lucas-oil-stadium « WordPress.com Tag Feed

Civic Investment in Monuments

tomkapostasy — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:50:59 +0000

I’ve noted a pattern in our local government investments.

CIB Conseco Fieldhouse, CIB Lucas Oil Stadium, Carmel Clay Parks Monon Center, Indianapolis Airport Authority Midfield Terminal, Carmel Regional Performing Arts Center and the CIB Convention Center Expansion seem to have the same issues.

They were built with public funds to meet public and private needs. The bondholders are well secured by public revenue sources and commitments. The operating revenues are less than what is required. The users do not want to pay more. Current political forces are criticizing historical decisions and current operations. The public thinks that the politicians are incompetent and/or captured by special interests. The public wants a simple solution that does not include more taxes.

The greatest problem is that these facilities inherently serve BOTH private and public purposes. The CIB facilities serve customers, but also the nearby local businesses and our collective sense of importance in hosting the undefeated Colts. The airport serves passengers, but also economic development. The Monon Center offers an alternative health club, but also provides subsidized recreational programs. The CRPAC offers ticketed cultural events, but also subsidizes local arts groups and stimulates the hospitality and retail arts industry.

In each case, the public is confused because it is not clear what part of the capital and operating costs are due to private and public uses. It is not clear what part of the costs are being paid by the users and what is being picked up by the public through current and future taxes.

Political and civic leaders would be well served to clarify these “buckets” of costs, benefits and responsibilities in the future. It is not easy to do and any well-defined fence will be inherently arbitrary and sub-optimal. However, the political costs of an ostrich approach are now apparent. I’m sure that many local leaders decided that this “direct” communications style would be impossible, because well-informed Hoosiers would choose to NOT invest in any ventures where each did not personally receive an ROI. I point to the overwhelming success of the Wishard Hospital campaign as a counterexample. I point to the recent consensus that requires schools and other local groups to seek voter approval as a situation of “what’s good for the goose is good for the gander”.

State leaders should review these investments and outline a state review process that meets the public needs. There is an inherent bias towards overinvestment by civic and political leaders. Many constituencies benefit greatly in the short-run from major projects. The operating deficits are often a decade away. The positive ego benefits of creating 50-300 year monuments is too attractive.

Future capital projects should be required to clearly explain public and private benefits, costs and funding sources. The projects should protect taxpayers at a level equal to bondholders. Contingency funds should be included to handle the typical 5 year business cycles. Even with these constraints, our local leaders will be able to justify investments in viable projects.

All Tickets Online

nationalsparktickets — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:51:55 +0000

Are you looking to hunt the best ticket? Well, if you have been thinking you could buy the best ticket from a stadium near you. Forget it. You never could. Now, you ca buy tickets to all longed for stadiums. You are given a chance to buy best tickets online. You might have to go a lasting lane of fans to get the desired ticket. But now, you can get the best tickets online. We bring for you a high class ticket. Did you miss all the best old memories of your life that you had had in a stadium. But now you do think you have to go through a competition to buy a ticket. And you have grown old enough. You cannot wait a long lane to diminish. Therefore, you prefer matches at tv. You are welcomed to buy tickets online while sitting into comfortable couch of your drawing room. Even you can buy tickets while having your lunch or dinner. These tickets are available for you every time. Buy these tickets and enjoy the live performances.

The best four hassled stadiums’ tickets are available for you. These are Ford Field Texas Stadium, Lincoln Financial Field and FedEx Field; known for high intensity of crowd. Now, you are provided with tickets of all matches held in these fields. The four stadiums such as Ford Field, Texas Stadium, Lincoln Financial Field and FedEx Field tickets are really hard to get. Therefore, we have made available all tickets for you. Best quality tickets to all stadiums are available for you.

Buy first class tickets to Ford Field, Texas Stadium, Lincoln Financial Field and FedEx Field so that you could enjoy the intensity of live performances. If you could never watch a live performance you should come to us and buy tickets to Ford Field, Texas Stadium, Lincoln Financial Field and FedEx Field best fields. These tickets are available at considerably flexible prices. All kinds of tickets are made available for you. You can buy tickets according to the seats. You can buy tickets to give a chance to yourself to participate in the live crowd. You can wave to the favorite players. You can encourage your state team with your complements. You can do as seems suitable to you. You can participate in every thing with a single ticket.

Now, tickets to all these four stadiums are available for you. Buy tickets for Ford Field, Texas Stadium, Lincoln Financial Field and FedEx Field online. All tickets are available for you at lowest prices. These prices are kept affordable because we are an authorized retailer of all tickets. Don’t exhaust yourself while finding a single ticket from a ticket box held in a stadium. Why to worry for why to get involved in a hassle when you can buy best tickets at even lower prices. What is the big deal. When you are given a chance to buy all tickets from your homes then you should at least try once.

Lincoln Financial Field and FedEx Field

washingtonticket — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:00:01 +0000

Colts v. Patriots 2009 - Best Game Ever

MegAnne — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:06:54 +0000

The distinction of ‘Best Game Ever’ is probably going overboard. Let’s call it the ‘Best 4th Quarter Ever,’ since the Colts didn’t really start playing until somewhere around 45 minutes into the match. My roommate and I were absolutely on the edge of our seats, as was, I imagine, any Indy fan who actually kept the game on past the half. For those who didn’t, I’m sure they are kicking themselves this morning.

The game was nothing short of painful for Indy fans after our first touchdown. Interceptions, turnovers, and a total lack of defense left me wondering where my team went and why someone called upon the Browns come and play for them on this, the showdown of all showdowns in the 2009 season. I know our secondary is mostly in the infirmary, but I really thought we’d have a better showing than what I saw for most of the game. As with many fans at Lucas Oil Stadium, I had all but given up on our undefeated season.

Then the fourth quarter came, and everything boiled down to the ‘Call Heard ‘Round The World’ with 2:08 left in the game. What was with Belichick’s decision to go for it on 4th and 2? I will never understand why the Pats didn’t punt. I will admit that I ’sports hate’ Bill Belichick, but I certainly do respect him as a coach, as well as his vast amount of experience. Why, then, did it not make sense to drive the Colts back as far as possible on the fourth down instead of trying for the last two yards? Indy’s defense had more than shown it was fired up during the possession, making the conversion all but out of reach. Even with the renewed vigor, after all of the errors the Colts made, they were anything but sure to make it to the end zone on the next possession. I just don’t get it. I don’t have to though, because no one is paying me to analyze NFL games (yet), the Colts won and Belichick looks like the fool.

To note, I don’t want to take anything away from our boy Manning and the spectacular showing of the offense in coming back from such a deficit with so little time remaining on the clock. As previously mentioned, our defense was also burning it up in those final minutes. Had the Patriots’ punt team driven the Colts back into their own territory, there was definitely a chance of clenching the game with another touchdown. I’m just sayin’ Belichick made our team’s job much, much easier.

Adding to my Sunday excitement was the Bengals close win over the Steelers at Pittsburgh, which no New York station showed. Who Dey?! Finally, Drew Brees and the Saints remain unbeaten after a way-too-close-for comfort victory over the less than stellar Rams, which I was also incapable of seeing from my Manhattan apartment. So, a terrible college football weekend was quickly made up for by my favorite pro teams. I’ll take what I can get!

Also worth a read: The article by 13-year Patriots veteran Tedy Bruschi on the message Belichick’s decision sent to his defense. Amazing how our actions have so many unforseen consequences, eh?

The Best Game of THIS Weekend Debate – Patriots and Colts Battle Again

Loyal Homer — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:18:38 +0000

Read the arguments from Bleacher Fan and Sports Geek about which games they believe are the best of THIS weekend.

We are over halfway through the NFL regular season, and we are, sadly, closing in on the end of the college football season, too. We just kicked off the season the other day, right? Wow, it always flies by! Nevertheless, we enter this weekend with some interesting NFL matchups. After looking at the schedule, we all know what the best game of the weekend is and I was not about to skip it. The undefeated Indianapolis Colts welcome the New England Patriots to town. Is it just me, or does this game always seem to pop up on the schedule? This is the 14th time these two teams have met (including three times in the playoffs). The Patriots have won eight of 13, but the Colts have four out of the past five. It is without a doubt the best NFL rivalry of this decade.

As always, it is a big game. The Colts come into the game undefeated at 8-0, though they have been tested the past two weeks against the San Francisco 49ers and the Houston Texans. Peyton Manning, once again, is having an MVP caliber season. Through eight games, he has thrown for 2,545 yards and 16 touchdowns. I thought he might have somewhat of a down season, for his standards anyway since he no longer has Marvin Harrison to throw to. Add in the fact that the other starting receiver, Anthony Gonzalez, has not played since week one, and there is a recipe for inconsistency at the wide receiver position. But guys like rookie Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon have picked up the slack, combining for 55 catches and six touchdowns. Head coach Jim Caldwell has done a magnificent job of picking up right where Tony Dungy left off.

Meanwhile, the Patriots are who we thought they were. The Patriots come into this matchup with a 6-2 overall record. New England has had its share of close games, too. Tom Brady, after a slow start, has picked up the pace and thrown for nearly 2,400 yards and 16 touchdowns. The usual suspects are still there at wide receivers with Randy Moss and Wes Welker having solid seasons. Remember when Moss was considered a bad seed? That seems like such a long time ago now! The offense as a whole is third in the league and the defense quietly is the second ranked defense right now.

New England needs this game to send a message to the Colts that they are still a force to be reckoned with in the AFC. It will also keep the Patriots alive in the battle for home field advantage in the AFC, which is very important in January… especially if these two teams are to get together again. Indianapolis needs this game to distance itself overall by three games over the Patriots. The Colts most definitely do not want to go to Foxboro in January, having been there and done that and knowing they do not want to do it again! It is quite a bit warmer at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Overall, I am definitely looking forward to this game. It is a Sunday night NBC matchup so we will all be able to watch it. It should be another classic in a long line of great games in this rivalry.

Lucas Oil Stadium - Quiet Zone

tfoul — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:14:12 +0000

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on November 11, 2009 3:55 PM ET @ PFT

The RCA Dome in Indianapolis was so loud that the Colts were accused of pumping in fake noise. No one is accusing the Colts of doing that at the new Lucas Oil Stadium.

Indianapolis’ home field is getting a reputation as one of the quietest places in the league. Watching Colts games, Peyton Manning’s audible calls sometimes echo. (Yes, we know the crowd shouldn’t be loud when the home team is on offense, but it’s a little much.)

The Patriots will play in the stadium for the first time Sunday night, and Tom Brady already got a scouting report that the place is quieter. “Peyton told me,” Brady said.

At least the Patriots-Colts game will be played at night. Two weeks back, Dallas Clark lost a ball in the sun because of the blinding bright light that streams in when the Lucas Oil roof is open during afternoon games.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

In other Lucas Oil Stadium news, let’s not forget the Stadium food. Two Indianapolis tv stations in the last week have let fans know what there were really eating, and after you watch I think you’ll agree with TFoul that it’s time to boycott the food at the Luke.

WTHR

WXIN

Indy's Biggest Convention

Jessica Journey — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:10:59 +0000

What organization’s convention is responsible for bringing the greatest economic impact to the city of Indianapolis – $40 million?

And, during their convention, what organization encourages thousands of their 50,000+ attendees to spend a full or partial day volunteering at local nonprofit organizations?

Drum roll please…THE NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION!

Wow – what an accomplishment. Not only does the FFA bring thousands of people and millions of dollars to Indy, FFA brings thousands of hours of volunteerism. Some of the local nonprofit organizations that benefit include: Damar Services, Habitat for Humanity, Gleaner’s Food Bank, and Jameson Camp.

This is a wonderful example of one nonprofit organization looking beyond itself and seeking to positively impact the nonprofit sector, as a whole. Take note, nonprofit professionals: though you may be focused on the success of a specific nonprofit organization, seek ways to make the sector better. Perhaps you could volunteer as a board member or as a client service volunteer for a different organiation. Or, maybe you address myths about the sector in conversations with the general public.

Please leave a comment about your suggestion – How can a nonprofit professional positively impact the nonprofit sector – beyond his/her specific organization?

Sickitecture: The World's Most Expensive Stadiums

mheusler — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:30:28 +0000

10. ANZ Stadium / Sydney Australia / $624 million 9. Lucas Oil Stadium / Indianapolis, USA / $675 mi

Lucas Oil Stadium Guide : Home of the Indianapolis Colts

thecrosshairguide — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:57:14 +0000

Lucas Oil Stadium home of the Indiapolis Colts

Lucas Oil Stadium opened in 2008 and in home of the Indianapolis Colts
Construction costs for the new stadium ran $720 Million
Seats 63,000 for Football games and can be expanded to 70,000

Gabled Roof is retractable ( 9 minutes to open)
Movable glass wall in the end-zone (offers views of downtown Indy)
The two Scoreboards measure at 97 x 53 (angled of to the side)

Roof closes automatically if there is nearby precipitation (Indoors is not weatherproof)
Part of a large convention center project in downtown Indy
Playing surface at LOS is FieldTurf

To host super bowl XLVI in 2012
Home of the NCAA Men’s Final Four in 2010 and the Women’s in 2011
Facility used for the NFL Combine

Nearby Lucas Oil Stadium: Restaurants - Bars – Hotels

Google Maps of Lucus Oil Stadium

Official LO Stadium Website : Colts Website

F The Seahawks!

lennydpocketqb — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:02:46 +0000

Colts play the Seahawks this weekend. Get hyped up by making fun of the lame Seahawks.

http://ftheteam.ning.com/page/seahawks-1

Preview for the "B" Family/Indiana Family Lifestyle Photographer

julielawsonphotography — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:29:14 +0000

I met up with Toni and her little family at the White River State Park over the weekend. We haven’t seen each other since High School, gotta love Facebook for getting us re-acquainted. We had such a beautiful day for photographs, slightly windy, but not too hot. Their little one is so cute! He pretended to be camera-shy, but he finally opened up for the camera.

Toni, I hope you, Josh, and “A” had a good time and that you love your preview.

Click to enlarge

LOVE his eyes in this one

More to come when I finish with their pictures.

Shadows at LOS

tfoul — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:07:44 +0000

The Colts opened the roof of Lucas Oil Stadium Sunday sending odd shadows across the field of play, but can those shadows cause problems on field and not just on TV. According to Colts Senior Executive Vice President Pete Ward said playing with the shadows is the norm at several other venues. “It’s nothing new. You saw it with Texas Stadium. For the last 40 years you’ve seen it in baseball stadiums,” said Ward. But it wasn’t also the shadows but how about the heat? Steve Bray of WISH-TV has more on Shadows at the Luc.

Kenny Chesney Tailgate Party @ Hurst Bean Field

hurstbeans — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:16:01 +0000

The Hurst Bean Field, along with 95.5 WFMS, is once again hosting the biggest pre-show tailgate of the summer! The Bean Field will be the place to be for all your concert festivities. There are a few changes from last year, so please click below for more details and come down to the HBF on Saturday, September 19th!

TAILGATE DETAILS

Pictures from the PARTY

I learn something new every day.

Lisa — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 23:24:24 +0000

I heard recently that Lucas Oil Stadium offers public tours of the facility for only $7 per adult. Although we’ve been inside before (for an NCAA tournament game), the tours offer access to areas that you don’t usually get to see – locker rooms, the field, press box, etc. So I thought it sounded like something that would be really fun to do. But then I looked up the info, and apparently they don’t actually want people to take their tours!

Or, that’s what I must assume since they only offer them on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm and you have to buy the tickets on a first-come, first-serve basis on the day of the tour. How many people can really make that happen? Most people would have to take a day off work not knowing if they’re actually going to be able to go on the tour or not. Bogus.

The good news is that Jon scored us tickets to the Colts season opener, so we’ll at least get to see some football action going on at the stadium. Who wants to see a smelly locker room anyway?

From September 22, 2005: What's mine is yours?

readjack — Mon, 18 May 2009 18:23:53 +0000

On the John What’s Mine is Yours? Completed on September 22, 2005 When the groundbreaking on Lucas O

2009 NFL Schedule First Impressions

tabsports — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 20:38:38 +0000

For those who were busy yesterday, here’s the newly released schedule for the 2009 NFL season. I’ll start with some initial impressions of the schedule. Keep in mind that I currently have only a rough estimate as to how I’ll predict teams to finish in 2009.

The defending Super Bowl champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers, could have a hit-or-miss start to the season. The Steelers host the Titans to start the season, then visit the Chicago and Cincinnati in successive weeks before hosting San Diego. As of now, all four of these teams could make or miss the playoffs just as easily. Personally, I think right now the kickoff victory at home is a virtual lock (since the NFL changed the format to have defending champs kickoff the season at home, the home teams are undefeated), and the Steelers usually get the best of the Bengals and Chargers, but starting strong won’t be as easy as most may expect.
———————————————————————————————————-
Even if the New England Patriots don’t get Julius Peppers in a trade, I think they can start the season 8-0. Of their first eight games, I honestly see a max of two of those teams making the playoffs (the Ravens and Titans), and the Patriots host both of those teams. The Pats’ first three road games come against three teams with new coaches (and much instability) in the Jets, Broncos and Buccaneers. The Patriots’ first challenge on the road is at Indianapolis (who has a new head coach themselves). New England is my early favorite to be the last team to remain undefeated.
———————————————————————————————————-
If there’s any year for the Houston Texans to make their first playoff appearance, this is the year. Houston could very well start the season at 6-2. They should take their first four home games, so they would sitting pretty if they can split their first four road games (Tennessee, Arizona, Cincinnati and Buffalo). Meanwhile, after the team’s Week 10 bye, their final three road games come at Jacksonville, Saint Louis and Miami (all of whom I think will struggle this year). Quite honestly, as of now, I see the Texans playing three playoff teams (four games) all season.
———————————————————————————————————-
Since last season concluded, I’ve had the Kansas City Chiefs as my dark horse pick to make the playoffs. (Of course, it helped that the Chiefs snagged Scott Pioli.) Unfortunately, before the team’s Week 8 bye, the schedule includes all four games against the NFC East, as well as games at Baltimore and v. San Diego. Considering the home-field advantage at Arrowhead Stadium, the Chiefs could conceivably take two of the three against the Giants, Cowboys and Chargers. With much more smooth sailing after the bye, the Chiefs will be in prime position to make a playoff push, even if the team stands at 3-4 or 4-3 during the bye week.
———————————————————————————————————-
Considering that the Minnesota Vikings visit the Browns, Lions and Rams for their first three road games, the team could easily start 6-0. The key will be the home crowd, because the Vikings have tough challenge against San Francisco, Green Bay and Baltimore. That strong start could be key for the Vikings’ goal to win the division (and perhaps earn home-field advantage). Even though the Vikings doesn’t have a road game for a month-plus, they have no easy game in December or January. Minnesota visits Arizona, hosts Cincinnati, then visits Carolina and Chicago before hosting the Giants.
———————————————————————————————————-
Honestly, I have the Dallas Cowboys as the fourth-best team in the NFC East right now (considering the team can easily have double-digit wins, it’s not right to say “worst team”), but they have a favorable schedule to make some noise. The wild card for the Cowboys is how they play in their new stadium. A strong start isn’t guaranteed; the Colts lost their first two games at Lucas Oil Stadium before winning their last six. Dallas hosts the Giants (on Sunday Night) and Panthers (on Monday Night) in back-to-back weeks to open up the new stadium. Meanwhile, the toughest road game the Cowboys have outside the NFC East is a game at Green Bay.
———————————————————————————————————-
The Atlanta Falcons are my early favorite to take a step back this year (along with the Dolphins). Teams will adjust to the sophomores (head coach Mike Smith and quarterback Matt Ryan). Michael Turner had over 370 carries last year, which is a terrible sign for his future. Most damning, the Falcons never had consecutive winning seasons in franchise history. The schedule certainly doesn’t help. After the Letdown Bowl against Miami in Week 1, the Falcons will play 11 teams that should be contenders to make the playoffs in a 12-game span. If Tampa Bay contends in Raheem Morris’ first season, that makes it 12 consecutive games overall.
———————————————————————————————————-
The Super Bowl XLIII losers, the Arizona Cardinals, don’t have the toughest of schedule to overcome to become just the second team to make the playoffs in the season following a Super Bowl loss (since 2001). Then again, the Cardinals will have their fair share of challenges. The Cardinals will have key home games against the Colts, Panthers, Vikings and Packers. Meanwhile, the Cardinals will be hard pressed to win in the Meadowlands (against the Giants), Chicago or Tennessee. Meanwhile, if the 49ers and Seahawks improve as I expect, there will be a good chance for Arizona to be out of the playoff race in the closing weeks.

Colts Fans for the Arts!

mikeoles3 — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:42:41 +0000

The local arts scene here in Indy is in crisis. Here is Nuvo’s David Hoppe on situation:

This, increasingly, describes the corner where Indianapolis’ cultural scene finds itself, as it looks as though last year’s cut of $500,000 to the Arts Council’s budget was just the beginning. More will almost certainly go once the Capital Improvements Board finally arrives at a formula for cutting its stadium-induced deficit. And Wall Street’s meltdown has led to severe puckering of philanthropic dollars as the investments that power endowments have undergone major downsizing.

The Colts are the biggest show in town and our fine city has made sure that they got whatever they needed. (When you are the 28th ranked media-market in the country the NFL is an an expensive hobby.)

Attacking the Colts isn’t going to solve the problem though. We need to out organize (or team up?) with those in Indy’s sports/Industrial complex. The Colts get this funding because they have built a stronger, faster, more sophisticated political and communication operation.

Anyway, it looks like IndyCultureMatters.org is on to something:

WHO: Cultural destination employees, boards, supporters, and others who believe that Indy Culture Matters

WHAT: A rally to draw attention to the contributions of our cultural institutions and to demonstrate that these organizations have a significant impact on Central Indiana’s economy and reputation

WHERE: Monument Circle, downtown Indianapolis

WHY: Central Indiana’s cultural institutions have been sidelined in this city’s success for too long. It’s time to make some noise.

Colts Stadium May Have to Close

slanch — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 00:38:36 +0000

Only a few short months after opening the shiny new Lucas Oil Stadium, the head of the Indianapolis Capital Improvement Board said that without an infusion of $47 million the stadium might be forced to close.

The State Senate Appropriations Committee has passed a bill that would raise taxes on alcohol statewide, restaurant meals and hotel stays in Marion county, and tickets to sporting events in Indianapolis but that is facing a tough fight in the larger senate.

A major part of the cost overruns have been the higher-than-expected costs to run the new stadium. The previous Mayor, Bart Peterson, didn’t allocate enough funds, partly because they didn’t do a proper estimate of how much it would cost to run the new stadium.

According to the president of the CIB, Bob Grand, “If you want me to give you worst-cases, I mean the worst-case scenario is we could be out of money and the facilities would be, arguably, closed.” Of course, since he couched it with “arguably” and the state paid $620 million to build it in the first place, this scenario seems unlikely.

Fortunately, the Colts who are the only real tenant of the building have promised to chip in money and are suitably grateful to their fans who built them a stadium so they could be charged money to come visit. Or, instead, Colts President Bill Polian responded with a courteous, “We look forward to working with you and your colleagues in the Legislature in taking a look at this problem and in sharing with you data and information that we will make available to you.”

I hope they close the place to the Colts and turn it over to the citizens of Indianapolis to turn it into the most bad-ass Lazer Tag joint in the country.

[The Indy Channel]

Plan Doubles Alcohol Tax for Economic Development,Downtown Indy

indianapublicbroadcasting — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 09:36:02 +0000

The Senate Appropriations Committee will hold a public hearing at the statehouse this morning on a plan to double alcohol taxes statewide to fund economic development across the state. In Marion County, that money would fund shortfalls for the downtown Indianapolis Convention Center, Conseco Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil Stadium. But Committee Chairman Republican Senator Luke Kenley of Noblesville says the tax increase outside Marion County will go back to communities statewide, and so, is an acceptable move to help all cities and towns.

“You always approach the idea of raising taxes with trepidation. This tax, I think when you look at the tax, the tax that we’re going to is actually a lower rate tax than it would have been in 1981 and so we feel comfortable with it.”

The alcohol tax increase means a two cent hike on shots, one cent on three ounces of wine, and one cent on 12 ounces of beer. But the plan overall gives an addition six million dollars from state coffers specifically to Indianapolis. The measure faces an uphill battle, with Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard refusing to endorse the alcohol tax increase for his city. Likewise, neither the Indiana Pacers nor the Indianapolis Colts have committed to their ten million dollar share of the proposed solution specifically for Marion County. However, Kenley says he believes the measure has the votes it needs to get out of committee today, then move to a full Senate vote.

Monster Jam - Pit Party

mattdantodd — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 13:52:25 +0000

Aiden has his program and is ready for some autographs.

*** I know, this is a month late. I’m working on catching up on some posts I’ve promised I’d share with everyone. ***

After the long, cold walk from the parking garage, we picked up our tickets and bought pit passes at will-call, and headed in for the party.

NASCAR could learn a little bit from Monster Jam. When I lived in Tennessee, I heard people talk about the old days in the sport, when NASCAR drivers were accessible to the fans. As its popularity has grown, the drivers have become more distant from the fans. One thing I learned from attending the pit party is that access to the drivers is a very important thing – especially to the younger fans. Aiden was super-excited to be there and meet some of his favorite drivers that he’s been watching on Speed TV. We waited for an hour to meet the driver of Grave Digger. And it totally made the trip worth it.

Waiting in line for Grave Digger. And waiting. And waiting.

This made his night.

Because she went to a birthday party instead of Monster Jam, Aiden promised Alyson he'd meet the driver of this truck for her. It's her favorite. Is anyone surprised?

Aiden with the driver of Monster Mutt Dalmatian.

We saw Superman last year. Batman was here this year.

Brutus

Backdraft: a tribute to first-responders

Waiting in line. Fortunately, it wasn't nearly as long as Grave Digger's - which was a good thing.

Backdraft's driver knows how to party.

We didn't have time to wait in line for Maximum Destruction. The line was about as long as Grave Digger's. Did manage to get a quick picture though.

Didn't get to meet the driver of Max D, but Aiden was OK with that.

As we were leaving the pit party, Aiden saw the announcer, Scott Douglas, and asked him for an autograph.

After the autograph, he motioned for Aiden to come up to the booth and pretended to interview him. How cool is that?

I hope to post pictures from the actual show today. It might not be until Thursday afternoon. We’ll have to wait and see. It all depends on how much work I get done in the office.

Q & A: Lucas Oil Stadium

COLTS FANS — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 17:42:02 +0000

Q: How Will the Stadium Be Used?
A: Lucas Oil Stadium will be used for football, basketball, and conventions. The Indianapolis Colts will play home games in the stadium, while the NCAA will use it for men’s and women’s tournaments.

Q: How many square feet is the stadium?
A: 1.8 million with over 185,000 square feet of convention space.

Q: Where else can I find moving windows in the NFL?
A: Nowhere. The moving window on the northeast side facing the city is the first moving window in the NFL.

Q: What type of turf is used in the stadium?
A: The stadium has 95,000 square feet of a synthetic turf called Fieldturf as the playing surface. More than 23 of the NFL’s 32 teams use this turf.

Q: Does my seat have more room?
A: Yes. Non-club seats are approximately 20 inches wide with close to 33 inches of legroom.

Q: How long does it take for the roof to open and close?
A: Approximately 9 minutes. The steel trusses that support the roof are over 750 feet long, which is as tall as some of the taller skyscrapers in Indianapolis.

Q: How many retractable roof stadiums are in the NFL?
A: Three. There are two other stadiums with retractable roofs in the NFL. The first was Reliant Stadium in Houston, the second was the University of Phoenix Stadium in Arizona, and the third is Lucas Oil Stadium. Lucas Oil Stadium is the first that opens and closes from sideline to sideline. The others open and close from endzone to endzone.

Q: Are the scoreboards and video screens in HD?
A: Yes. The two screens on the northwest and southeast corners are 97 feet wide by 53 feet high and are split into one large video board and two smaller displays. The screens are build with Daktronics premiere HD-X technology. In addition, the stadium has a 360 degree configuration of 3 feet tall screens that wrap around the stadium, nearly 1700 feet long to display graphics, scores, and stats.

SOURCES: HKS Inc, Hunt Construction Group, Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority, Daktronics

Club Seat & Season Ticket Waiting Lists

COLTS FANS — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 17:33:54 +0000

Club Seat & Season Ticket Waiting Lists

The Indianapolis Colts are accepting deposits for the Club Seat and Season Ticket Waiting Lists. Currently, all Club Seats and Season Tickets are SOLD OUT. If you would like to join the Club Seat or Season Ticket Waiting Lists, you will be required to submit a $150 (per seat), non-refundable deposit. Your deposit is a one-time fee that will hold your place on the list until Club Seats or Season Tickets become available. If Club Seats or Season Tickets are assigned to your account, 100% of the deposit will be applied as a credit towards the total purchase price for the first season. Making a deposit DOES NOT guarantee that you will receive Club Seats or Season Tickets. The availability of seats depends on the number of existing season ticket holders that choose not to renew their Club Seats or Season Tickets each season along with the list of seat addition and seat improvement requests we receive from existing season ticket holders. You will receive an annual update in May as to your position on the waiting list. Please review the FAQ section for more information.

If you have questions about the Club Seat Waiting List, please contact Trang Truong at (317) 808-5333. If you have questions about the Season Ticket Waiting List, please call (317) 299-4WIN (4946) to speak with our Ticket Sales Department.

Please note that companies/individuals that are active season ticket holders will receive priority seating preference in Lucas Oil Stadium over those companies/individuals that are on the Club Seat and Season Ticket Waiting Lists.

Getting started in the football epicenter

Frank Tadych — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:39:35 +0000

The second day of the 2009 NFL Scouting Combine has started appropriately enough, with NFL Network

Seat Relocation Form 2009 (due March 16th)

COLTS FANS — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 03:00:18 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
2009 SEAT RELOCATION REQUEST

We have noted your recent request for a change in your seat location and we will do our best to accommodate your request. Each request will receive personal attention. The limited availability of certain seats and the volume of requests make it impossible to fulfill every request. Please read, complete and return this form in the envelope provided. We appreciate your understanding and in this connection note that:

· Requests for seat relocation may be made only for seats reserved (paid in full) on or before MARCH 2. Requests received after MARCH 16 will not be considered.

· Individuals with the best seat locations are the least likely to cancel their subscriptions.

· Filling requests is limited by the actual vacancies that may occur due to cancellations.

· It is very difficult to provide ticket relocation for subscribers holding in excess of four tickets together.

· Most changes are limited or marginal in nature.

· Changes are based upon seniority (account number).

· Changes will be made after termination of the renewal period. If we are able to provide higher priced tickets, separate invoices will be sent. DO NOT SEND MORE THAN AMOUNT SHOWN ON CURRENT RENEWAL STATEMENT.

· IT IS NECESSARY TO SEND A NEW REQUEST EACH YEAR TO ATTEMPT TO CHANGE YOUR SEATING ASSIGNMENT.

· NO ACCOUNTS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR SEAT IMPROVEMENT UNLESS RENEWED BY MARCH 2.

· If you request a phone call before improving your seats, your request will be among the last ones processed.

This form must be completed, signed and returned in accordance with the terms and conditions of your season ticket invoice prior to March 16 and is subject to the rules, regulations and policies of the Colts as may be in effect from time to time and the Colts may modify, revoke and/or alter any of the foregoing and institute new, supplemental and/or additional rules and regulations, all of which may be done in the Colts sole and absolute discretion. The Colts reserve the right to allocate tickets and seat locations and reject any order.

Subject to the foregoing, I hereby request a change in the location of my season seats and understand that if my request cannot be filled I will accept the seats held last year. I also expressly acknowledge and understand that I will have no right to my previously held seats after new seats have been assigned and the Colts will have the right to assign those previously held seats to other individuals prior notice to me in accordance with the policies then in effect and that unfilled requests must be renewed each year. You and your belongings may be searched upon entry into the stadium. By tendering a ticket and entering the stadium, you consent to such searches and waive any claims that you might have against the NFL, its member clubs, their affiliates and stadium landlord, or their agents. If you elect not to consent to the searches, you will be denied entry into the stadium

For your convenience we have enclosed a copy of the current Lucas Oil Stadium seating diagram. We wish to fulfill as many requests as possible. Please give us this opportunity by making reasonable choices. Your seats will NOT be moved unless seats are available within the ranges you indicate below, or otherwise specified in writing on this form.

FIRST CHOICE: SECOND CHOICE: THIRD CHOICE:

Section: ________ Thru________ Section: ________ Thru ________ _____Best available (Excluding Clubs)
OR
Price: _________ Price: _________ _____ Cancel my request

See Diagram for 2009 Pricing

(PLEASE FILL OUT ACCOUNT INFORMATION BELOW)

DAY PHONE___________________________

EVE PHONE___________________________

ACCOUNT #:_______________ I.D. #:________________

NAME (On Account)________________________________

ADDRESS_________________________________________

CITY_________________STATE________ZIP___________

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE_________________________________