Press Release, "Announcement of New Sports and Market Complex," April 12, 1971

Sports and devotion to local teams not only bolstered civic pride, but also justified infrastructure investment. Building upon the popularity of the city’s successful professional basketball franchise, the Indiana Pacers, Mayor Richard Lugar announced in 1971 plans for a new combined sports and office complex (Market Square Arena) that would serve as the team’s new home and provide an influx of economic investment in the central city. As Lugar explained, this public-private partnership demonstrated Indianapolis’ “faith in the future” and the potential for attracting tourist, entertainment, retail, and business revenue to downtown Indianapolis.