Indianapolis Super Bowl Plans Include IMS Party

The bid package enabling the city of Indianapolis to host the 2012 Super Bowl includes pregame parties at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.  The public party on Saturday could draw 50-thousand fans downtown.  A National Football League gathering is planned at IMS the Friday before Super Bowl 46.  The event is expected to include displays of historic and current race cars, and legends from motor sports.  Bid planners have said there is a legacy aspect, which includes a multipurpose enclosed athletic center at Arsenal Tech High School. 

One of the participating teams would practice there, but the facility could spur other development.  The last eight Super Bowls have provided a direct economic stimulus of up to 300-million-dollars, according to bid committee president Mark Miles.  The committee also promoted the use of the dome on the new stadium and all-weather walkways that will connect the facility to several hotels.