many amazing facts. To
me, one of the most remarkable is this: In the 19th century, before the age of the automobile, mass communication and high
school basketball, the voter turnout among Hoosiers in national elections approached, and sometimes surpassed, 90 percent.
When you think about the sacrifice it took to get to a polling place in those days, that's an incredible achievement. Of...
MoreTOM HARTON Commentary: Crime takes indirect swipe at the arts
September 11, 2006
In Indianapolis, when the crime rate goes up or kids' test scores go down, it's not uncommon for people to point the finger
at publicly funded sports facilities. "Our priorities are screwed up," observers opine. "We spend too much money on these
playgrounds for the rich, and not enough on cops, courts and public education." The sports establishment here has been batting
away this criticism for years. It goes with the territory in a city where sports is an important...
MoreBEHIND THE NEWS GREG ANDREWS gandrews@ibj.com: With Finish Line stumbling, analysts weigh sale, LBO
September 11, 2006
Finish Line Inc.'s fortunes have dimmed so dramatically in recent months that analysts are raising a range of ideas that once
seemed farfetched to boost the slumping stock. Among them: taking the company private through a leveraged buyout, or selling
it to a larger retailer. The athletic-shoe industry is abuzz that an LBO for Finish Line's struggling rival, New York-based
Foot Locker Inc., is already afoot. That company last month hired a financial adviser, just weeks after Women's Wear Daily...
MoreFox Sports Midwest rebrands, unveils new plan: Local broadcasters will feel heat if strategy works
September 11, 2006
Anthony SchoettleFox Sports Midwest-which is in the process of rebranding to Fox Sports Indiana in this market-is serving notice it intends
to be the television network of choice when it comes to local sports. Shortly after wrestling part of the Indiana Pacers broadcast
rights from WTTV-TV Channel 4, officials for St. Louis-based Fox Sports Midwest unveiled a plan that entails significant upgrades
to its local sports programming, including adding professional, collegiate and high school sports of all sorts as well as...
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Cats out of the bag. The object of the game is to get acquired. That means the company has no idea how to grow beyond a certain point. Email is a 1990s technology. I have laughed at this company since day one. Such a small bit player. If it was anywhere but here, it wouldn't be newsworthy.
Esther, Indy has passed Chicago in the local government corruption arena. Don't downgrade us. We're No. 1 in the Midwest.
Does the buyer get to keep the recent Accu-Chek J.D. Power award? Be careful, those Swiss cannot be trusted. Last June they pimped Mayor Ballard and former Governor Daniels at a media op, announcing plans to invest "$300 million at its Indianapolis headquarters, creating up to 100 new jobs by 2017," only to turn around and close the Roche Nutley, NJ facility and eliminate 1000 jobs there later the same week. It seems that healthcare can be innovated only as long as money is to be made. Right now Roche seems to have big eyes for China: there are many Chinese in China and potential billions in Swiss francs! Since Roche is having difficulty with US insurance companies swallowing the bill for overpriced cancer drugs (with debatable efficacy) why not sell insurance to the Chinese and market the drugs to them there? There is a name for these sort of business practices however proper decorum precludes it use in this forum.
Same kind of Luddites who oppose I-69. Guessing their 501(c)(4) application probably sailed right through the IRS.