Sports is an integral part of Indiana’s cultural makeup, and there are many ways planners can incorporate it into agendas, especially in Indianapolis.
From its world-renowned reputation as a basketball mecca to its college and pro football teams and fervor for every other sport in between, Indiana has something for even the most sidelined of enthusiasts.
“Indianapolis’ rich sports offerings and events continue to help lure conventions of all sizes,” says Susie Townsend, director of convention services for the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association. “Because the city is home to the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval and the NCAA’s headquarters, planners can incorporate these venues, their interactive museums, and actual sporting events into their convention offerings.”
Aside from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (800.822.INDY; www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com), dozens of other Indianapolis sporting venues are available for private events (when not booked for official events).
Conseco Fieldhouse (317.917.2500; www.consecofieldhouse.com), home to the Indiana Pacers, has 18,500 seats, including 69 suites and 2,500 club seats.
The RCA Dome (317.262.3400; www.iccrd.com), home to the NFL’s Colts, has 57,890 seats and is one of only two domed stadiums in the country attached to a convention center.
Victory Field (317.269.3542; www.indyindians.com), an open-air, grass-field stadium, is home turf for the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians minor-league baseball team and offers 13,500 seats, including 29 luxury suites and a picnic area with lawn seating for an additional 2,000.
