The Indiana Convention Center has officially broken ground on its sixth expansion project. This expansion will bring significant enhancements to the center, including the largest ballroom in the state, additional meeting rooms, and more event space. These improvements will allow the center to host two citywide conventions simultaneously. The expansion also features the construction of an 800-room convention center hotel, which will offer breathtaking views of Indianapolis from its skyline-changing glass structure. The hotel will include amenities such as a rooftop bar and sky lounge.
This project will have a considerable economic impact, creating around 2,500 construction jobs and 400 new hotel jobs. The retention of cornerstone conventions like FFA, FDIC, and NTEA will lead to an annual economic impact of nearly $300 million. Additionally, the expanded convention center will attract new conventions, contributing up to $232 million in economic impact. The new convention center hotel’s sales teams are projected to generate $69.3 million in new business. Furthermore, this expansion will lead to job retention and growth in other hotels, restaurants, and attractions in the area.
Completion date of Indiana Convention Center expansion project
The construction works for the Indiana Convention Center expansion project are scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2026. Once finished, the center will have the capability to host two citywide conferences simultaneously. The expansion will introduce a new signature ballroom, a junior ballroom, and additional auxiliary meeting rooms. A walkway will connect the new expansion to the ICC’s existing south campus.
In May, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration took over financing for the hotel project from Kite Realty Group Trust, as the latter was unable to secure financing. The city was already financing the convention center expansion. The plan received approval from the Indianapolis City-County Council the following month.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What will the Indiana Convention Center expansion include?
The Indiana Convention Center expansion project will include the following:
- The largest ballroom in the state
- Additional meeting rooms
- Expanded event space
- An 800-room convention center hotel with a rooftop bar and sky lounge
2. How many construction jobs and hotel jobs will be created due to the expansion?
The expansion is expected to create 2,500 construction jobs and 400 new hotel jobs.
3. What is the projected economic impact of the expansion?
The expansion will result in a nearly $300 million annual economic impact from retaining cornerstone conventions and up to $232 million economic impact from new conventions. The new convention center hotel’s sales teams are anticipated to generate $69.3 million in new business.
4. When will the Indiana Convention Center expansion project be completed?
The construction works are scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2026.
5. What additional amenities will the new convention center hotel offer?
The new convention center hotel will feature a rooftop bar and sky lounge, providing guests with spectacular views of Indianapolis.
6. How will the expansion benefit other businesses in the area?
The expansion will lead to job retention and growth in other hotels, restaurants, and attractions, providing a positive impact on the local economy.
7. Who took over the financing for the hotel project?
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration took over financing for the hotel project from Kite Realty Group Trust.
8. When did the Indianapolis City-County Council approve the financing plan?
The Indianapolis City-County Council approved the financing plan the following month after Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration took over. All 19 of the city’s Democratic council members voted to approve the measure, along with independent Ethan Evans, while the council’s five Republicans voted against it.
Closing Statements
The groundbreaking for the 6th Indiana Convention Center expansion is an exciting milestone that will bring significant improvements to the center and benefit the local economy. With the largest ballroom in the state, additional meeting rooms, and expanded event space, the center will have the capacity to host multiple citywide conventions simultaneously. The addition of an 800-room convention center hotel with remarkable views of Indianapolis will further enhance the experience for visitors. The projected job creation and economic impact highlight the positive outcomes of this expansion project. Overall, the completion of the Indiana Convention Center expansion is eagerly anticipated, and its opening in 2026 will mark a new era for conventions and events in Indianapolis.
