St. Patrick’s Day parade, tent party canceled for second year
The foundation will still host the greening of the canal on March 17, but for media and government officials only.
Tourism & Hospitality
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Downtown properties scramble to ramp up for NCAA influx
Five of the city’s most prominent hotels, accounting for more than 2,800 rooms, will house the 68 teams in the three-week NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament that tips off March 18.
Indy airport adding leisure carrier with routes to Orlando, Minneapolis
Recently acquired by a private equity fund, Sun Country Airlines has added dozens of leisure-oriented routes and currently serves more than 50 destinations.
Ratcliff sues Indiana Gaming Commission for suspending his license
In a lawsuit filed Tuesday, longtime casino executive Rod Ratcliff argues that the commission violated his right to due process and says he believes the commission is trying to force him to sell his interests in the new Gary casino to Hard Rock International, a partner in the project.
IBJ Podcast: What must Indy do to be ready to host all of March Madness?
The logistics needed to pull off the entire NCAA tournament are incredible. But Indianapolis officials tell IBJ reporter Mickey Shuey they are up to the task. So podcast host Mason King talks with Shuey about what he’s learned and what’s left to figure out.
NCAA tournament could give city ‘moment’ on par with Pan Am Games, Super Bowl
Hosting the entire 68-team NCAA men’s basketball tournament is likely to be a landmark event for Indianapolis and another boon for the city’s hospitality efforts, industry observers say.
Pacers to allow limited fan attendance starting in late January
The Indiana Pacers on Friday said the team will once again be able to welcome fans to home games—on a highly restricted basis because of the pandemic—starting Jan. 20.
NCAA’s March Madness will be test Indy was ‘made for’
The herculean effort over the next 2-1/2 months will involve city and state officials, tourism and civic leaders, and likely thousands of volunteers.
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.
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.