Indianapolis has long been known for its ability to host world-class sporting events. But as featured in the Sports Business Journal’s July 21 article, “How Indianapolis has built a global sports business,” the city is now being recognized for something even bigger: turning sports into a driver of long-term economic development.
“The Crossroads of America has shifted gears from ‘economic impact’ to ‘economic development,” SBJ’s David Broughton writes, highlighting Indy’s bold pivot.
This isn’t just a shift in terminology, it’s a strategy built to last. From venue investments to women’s sports and innovation hubs, Indy is playing the long game and earning global recognition along the way.
Team Indy: A Model of Collaboration
None of this transformation happens in a vacuum. At the core is Team Indy, a civic-minded collaboration between public officials, hospitality leaders, sports organizations, nonprofits, and venue operators. Each month, this broad coalition meets to align calendars, share best practices, and ensure every event drives future opportunity.
“The ecosystem is multigenerational,” said Indiana Sports Corp Chief of Staff and Strategy Sarah Myer. “It feels less like a job and more like a responsibility to the century of people before us.”
That legacy-forward mentality is embedded in how the city approaches every event, from hosting eight Big Ten championships through 2028 to rolling out the red carpet for the 2024 NBA and 2025 WNBA All-Star Games, the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials, WrestleMania, and NCAA Final Fours.
2050 Vision: A Game Plan for Generations
Three years ago, Indiana Sports Corp began working with Next Practice Partners to develop a strategy not just for the next decade, but for the next generation. The result? The 2050 Vision, a 25-year roadmap built around five pillars of growth, developed through listening to more than 100 stakeholders across sectors and state lines.
Patrick Talty, ISC President, put it simply: “I believed we needed to think differently… and look ahead 10 years.” Consultants pushed further: “Why not 25?”
The initiative focuses on building sports business academic and research opportunities and also attracting businesses to our state.
“We are home to the second-most sports NGBs [national governing bodies] in the country,” continued Talty. “How do we get more? By completely surrounding them with leaders who are here now.”
The Women’s Sports Capital
From record-breaking Indiana Fever attendance to the upcoming Marvella Sports Complex, Indianapolis continues to lead as a national model for elevating women’s sports.
The Fever’s $78 million stand-alone training facility, the first of its kind in the WNBA, signals serious commitment to parity and excellence. The upcoming $98 million Marvella Sports Complex, the first national sports and leadership center dedicated to young women athletes, furthers that promise by creating pathways for development, empowerment, and opportunity.
Indy’s leadership in women’s sports isn’t new, but its momentum has accelerated. With the Caitlin Clark effect driving record viewership and engagement, local institutions and fans are stepping up, investing more deeply than ever before.
Infrastructure That Works Hard (and Smart)
Indy’s walkable sports district, connected hotels, and ever-growing venue portfolio make it uniquely positioned to host fans, athletes, and business leaders alike. With over 37,000 hotel rooms, major expansions at the Indiana Convention Center and Grand Park, and the skywalk-connected Signia by Hilton opening in 2026, the city is building for scale and staying power.
A Growing Sports Innovation Hub
Indy’s future as a sports tech hub is accelerating, thanks to organizations like Sports Tech HQ, which has assembled more than 50 member companies and is building out a Research & Development campus at Grand Park. The initiative is designed to retain homegrown talent, foster new startups, and attract global companies like Edge Sound Research and ai.io.
Purdue’s motorsports engineering program, housed at Dallara near the Speedway, gives students direct access to NASCAR and IndyCar innovation. Meanwhile, the upcoming TEDSports Indianapolis event will further elevate Indy as a thought leader in sports, technology, and human performance.
Investing in Our Identity
Indy’s long-term approach works because it’s not just about dollars and data, it’s about identity. From the Indy 500 to the NCAA headquarters, from the Fever’s record-setting attendance to the next Final Four, Indianapolis is sending a message: this city doesn’t just host events, it defines them.
As NCAA executive Kevin Lennon put it: “Indy doesn’t have casinos or palm trees or beaches. But we sure can host an event.”
Be Part of the Momentum
Indianapolis is building more than events, it’s building legacy. Join Indiana Sports Corp in shaping the future of sports in our city.
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