Summary:
- More than 70,000 people attended the largest Gen Con event in Indianapolis.
- 2024 promises to be a monumental year for Indy, with multiple major events scheduled.
- Key events include the NBA All-Star game, March Madness, a solar eclipse, Indianapolis 500, US Olympic Team Trials, Taylor Swift concert, and Big 10 football championship.
- The influx of events is expected to significantly boost downtown business and economic impact.
- City investments in convention center expansion and a new hotel aim to attract more major events simultaneously, enhancing the city's hosting capacity.
More than 70,000 people are heading home after attending the biggest Gen Con ever. It was here at our Indianapolis Convention Center. And tonight Lauren Kostick tells us it's just a taste of what they're going to be bringing to Indy next year. Well, Gen Con marked a win for the city this year, but come next year. It's not the only thing on the calendar for 2024 between sports, concerts and events. Some say it's shaping up to be the biggest year yet.
Looking at 2024, this is going to be a monumental year.
Six Big Events Shaping 2024
In February, Indy will host the NBA All-Star game with fans packing into Lucas Oil Stadium. Then March Madness with the men's basketball first and second rounds at Gamebridge Fieldhouse. In April, a rare solar eclipse coming over Indy will attract people from around the world. And in May, the famous Indianapolis 500 race will take place at IMS. In June, the US Olympic Team Trials for swimming will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium. In November, Taylor Swift is scheduled to perform in town for three nights. Lastly, in December, the Big 10 football championship will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium.A jam-packed year is guaranteed to boost downtown business. Gen Con recently brought in nearly $75 million in economic impact. While there is no official estimate for next year, the anticipation for events like Taylor Swift's concert suggests a sold-out weekend. As comparable cities in the region have experienced, sold-out hotels and bustling restaurants indicate the potential for economic growth. To sustain this momentum, the city is investing in a convention center expansion and a new hotel at Pan Am Plaza, aiming to attract more customers and events simultaneously. This expansion project is expected to be completed by 2026.