Indy 500 revels in tradition, embraces changes
The hallowed race is straddling a fine line as it tries to please longtime devotees and makes a raft of upgrades to the track and viewing experience designed to secure new fans.
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Indianapolis Zoo’s orangutan center set for opening
The $26 million International Orangutan Center at the Indianapolis Zoo is scheduled to open to the public Saturday. Zoo officials expect a tremendous attendance boost from the exhibit.
IndyCar’s TV ratings gaining momentum
TV ratings for the IndyCar Series zoomed 44 percent this year for the races leading up to the Indianapolis 500, compared to the same period a year ago, buoyed in part by a strong showing for the new Grand Prix of Indianapolis. But overall viewership remains anemic—less than one-fourth the audience for most NASCAR races.
After Super Bowl setback, Indianapolis races to lure other events
A stinging defeat for Indy’s quest to land the 2018 Super Bowl leaves a giant opening in the city’s convention schedule and brings new urgency to recruiting future sports events.
Irsay open to another Super Bowl bid, but 2019 looks unlikely
It’s unclear what’s next for Indianapolis, which hosted its first Super Bowl in 2012. Organizers said it’s simply too early to consider going for another Super Bowl. It seems bidding next year for the 2019 game is off the table.
Indianapolis loses Super Bowl bid to Minneapolis and its new stadium
Despite having what several NFL executives said was the strongest proposal, Indianapolis lost out on hosting the 2018 championship game to a city with a new, $975 million stadium in the wings.
NFL owners to consider expansion of playoffs
In addition to deciding which city will host the 2018 Super Bowl, National Football League owners on Tuesday will try to determine whether to add two more teams to the playoffs.
Indy an underdog in final push to capture 2018 Super Bowl
New Orleans has emerged as the front runner to host the Super Bowl in 2018 due to its tricentennial celebration and the fact that this could be 87-year-old Saints owner Tom Benson’s last crack at hosting the big game.
State solicits ideas for bicentennial plaza near Statehouse
Significant portions of Indiana's 2016 bicentennial celebration could take place on a new public plaza west of the Statehouse. A request for information on the project issued this week assumes a $2 million construction budget.
Indiana State Fair announces Free Stage concerts
The Indiana State Fair says its Free Stage during this summer's fair will include performances by several rising country performers and some well-known Grammy-nominated Canadian rockers.
Bid says 2 new hotels possible before 2018 Super Bowl
The city on Wednesday turned in a 900-page bid to host the 2018 Super Bowl that mentions the possibility of two new downtown hotels. Meanwhile, a Colts official said owner Jim Irsay plans to help lobby for the city’s bid at the May 19-21 NFL owners meeting.
Zoo lands $5M gift for new orangutan center
The $26M exhibit will be named the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center in recognition of the donation from Indianapolis philanthropist Cindy Simon Skjodt.
Possible GOP presidential candidates play up gun credentials
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, former Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal addressed the NRA's annual leadership forum, a kind of political pep rally the organization considers one of its premier events.
NRA seeks universal gun law at national meeting
The nation’s largest gun-rights group, which officially opens its convention of about 70,000 people Friday in Indianapolis, wants Congress to require that concealed weapons permits issued in one state be recognized everywhere, even when the local requirements differ.
Fairgrounds officials pushing for coliseum sponsorship
The Fairgrounds Coliseum, which reopens Thursday after a $63 million renovation, is likely to receive a new name soon, an Indiana State Fair Commission spokesman said.
Flurry of renovations upgrade downtown Indianapolis hotel scene
Trend driven by hyper competition, pent-up demand from the recession, opening of JW Marriott.
MORTON: Indy’s road to Oz will end soon for sports team owners
The seemingly endless yellow brick road to Oz, or what residents of central Indiana have come to accept as privately owned professional sports franchises seeking financial sustenance to build and upgrade, is nearing a tipping point of practical expenditures.
UPDATE: Indy ‘unlikely’ to seek 2016 party conventions
Despite an invitation from the Democratic National Committee to bid for the party’s nominating convention, Mayor Greg Ballard says Indianapolis has too many commitments on its plate.
Changes in store as Indiana Beach plans 88th season
The Indiana amusement park is retiring its 42-year-old roller coaster, but is adding seven new attractions.
500 Festival Mini Marathon might not fill field
With less than two weeks to go, the 38th 500 Festival Mini Marathon might not have a full field for the first time in 12 years.