UPDATE: IMS, Conseco would host bowl bashes

NASHVILLE, TENN.-Lucas Oil Stadium isn’t the only local sports venue that would see action if NFL owners pick Indianapolis to host the 2011 Super Bowl.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway would be decked out for the league commissioner’s prestigious Friday night party, and Conseco Fieldhouse would be the site of a “star-studded concert” on the eve of the game, according to a promotional brochure sent to owners in advance of today’s decision.

The city’s Super Bowl committee also has pledged to build an enclosed practice facility comparable to the Colts’ 56th Street complex, meeting another NFL requirement. It would be built on the IUPUI campus and be linked to the Indiana University Natatorium and the University Place Hotel and Conference Center.

After the game, the facility would become a multi-purpose athletic center for the campus and would be available to Indianapolis Public Schools students.

City boosters were set to make their 15-minute presentation today before NFL owners vote on a site for the 2011 game. Indianapolis is vying against regional bids from North Texas and Arizona.

A decision is expected this afternoon.

Indianapolis’ bid team-led by Baker & Daniels partner Fred Glass and headlined by Colts Coach Tony Dungy-is the last city to make its pitch, at noon EDT. They held a dress rehearsal last night before finalizing the bid.

Late-night television star David Letterman also offered up a pre-recorded “Top 10” list as part of the city’s presentation. Among Letterman’s reasons for giving his hometown the game? His mom will throw a “kick-ass” tailgate party.

The Indianapolis 2011 contingent has been highly secretive about their presentation, but details emerged as the media converged on Loews Vanderbilt hotel, where the owners are holding their spring meeting.

Indianapolis and North Texas are largely believed to be the front-runners for the game, since Glendale, Ariz., is hosting the 2008 Super Bowl.

Both cities also have new stadiums in the works-Lucas Oil Stadium is scheduled to open in 2008, and the Dallas Cowboys are set to move into new digs in Arlington the following year.

Check www.IBJ.com for updates.