Sports Corp Seeks $25M For 4-Year Stretch

The first-ever State of Sports address from the president of the Indiana Sports Corp. included a major fundraising announcement. Ryan Vaughn says the new Indy Championships Fund will push to raise $25 million to support a four-year stretch of major events that ISC says will be "unlike anything Indianapolis has enjoyed in the past."

The organization says events during that time, which include the 2021 NCAA Men’s Final Four, the 2021 NBA All-Star Weekend, the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship and many other high-profile college tournaments, are expected to deliver a $670 million economic impact. Vaughn says the opportunities build on the sports strategy that the city has been cultivating for the last four decades.

The new Indy Championships Fund will be led by Eli Lilly and Co. Vice President David Lewis and Indianapolis Colts Vice Chair Carlie Irsay-Gordon, who will be co-chair.

The nonprofit says it has also invested in a new brand that will update its "look and feel," as well as new tools to follow sports developments, find out about volunteer opportunities and understand the value of membership.