Indiana Sports Corp

IX BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 10, ISSUE 3 As for the secrets to the success of the Indiana Sports Corp, Chair of the Board, Julie Roe Lach says, “I think it boils down to more of a spirit. The city and state’s commitment to sports is just woven throughout the fabric. Yes, it’s a huge economic driver, but there’s an excitement and it’s not just fans. People embrace the participants, and they want the participants to be part of the experience as well.” This commitment is evident behind the scenes, with the huge volunteer base the organization is able to mobilize. She portrays, “It is always inspiring to see people who will be there every day at 7 am to welcome the team, or at 11 pm to hop on the bus and say welcome to Indianapolis. It is really authentic, and a commitment that I’ve not seen in other cities.” Second to that she says that Local Organizing Committees (LOCs) have become a prestigious opportunity, drawing community engagement in spades. “You just don’t get the cool swag, you have to actually show up and do work, but they want to be involved,” Roe Lach explains. “To me, those are two key ingredients. It always comes down to the people, but it’s not just the people, it’s that spirit of the people that power our city, and we appreciate them.” Along with the outstanding volunteers who come together, Talty relays that valued partnerships with Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Pacer Sports & Entertainment, the NCAA, USA Track and Field, USA Gymnastics, and USA Football are all key to the organization’s sporting strategy. “We do not take them for granted, and we could not do what we do without their help,” he says. “As well, the state of Indiana and the city of Indianapolis are very important to us. We wouldn’t be successful if it wasn’t for their help and their support throughout the years.” Indiana Sports Corp also works with Visit Indy, Indianapolis’s tourism agency, and city staff to bid on large-scale events such as the Women’s Final Four, which Indianapolis will be hosting in 2028. Talty suggests that when it comes to these major opportunities, this type of collaboration is extremely important. “If you don’t have government officials that are on board and support the strategy from the ground up if you don’t have independent businesses, restaurants, and other places that are interested in really making sure that it happens, then it doesn’t work. Indy is special in the way that it comes together.” Looking to the future, Talty says, “Indianapolis is looking towards 2024 as the next big moment on the national and international stage.”