Committee Supports Wigwam Plan

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An Anderson blue ribbon committee is supporting a plan to rehabilitate an iconic sports venue. The group is endorsing a plan by former Muncie Central High School basketball coach Terry Thimlar that could include a National Basketball Association Developmental League team playing in the Wigwam.

Anderson, Ind. — The Mayor's Blue Ribbon Committee chaired by Thomas J. Snyder, President of Ivy Tech Community College met at the Anderson City Building today to discuss efforts to reinvigorate and reuse the Wigwam and to review a plan put forth by Wigwam Sports and Entertainment, LLC (WSE) known as “Revitalize the Wigwam.” Seven committee members were in attendance. In addition to the Committee members, Terry Thimlar and Mark Rowe, the founders of WSE, attended along with Anderson Community School Interim Superintendent Tim Edsell.

Following the presentation by WSE and questions and discussion among the Committee members, the Committee moved to support WSE's plan and encourage further dialogue with the community and other stakeholders. “Members of the Blue Ribbon Committee have reviewed the plan to bring The Wigwam back to life and are encouraged by the plan’s potential,” said Thomas J. Snyder, the committee chairperson and a lifelong resident of Anderson. The Committee will continue to study WSE’s plan and any other viable options that may arise in the near future.

The Committee also supports the ongoing dialogue between ACSC, WSE, and the City and hopes that education will be a part of WSE’s plan. Interim Superintendent Edsell indicated the school system’s continued willingness to engage with WSE.

Additionally, the Committee noted the impact that the costs of the Wigwam have on ACSC and is looking for solutions that could include other public and private partners.

WSE informed the Committee that it would be offering other methods of community engagement next week. The Committee looks forward to working with ACSC, WSE, and the City as we look for ways to save the Wigwam.

Source: City of Anderson