Episode 5: Upgrading the Convention Center

The whole cast of characters join us to give their advice on how to get out and get involved in the community. From chairing a board to just volunteering, the city needs you!

We've come full circle. From a sleepy city who's sidewalks rolled up at five to Super Bowl host. Hear Stories from: Michael Browning, Greg Fennig, & Allison Melangton

Former Mayor Greg Ballard joins Blaine and Jeff to talk about how much the city changed between when he originally moved back to Indianapolis through the end of his time in office.

Fidel Castro! Secret Meetings! A horse arrested! The story behind the 1987 Pan American Games. Hear stories from: Ted Boehm, Tom King, Sandy Knapp, Allison Melangton, Mark Miles, Jim Morris, & Sid Weedman

The stadium didn't stay empty for long. The city worked tirelessly to convince the NFL to give Indianapolis an expansion team. Then, they got a phone call from Baltimore that would change their entire strategy (and upset a band). Hear stories from: Tom King, John Myrland, & Sid Weedman

The convention center needs an upgrade. We have a pretty good idea on how to do that, but it involves building a football stadium with no football team. Who in their right mind would approve that? Hear stories from: Tom King, John Krauss, Mark Miles, John Myrland, & Sid Weedman

Now that Indianapolis has created the first Sports Corporation in the country and build a shiny new Arena, it's time to show off our accomplishments to the country by hosting the National Sports Festival. Little did we know that this was the springboard to hosting many more large events in the future. Hear stories from: Ted Boehm, Greg Fennig, Tom King, Sandy Knapp, John Krauss, & Jim Morris

The Indiana Pacers were one of the most successful franchises in the history of the ABA, but found the transition to the NBA as well as finding a new owner challenging. At the same time, the city saw the need to move the team to the center of the city, causing the creation of Market Square Arena. Hear stories from: Ted Boehm, Greg Fennig, Jim Morris, & Sid Weedman

With the AAU being disbanded and sports needing a new home as they governed themselves, Indianapolis saw an opportunity and created the Indiana Sports Corp, enticing multiple sports HQs to plant their flags in the city. Hear stories from: Ted Boehm, Sandy Knapp, Allison Melangton, & John Myrland

Welcome to the Hidden Indy Podcast! What exactly started the boom to move Indianapolis from Indian-no-place to one of the top 10 convention cities in America and a Super Bowl Host? Hear stories from: Ted Boehm, John Krauss, Tom King, Mark Miles, Jim Morris, John Myrland, & Sid Weedman