Press Release, "Mayor Hudnut Announces Formation of Committee Encouraging NFL Franchise," December 1981

As early as the 1970s, civic leaders in Indianapolis had sought to bring professional football to the city. According to proponents, a National Football League franchise would generate at least $30 million annually in direct economic benefits. Mayor Hudnut consolidated these ongoing efforts and in December 1981 announced the establishment of a committee of political and business leaders dedicated to convincing the NFL Expansion Committee to locate a franchise in Indianapolis.