When we talk about important buildings in Indianapolis, we sometimes have to acknowledge the less attractive ones for their value. Such is the case with the Indiana Convention Center. On one hand, it is a stone ugly series of boxes with windows. On the other, it is the most important building in downtown Indianapolis.
Yes, I know the Statehouse is there too. But Indiana is basically a single party state and that party basically hates our Capital City….so it serves no useful purpose beyond grandstanding and politics.
Most of the buildings I love could be on that list…but honesty most of them provide little value to the city beyond their aesthetics.
An argument can also be made for the Lilly complex, but it serves one family first…and the city as an afterthought as a means to protect their wealth.
But the Indiana Convention Center is the lifeblood of Indianapolis. Because of our central location, and being connected to the entire North American Continent by Interstates, Highways, and byways, and of course our down home smiling service personality, Indy is a convention town.
And all of it runs through this building.
With over half a million square feet of exhibit spaces internally, and connected to the rest of the city through the skywalk system you see in the cover photo; the Indiana Convention Center can handle events of any size… and it does it well.
Here are just a sample of some of the events recently hosted by the ICC.
- Gen Con: Known as “The Best Four Days in Gaming,” this annual event attracts tens of thousands of tabletop gaming enthusiasts each August (ICCRD).
- National FFA Convention & Expo: This yearly event brings together Future Farmers of America members from across the country, featuring educational sessions, a career fair, and more (Indy Convention & Lucas Oil Stadium).
- Indiana Comic Con: A popular event for fans of comics, movies, TV shows, and pop culture, held annually (Indy Convention & Lucas Oil Stadium).
- Performance Racing Industry Trade Show: A significant event for the automotive racing industry, showcasing the latest products, services, and innovations (Indy Convention & Lucas Oil Stadium) (Indy Tourism).
- FDIC International: The Fire Department Instructors Conference, an essential event for fire service professionals, featuring training, workshops, and an exhibition (ICCRD).
- Indy Ultimate: A unique event that offers a fun run through some of the city’s most iconic locations, often starting and finishing at the convention center (Indy Tourism).
- Indianapolis Home Show: A long-standing tradition showcasing home improvement, decor, and gardening vendors and experts (Indy Convention & Lucas Oil Stadium).
- National Catholic Youth Conference: This biennial event brings together Catholic youth from across the country for worship, learning, and community activities (Indy Convention & Lucas Oil Stadium).
It really is an important part of the city. But that’s enough hype. Here is the low low on ICC.
Indiana Convention Center: Space, Uses, Location, and History
Space: The Indiana Convention Center boasts over 566,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, making it one of the largest convention centers in the United States. It features nearly 140,000 square feet of meeting space, which includes 71 meeting rooms and three ballrooms. The facility also connects to Lucas Oil Stadium, adding an additional 183,000 square feet of exhibit space and 12 meeting rooms (ICCRD) (Indy Tourism).
Uses: The Indiana Convention Center is a versatile venue used for a wide range of events, including conventions, trade shows, meetings, and exhibitions. Major annual events such as Gen Con, the National FFA Convention & Expo, and the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show highlight its capacity to host large-scale gatherings. It also serves local community events, corporate meetings, and sporting events, leveraging its extensive and flexible space to accommodate diverse requirements (Indy Convention & Lucas Oil Stadium) (ICCRD).
Location: The convention center is centrally located in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, at 100 South Capitol Avenue. It is within walking distance of numerous hotels, restaurants, and attractions, providing convenient access for attendees. The facility is connected to the city’s extensive skywalk system, which links to major hotels, Circle Centre Mall, and Lucas Oil Stadium, enhancing its accessibility and appeal to visitors (ICCRD) (Indy Tourism).
History: The Indiana Convention Center opened in 1972 and has undergone several expansions and renovations to meet the growing demand for convention space. The most significant expansions occurred in 1984, 1993, and 2011. The 2011 expansion was particularly notable, adding 254,000 square feet of exhibit space and increasing the facility’s total exhibit space to its current size. The convention center’s management falls under the Capital Improvement Board of Managers (CIB), created by the Indiana General Assembly in 1965 to oversee and finance capital improvements in Indianapolis (ICCRD) (Indy Tourism).
The Indiana Convention Center has played a crucial role in transforming Indianapolis into a vibrant convention city, attracting major events and contributing to the local economy. Its strategic location, extensive facilities, and ongoing improvements ensure it remains a premier destination for large-scale events.
