Butler University to convert Ross Hall into upscale hotel instead of demolishing it
Plans now call for the residence hall to be redeveloped into a 105-room hotel that will operate under Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.’s upscale Curio Collection flag.
Tourism & Hospitality
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InterContinental Hotel hires restaurant veteran Craig Baker as executive chef
Baker, who has played key roles at at several Indianapolis restaurants, most recently served as president of HAIV Hospitality and previously oversaw The AMP food hall at 16 Tech.
Former Eiteljorg museum leader John Vanausdall dies at 68
John Vanausdall served as CEO of the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art from 1996 until his retirement in 2023.
WNBA picked Indy as All-Star host after last-minute conflict for another city
In mid-June, senior WNBA staff told Pacers Sports & Entertainment that the chosen location for the 2025 All-Star Game was in flux, creating an opening for Indianapolis.
WNBA officially names Indianapolis as host for 2025 All-Star Game
The game will be played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and—thanks to No. 1 draft pick Caitlin Clark—comes amid a massive spike in interest both for the Indiana Fever franchise and the league as a whole.
Report: Indianapolis named host of 2025 WNBA All-Star Game
Indianapolis hosted the NBA All-Star Game in February, which would make the WNBA pick for next year’s event only the third time since the league’s founding in 1999 that a city has been named as host of both midseason events in back-to-back years.
‘Stranger Things’ star to teach acting, singing classes in Indianapolis
Gaten Matarazzo, known for his portrayal of brainy adolescent Dustin Henderson, will teach Aug. 16 on the campus of Butler University.
IMS Museum eyes major haul for endowment by auctioning off 11 valuable vehicles
The museum has partnered with Ontario-based auction house RM Sotheby’s to take the cars to market in a move that could bolster the organization’s $10 million endowment with an additional infusion of $100 million or more.
Roof issue at Lucas Oil Stadium resolved, CIB says
The retractable roof at Lucas Oil Stadium has been repaired after a system malfunction prevented it from opening for the Indianapolis Colts’ preseason opener Sunday.
IndyFringe Festival extends borders to new parts of town
IndyFringe has added White Rabbit Cabaret and Dance Kaleidoscope as venues, the festival’s first spots outside of the Mass Ave cultural district since it debuted in 2005.
Third annual Indy Classic to feature Purdue, Butler
The third annual Indy Classic will feature the men’s basketball programs of Purdue University playing Texas A&M University and Butler University taking on the University of Wisconsin at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
IHG seeking to build Atwell Suites hotel in Saxony area of Fishers
United Kingdom-based IHG Hotels & Resorts is seeking to build a 113-room Atwell Suites hotel in Fishers, but hurdles remain as the project goes through the city’s review process.
Historic commission signals support for $312M downtown hotel and entertainment venue project
Members of the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission on Wednesday mostly praised plans to redevelop the site of a century-old railroad servicing building across the street from downtown’s Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Farmers honor ‘Peanuts’ creator Charles M. Schulz with corn mazes across North America
More than 80 farms in the U.S. and Canada, including three in Indiana, have teamed up with Peanuts Worldwide to create “Peanuts”-themed mazes to celebrate the beloved strip’s 75th birthday this summer and fall.
Carmel City Council removes GOAT’s restrictions, approves DORA
The Carmel City Council on Monday night voted 8-0 to remove rules instituted two years ago that required The GOAT to have earlier closing times, no outdoor speakers and a neighborhood hotline.
NCAA moving closer to financially rewarding women’s basketball teams that reach March Madness
Women’s basketball is valued at $65 million per tournament under its new media rights deal—roughly 10 times more than in the contract that ends this year.
Sold-out Gen Con attendance eclipses 71,000 as convention eyes further growth
Gen Con, a tabletop gaming convention that has been held in Indianapolis since 2003, featured more than 540 exhibitors and 24,000 distinct events during its run at the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium and a handful of downtown hotels from Aug. 1 to 4.
Indianapolis company powering Indiana State Fair gift shop
United State of Indiana launched in 2011 and has grown into an online store, retail location near Broad Ripple and event exhibitor.
WWE’s SummerSlam to be filled with action—and lots of sponsors
Indianapolis is on tap to host an upcoming SummerSlam as part of an agreement city hospitality officials reached earlier this year that will bring several big WWE events to Lucas Oil Stadium over the next eight years.
From Lady Gaga to Jack White: Tonic Ball reveals its honored acts
Tonic Ball will feature Indiana musicians performing the songs of Lady Gaga, Daryl Hall & John Oates, Parliament-Funkadelic and Jack White.