Airport adds events to draw more people, revenue for vendors

One of the first things new airport CEO John Clark said he wanted to do was to squeeze more use—and revenue—out
of the new airport terminal’s Civic Plaza space.

Clark wasn’t kidding: At least 30 events will be
held in the circular space through Dec. 24. Among them are African drum ensembles, Latin dance groups, Celtic and Caribbean
music, and performances by the Indianapolis Ballet School.

Clark

On Dec. 12, the Humane Society of Indianapolis
will hold a petting zoo at the airport. That might be more soothing for nervous fliers than a drink at an airport bar.

Then again, the airport and its food/beverage and retail shops hope those who attend the events ring the cash registers.
Passenger traffic is down more than 10 percent, which has crimped concession revenue. Some of the post-security-check concessions
will have kiosks in the Civic Plaza to tap into what airport officials hope will be increased non-passenger visits to the
$1.1 billion terminal.

The Indianapolis Airport Authority is validating parking for some of the events. For
more information see www.indianapolisairport.com, under “Civic Plaza.”