Health department unsure of restaurant restrictions for NCAA tournament
Dr. Virginia Caine said the decision on further opening restaurants will be dictated by positivity rates, vaccine distribution and case counts much closer to the tournament.
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Pacers, city rethink massive change to fieldhouse exterior as part of renovations
Plans for a grand, glass-wrapped entry pavilion as part of the $360 million renovation to Bankers Life Fieldhouse have been tabled, in favor of minimal updates that largely keep the existing facade intact.
NCAA books big chunk of downtown hotels for March Madness
Nearly all of downtown’s nearly 7,600 hotel rooms could be used for the tournament, as well as additional hotels in other parts of the city as well.
Health department offers early details on fans, testing at NCAA tournament
Some protocols are already set, including requirements for travel to Marion County and how teams will manage their operations throughout the tournament.
UPDATE: NCAA to host entire men’s basketball tournament in Indiana
The organization said it is “closely monitoring” the pandemic and will continue evaluating the feasibility of some fan attendance at some of the games.
Indianapolis to host entire men’s basketball tournament, source says
The 67-game tournament will be held at venues across central Indiana in March and April, according to a source familiar with the plans.
2020 finally ending, but New Year’s revelries muted by virus
This New Year’s Eve is being celebrated like no other, with pandemic restrictions limiting crowds and many people bidding farewell to a year they’d prefer to forget.
App that matches workers with jobs is fueling growth for staffing firm
LGC Hospitality is using a new staffing app to expand into dozens of smaller markets, including several in Indiana.
Photos: Bottleworks Hotel opening Tuesday
The 139-room hotel will be among the first components of the $300 million Bottleworks District to open. Additional tenants—including retailers, restaurants and entertainment-focused businesses—will begin opening early next year.
Undaunted by COVID, city tourism pros pack events into early 2021
Officials are hopeful new virus cases won’t ruin plans to host two dozen events in the first quarter of 2021—including efforts to bring the full NCAA men’s basketball tournament here.
Fieldhouse gets safety certification prior to upcoming reopening
The new measures are part of the venue’s effort to meet accreditation standards established by the International Well Building Institute at buildings across the country.
Indianapolis Boat Sport and Travel Show called off after 66-year run
Anderson-based Renfro Productions Inc., which produces and manages the show and several related events, said it would bring back the events in 2022.
Sports Corp. ‘very close’ to bringing basketball bubbles to Indiana Convention Center
Visit Indy President and CEO Leonard Hoops addressed the topic Friday during the monthly Capital Improvement Board meeting, indicating there are tentative plans for up to three separate bubbles.
One meet, nine cities: How top U.S. swimmers finally returned to the pool
The U.S. Open swimming meet originally was scheduled for one site. Now it’s taking place across nine, including Indianapolis, where events are scheduled through Saturday at the Indiana University Natatorium.
Hogsett asks Congress to help in COVID-19 fight with more aid
The city previously received $168 million in CARE funds, all of which has already been appropriated to various programs and efforts aimed at helping local government, residents and businesses get through the pandemic.
Future of business travel unclear as virus upends work life
Work travel represented 21% of the $8.9 trillion spent on global travel and tourism in 2019, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. How much of that business will return after the pandemic is uncertain.
Hotels’ vacancy woes cause debt headaches
With travel and convention business continuing to stagnate and COVID-19 cases on a steep rise, many properties find themselves scrambling for long-term loan solutions and pleading for help from lenders.
Here’s what meetings and conventions could look like in the near future—and beyond
Liability waivers, temperature checks, social distancing. They’re in the foreseeable future for groups that want to meet in person.
TRAVELING: A guide to traveling safely for the holidays
While travel numbers are slowly recovering from coronavirus lows—Transportation Security Administration records show that the number of people flying is climbing daily, although the rate is still below half of what it was in 2019—many Americans remain unsure about their holiday travel plans.
Indy, other Hoosier cities land nearly two dozen NCAA title events
The Indianapolis-based NCAA announced its site selections for more than 450 events through 2026 on Wednesday afternoon.