About Indianapolis
Once exclusively known as a high-octane racing town, Indianapolis has blossomed into a booming metropolis throughout recent years, with a lively cultural scene creating buzz across the country. As Indiana’s capital and largest city, Indianapolis is home to 876,804 residents, making it the 13th largest city in the United States and the 2nd most populous capital behind Phoenix
Phoenix. Massive revitalization of the downtown core has given Indianapolis a new spirit, bringing a fresh, sophisticated vibe that still manages to remain faithful to the area’s elaborate history and famous Hoosier hospitality.
Prior to its founding, the area that is now Indianapolis consisted of dense forest and prairieland. When it was selected as the capital of the Union’s 19th state by the Indiana General Assembly in 1821, Judge Jeremiah Sullivan invented the city’s name by merging Indiana with polis, the Greek word for city. Spanning 396 square miles across America’s heartland, Indianapolis is located in the geographic center of Indiana where four interstate highways (I-65, I-69, I-70 and I-74) and four federal highways meet. Indianapolis is also home to the first railroad to have all of its lines meet at one station, resulting in its being known as the “Crossroads of America.”
An emerging hotbed of arts and culture, Indianapolis has six thriving cultural districts: Broad Ripple Village, Fountain Square, the Canal and White River State Park, Massachusetts Avenue Arts and Theater District, the Wholesale District and Indiana Avenue. Each with its own distinctive offerings, these charming boroughs provide visitors with an eclectic mix of eateries, theaters, historic sites, galleries, boutiques, one-of-a-kind attractions and recreational activities. From the art collection at the Eiteljorg Museum
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art to the racing vehicles at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum, Indianapolis offers an appealing blend of culture from both the past and present. Peppered amid Indianapolis’ scenic canals, greenways and waterways, these distinctive districts offer visitors all of the exciting cultural benefits of a major metropolis within an easily managed, pedestrian-friendly setting.
Although the city has progressed in recent years, Indianapolis has not lost its status as the world’s place to race. It is home to the world’s two largest single-day sporting events, the Indianapolis 500 and the Allstate 400, as well as the largest drag racing event in the country, the National Hot Rod Association U.S. Nationals. Beyond racing, it has been host to the 2002 World Basketball Championship, the 1987 Pan American Games and both men’s and women’s NCAA Basketball tournaments.
In addition to the magnetic draw of Indianapolis’ acclaimed sports culture, there are a number of must-see attractions that sweeten the city’s flavorful appeal, such as the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Conner Prairie, the Indianapolis Zoo
Indianapolis Zoo and the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial
Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial.
Why Indianapolis?
Indianapolis’ phenomenal renaissance is elevating its status as a leading destination for meetings and convention groups. The city attracts approximately 21.9 million visitors annually. Speeding ahead, Indianapolis is in the midst of a $9 billion dollar revitalization venture that is changing the face of the downtown area and redefining it as a major contender for events. This stunning renewal brings new restaurants, hotels, transportation services, and shopping, cultural and entertainment facilities, along with updates to classic sporting venues.
Another key facet of the city’s transformation is the expansion of the Indiana Convention Center, whose exhibit space will grow from 403,000 square feet to 747,000 square feet. With a target completion date of 2010, the expanded facility will provide 83 meeting rooms and will become the 17th largest convention facility in the country. In addition to the expanded convention center, a new JW Marriott Complex is on the horizon for 2010 and will feature a JW Marriott Tower, 1,500 new hotel rooms, 100,000 square feet of meeting and event space and a 40,000-square-foot grand ballroom.
Indianapolis’ central location in the United States makes it a convenient destination for meeting and convention groups. In fact, half of the nation’s population is within one day’s drive or a short plane flight. Touching down at Indianapolis International Airport will become even easier with the completion of a new $1 billion mid-field terminal in 2008. The new eco-friendly, naturally-illuminated terminal represents the next generation in travel and will be a sleek, modern and efficient way to welcome visitors. Once in Indianapolis, the convenience continues as the city is easily navigated in climate-controlled skywalks. These skywalks connect many of the city’s leading hotels, such as Conrad Indianapolis, Marriott, Westin and Omni, to the Indiana Convention Center and Circle Centre Mall, a massive four-story shopping and entertainment complex. The convenient skywalks and strategic city design place 50 attractions and 200 restaurants within walking distance of the convention center and downtown core, allowing meeting and convention attendees the ability to traverse the city with ease.
With an ever evolving city package, it is not surprising that Indianapolis is becoming the destination of choice for international, national and regional meetings and conventions. It is host to events such as the National Recreation and Park Association Congress and Exposition, the National FFA Convention, the Southern Baptist Convention and Dealer Expo 2008. Indianapolis also serves as international headquarters to several well-known companies such as Eli Lilly and Company, Brightpoint, Wellpoint, American United Life and ATA Airlines. Many distinguished colleges and universities call the city home including Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Butler University, Marian College, Martin University and University of Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Metro Area Facts
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Convention Center: Indiana Convention Center
Indiana Convention Center
Airports: Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
| Population | 876,804 | Destination Type Listings |
| Hotels | 253 | • Golf destination |
| Hotel Rooms | 69,000 | • Smoke free restaurants |
| Unique Venues | 86 | |
| Restaurants | 2,000 |
Indianapolis Climate Information
Located in a humid continental climate zone, Indianapolis’ climate varies distinctly among the four seasons. Similar to other Midwestern cities, summers are hot with average high temperatures frequently reaching over 90ºF. Winters are chilly and brisk with temperatures often below freezing. Indianapolis sees an average of 20 to 30 inches of snowfall per year.
While the city’s climate-controlled skywalks provide allow visitors to enjoy the city regardless of the weather, the best time to visit Indianapolis is during the spring or fall when temperatures average a pleasant 65ºF. Cool breezes mix with warm sunshine to create the perfect climate for visitors to enjoy a stroll through one of the city’s charming boroughs or lush parks.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rec High -°F | 71 | 72 | 85 | 89 | 93 | 102 | 104 | 102 | 100 | 90 | 81 | 74 |
| Avg High -°F | 35 | 39 | 50 | 63 | 73 | 82 | 85 | 84 | 77 | 66 | 51 | 39 |
| Avg Low -°F | 19 | 22 | 31 | 42 | 52 | 61 | 65 | 63 | 55 | 44 | 33 | 24 |
| Rec Low -°F | -27 | -21 | -7 | 18 | 28 | 37 | 48 | 41 | 32 | 20 | -2 | -23 |
| Rainfall - in. | 2.7 | 2.4 | 3.6 | 3.7 | 3.9 | 3.9 | 4.4 | 3.4 | 2.9 | 2.7 | 3.5 | 3.1 |
