Safety chief says more security likely at events
Indianapolis will increase security at upcoming events such as the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Komen Race for the Cure, but spectators likely won’t notice the changes, Troy Riggs said.
Tourism & Hospitality
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Holiday World plans to display fun, not family problems
A family legal battle and untimely deaths have drawn attention to Holiday World’s owners in recent years. But it’s business as usual for those who run the Indiana theme park.
Skating academy to close ice rinks at Pan Am Plaza
Indiana World Skating Academy, a fixture in downtown Indianapolis since 1987, plans to suspend operations of its two indoor ice rinks at Pan Am Plaza this month and begin looking for a new location, the not-for-profit announced Wednesday.
Monument Circle face-lift set to move forward
The city recently signed a $555,750 contract with a local firm for design work on the Circle, leading to a two-year repaving project with other improvements.
Olympic snub is sharp blow for Lucas Oil Stadium
USA Swimming’s decision to torpedo a bid to host the 2016 Olympic Swim Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium casts doubts on the venue’s chances for future big-time, non-traditional events.
Lawmakers still considering live table games at racinos
The Indiana House Ways and Means Committee postponed amendments and a vote on a gambling measures Wednesday after supporters of the state’s horse-track casinos renewed their fight to get live dealers at their table games.
Demand for hotels, tickets spike as NCAA regional looms
Downtown hoteliers are expecting a sellout this weekend, and ticket brokers are reporting a spike in ticket prices even though Indiana University is playing elsewhere.
Indianapolis loses bid to host 2016 Olympic swim trials in stadium
Indianapolis has been eliminated as a candidate to host the 2016 U.S. Olympic swimming trials at Lucas Oil Stadium. USA Swimming told local leaders that the venue would be “challenging for creating an intimate swimming setting.”
Ticket brokers, city to take lumps as IU sent east
Ticket brokers took a gut punch Sunday when NCAA officials announced that Indiana University would not be playing in the Midwest Regional of the men's basketball tournament. Local tourism officials say the economic impact could drop $1.5 million.
Cops to valets: Park cars, not traffic
Indianapolis police are keeping an eye on downtown valets, whose habit of blocking traffic lanes has prompted complaints. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department issued a stern reminder to all valet operators on Jan. 31, the week after the opening of The Alexander Hotel in CityWay at Delaware and South streets.
REVIEW: Walt Disney World, Universal Studios revisited
With both the 2010 opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and 2012’s New Fantasyland expansion at Walt Disney World, families with theme-park inklings have even more reasons to visit — or revisit — Orlando.
Traveling Indiana? Here’s a look at what’s new and improved
Need some incentives to travel in-state for your next getaway? Looking for something new? Here’s a rundown of some of what’s been added — or improved — on Indiana’s destinations menu.
Art museum cutting more than 20 employees
The museum said 19 full-time employees and two part-time employees will complete their employment Monday. Eight additional vacant positions will not be filled.
Indianapolis Air Show called off; organizers cite sequestration
The air show was set for June 15-16 at Indianapolis Regional Airport near Mount Comfort east of Indianapolis. It has taken place annually since 1996.
Centaur completes purchase of Indiana Grand
The owner of the Hoosier Park racino in Anderson says it has officially purchased the bankrupt Indiana Grand and Downs in Shelbyville for $500 million.
State hotels see rise in annual occupancy rate
Indiana’s hotels hosted more visitors last year, according to a survey by Hendersonville-based Smith Travel Research.
City reports rise in parking meter profit, revenue
Indianapolis estimates it earned about $1 million more from parking meters in 2012, with meter revenue almost doubling from the previous year, the Department of Public Works announced Thursday.
Speedway businesses eye gains from IMS upgrade
Nearby businesses hope upgrades to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from a proposed state taxing district would pave the way for additional offerings at the venue, including night racing.
Senators look to sunset city’s ticket, excise tax hikes
Legislator says the recent tax increases aren’t being used for the purpose intended when such increases were authorized in 2009.
QUICK HITS: More people visit Philly than Indy despite similar tourism budgets
Philadelphia offers strong historical draws and a plethora of downtown restaurants.