Indianapolis is on the verge of having one of the nation’s top 20 largest convention center complexes.
The combination of the new multi-purpose Lucas Oil Stadium and an expanded Indiana Convention Center means Indianapolis will be able to offer nearly three quarters of a million square feet of exhibit and meeting space. The combined new space will make the Indiana Convention Center the nation’s 16th largest. It currently is 32nd.
The Indiana Convention Center will have 566,300 square feet of exhibit space. Another 183,000 square feet will be in Lucas Oil Stadium, which will be connected to the center via walkway.
Lucas Oil Stadium, with 63,000 permanent seats, features a retractable roof that will allow for multiple uses in addition to serving as the home of the 2006 Super Bowl champion, Indianapolis Colts. The stadium opened in August 2008 and is the site for the 2012 Super Bowl.
Demolition of the RCA Dome (currently part of the Indiana Convention Center complex) will clear the way for the Convention Center expansion.
That growth is partly driven by location. Indianapolis is within one day’s drive of more than half of the nation’s population. Its airport is just 15 minutes from downtown. The Convention Center is located in the heart of Indianapolis’ revitalized downtown, connected by skywalks to eight hotels, 3,200 rooms and Circle Centre shopping and entertainment complex mall with more than 100 stores, shops and restaurants.
Also located within walking distance of the Convention Center are more than 50 major attractions, 200 restaurants and, by 2010, 27 hotels with more than 7,100 rooms.
These and other amenities, along with its mid-America location, make Indianapolis a major draw for meetings both large and small. Read on for more exciting details…