9 downtown projects that should (mostly) be ready for the city’s next Final Four events
Fans could have new places to stay and new things to see when the NCAA brings its marquee basketball championships back to Indianapolis in 2028 and 2029.
Mickey Shuey
Articles
Direct Connect moves headquarters to historic Gibson Building
The logistics firm took occupancy of 25,000 square feet in the building on April 1 after subleasing space in Circle Centre Mall since 2022.
First look: Fever share early interior renderings of new practice facility
The $78 million Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center, which is under construction, will span 108,000 square feet and feature state-of-the-art training equipment, wellness spaces and family-focused amenities.
Sheetz announces $1B plan to open 100 convenience stores in Indiana
Sheetz, which has developed a fan base often referred to as “Sheetz Freakz,” said it plans to open its first Indiana locations next year in the greater Indianapolis area.
Future hosts visit Indy to get first-hand experience in pulling off Final Fours
Meanwhile, some local organizers spent time in Phoenix over the weekend to scope out the women’s tournament, which Indy will host in 2028.
With semifinals done, fans enjoy having certainty about their plans for Monday
Some are happy to have reason to stay, although they might not know exactly where they’re going to stay.
Hall of Fame coach Boeheim says Indy should host Final Four more often
Jim Boeheim thinks the Final Four should be in Indianapolis permanently — or at least one of just a couple of cities where the event is regularly held.
NCAA President Baker mum on whether March Madness will expand
Charlie Baker, who has led the Indianapolis-based NCAA for three years, did address a non-binding executive order signed by President Donald Trump this week calling for overhauls to collegiate athletics.
10 things to know about Final Four weekend
The Indiana Sports Corp., the NCAA, the Final Four Local Organizing Committee and other organizations have planned plenty of fan-friendly events — in addition to the games.
JW Marriott GM Phil Ray reminisces about Final Fours, the NCAA bubble and the huge bracket on his building
For more than two decades, Phil Ray has watched Indianapolis grow its hotel industry exponentially — and along with it, the city’s reputation as a host of major events.
At Final Four event, Caitlin Clark says she’s looking for ‘a few championships’ with Fever
Clark participated in a health care-related panel sponsored by Eli Lilly and Co. at the Final Four Fan Fest at the Indiana Convention Center on Friday.
Georgia Street paved with asphalt — temporarily — ahead of Final Four weekend
A $9.1 million redevelopment of the street into mostly a park-like plaza was supposed to be done by now. But delays meant it wasn’t done for the Tip-Off Tailgate fan event.
Photo gallery: Workers construct NCAA Fan Fest at convention center
This weekend’s event will feature nearly 20 interactive fan areas, often called activations, from more than a dozen of the NCAA’s business partners and sponsors.
New building proposed in Meridian-Kessler by owners of neighboring Twenty Tap
The project would bring an entirely new structure to the roughly quarter-acre site, most recently home to Airmaster Heating and Cooling.
Visit Indy prepared to welcome tens of thousands for Final Four
The downtown La Quinta Inn on East Washington Street is advertising rooms at $609 per night for the weekend, and the Sleep Inn and Suites near 16 Tech has rooms at $814 per night.
Photo gallery: Court for 2026 Final Four installed at Lucas Oil Stadium
Workers began installing the court and other components needed for the Final Four inside Lucas Oil Stadium early Friday.
Indy keeps elevating Final Four experience
The NCAA has found ways to add to the Final Four during each of its eight previous stops in Indianapolis.
Speedway set to take action on stalled hotel project, puts eminent domain back on table
A proposed resolution could mean eminent domain for the long-delayed development but prioritizes negotiations with the property’s owner, town officials told IBJ on Friday.
Longtime construction leader Phil Kenney dies at 65
Kenney was president of the area’s largest construction firm, F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co. Inc., from 2001 until his retirement in 2025.
Clark Foundation, Lilly to partner on new downtown basketball court
Plans call for the basketball court to be open to the public as part of a pocket park concept that will include some new trees and other landscaping.