THE COMPETITION CAPITAL

WORDS BY Orion Ray-Jones

When somebody mentions Indiana, a few distinct images immediately spring to mind—cars roaring down the straight at the Indy 500; the swoosh of the net courtesy of another Larry Bird three-pointer; legendary films like Hoosiers and Breaking Away; the seemingly endless fl ight of a Peyton Manning pass; entire communities supporting their local high school athletes with a fervor usually reserved for college and pro players… That’s right, Indiana is a sports-obsessed state, and Indianapolis is its action-loving capital.

The Big Leagues

Last year saw the city normally thought of as a basketball mecca become a paradise for football fanatics. After an outstanding season, the Indianapolis Colts have firmly placed themselves at the top of the NFL. The entire city, energized by its team’s stellar performance, has decked itself out in the Colts’ blue and white colors. Future seasons promise to be just as enthralling, especially once the team’s new home—a $500 million, 63,000-seat retractable-roof stadium tentatively named the Indiana Stadium— is completed in 2008.

You won’t have to wait two years to experience a new stadium in this rapidly growing city, though. Opened in 1999, the retro-looking Conseco Fieldhouse became the new home of the always-exciting Indiana Pacers. Combining a host of modern technologies with the old-school styling of classic gymnasiums, the building is the perfect place to catch the Pacers run circles around their rivals. And while the great Reggie Miller—who described the new stadium as “Absolutely unbelievable… far beyond my expectations”—will have his number retired and hoisted to the rafters on March 30, a young team led by Jermaine O’Neal and Stephen Jackson continues to wow the team’s hoop-lovin’ hometown.

Final Four

But if you’re a basketball fanatic, this year you’ll probably be visiting Indy to attend the ultimate hoops experience—the Men’s NCAA Basketball Finals, better known as the Final Four www..ncaasports.com. This year, Indianapolis’ RCA Dome hosts the finals of the prestigious tournament, which sees the country’s top teams battle their ways toward the center of a grid that seems to be ubiquitous through the madness of March. With the semifinal games to be held on April 1 and the final on April 3, expect the city to be awash with basketball-related activities.

You too can get in on the action at the NCAA Hall of Champions www.ncaa.org/hall_of_champions. The NCAA, which is celebrating its centennial this year, moved its headquarters to Indianapolis in 2000 and presents college sports in all their glory at this exciting, interactive museum. And while the Hall of Champions’ most popular attraction over the next couple months is sure to be the 1920s-era gymnasium, where visitors can show off their free throw skills, the hall celebrates all 23 sports in Divisions I, II and III. Visit the locker room and get a speech from the team coach, see how fast your fastball really is, or learn how increasingly dangerous college football games led to the creation of the organization that now sets the standards for collegiate athletics.

The Speedway

In the entire world of motor sports, there is one race that stands out amongst them all—the Indianapolis 500. Nicknamed “The Brickyard,” after the millions of bricks that once paved the twoand-a-half mile oval track, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been hosting this premier event since its inception in 1911 www.brickyard.com. Today, cars zoom around the course at speeds approaching 230mph as drivers compete for the massive cash prize and traditional sip of milk in the winner’s circle. Last year saw the race’s 300,000 spectators screaming support from the stands for Danica Patrick, who became the first woman to lead the race and win the Rookie of the Year award. See Patrick go for the win once again at the 90th Indianapolis 500 on May 28. Formula One fans can catch the seventh United States Grand Prix on July 2, while NASCAR aficionados won’t want to miss the 13th Allstate 400 at The Brickyard on August 6.

Car enthusiasts who aren’t lucky enough to be in town for one of the races can still enjoy the lore of the Speedway. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum shows off its vast collection of awe-inspiring automobiles all year long www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/museum. The museum features race memorabilia, exotic sports cars and past winners—including the Marmon “Wasp,” which won the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911, the four cars driven to victory by AJ Foyt Jr, and many more. Or if you prefer something a little more fast-paced (and enjoy high g-forces), hop into the back of an Indy car and experience the track at full throttle. Sinden Racing offers trips around the circuit with professional Indy Racing League drivers www.sindenracing.com.

Other Must-See Sports Attractions

If something a little more serene is to your liking, try your luck on the links. The 18-hole Brickyard Crossing Golf Course www.brickyardcrossing.com is a unique Pete Dye-designed course that has four holes inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval. With nearly 80 sand traps and water in play on 11 holes, the course is sure to provide an ample challenge for skilled players, while the unique setting is a must-see experience for golfers of all levels.

To experience some of that Hoosier’s magic, basketball fans should make a special pilgrimage to the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse www.butlersports.collegesports.com. Located on the campus of Butler University and consistently listed as one of the nation’s greatest sports arenas, Hinkle was the site of state basketball championships for decades. But it is best known as the setting for the high school basketball finals in the film Hoosiers, and for hosting the largest crowd ever to see a volleyball match, when the United States defeated Cuba for the men’s gold medal during the 1987 Pan American Games.

Proving that athletics isn’t all blood, sweat and tears, the National Art Museum of Sport shows off the sophisticated side of sports www.namos.iupui.edu. Showcasing the nation’s largest collection of sport-related art, the museum features drawings, paintings, photos and sculptures of, and by, famous athletes. Housed within the corridors of University Place on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, the collection of more than 800 works represents more than 40 sports and includes works by Muhammad Ali, Winslow Homer and George Bellows. Through May 31, the museum will be presenting a special exhibit of sports news photographs of Jackie Robinson. The life of Robinson, who broke down Major League Baseball’s color barrier, takes on a special meaning through February, Black History Month.

Another groundbreaking black sporting legend lends his name to Indianapolis’ wonderful velodrome. The Major Taylor Velodrome is named for Indiana native Marshall “Major” Taylor, the cyclist who became the first African-American world champion in any sport after winning the world one-mile track championship in 1899, 1900 and 1901. The 333.3-meter, 28-degree-banked course has hosted many premier cycling events and is open for public riding on many days www.indygov.org/eGov/City/DPR/Parks/Major+Taylor+Velodrome.htm.

Whether you prefer watching or participating, Indianapolis is guaranteed to thrill fans of any sport. Rich in history, the city has staked its claim as the center of sporting culture for decades to come. So, fans, strap on your Chuck Taylors, rev your engines and head for the country’s competition capital.

 

Where to stay

Pleasure
Canterbury Hotel

When celebrities, sports stars and world leaders visit “Circle City,” they stay at the opulent Canterbury Hotel. The boutique hotel is located in the heart of downtown, within short walking distance of many of Indianapolis’ top shopping, dining and cultural attractions. Founded in 1928, the Canterbury has been designated as a historic landmark and is the only Indiana member of the prestigious Preferred Hotels and Resorts collection. The classy, contemporary, European-styled rooms, four-diamond restaurant and high-class service earn this luxurious landmark its place as the city’s finest. www.canterburyhotel.com

Business
Holiday Inn Select Indianapolis-Airport

Located directly across from the Indianapolis International Airport, Holiday Inn Select provides the perfect accommodations for business travelers. The enormous atrium-style hotel features 274 deluxe guest rooms (including 38 executive-level business-style rooms), seven suites and 14 conference rooms, all of which have free high-speed Internet. After a hard day’s work, relax by the heated indoor pool and Jacuzzi, break a sweat in the fitness center, or indulge at one of the four restaurants—the award-winning French restaurant Chanteclair is a gastronomic destination in itself, complete with strolling violinist. www.ichotelsgroup.com

Race Day
Comfort Inn & Suites West

Conveniently located just a couple miles west of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Comfort Inn & Suites West is the perfect place to stay when attending one of the city’s big races. Amenities include an indoor pool, whirlpool, fitness center and free continental breakfast. Be sure to book well in advance of race day, as the city’s lodgings fill up fast. www.comfortinn.com/hotel/in428