Indianapolis, IN

Broad Ripple business owners beckon former patrons to return – Indianapolis Business Journal

Published

2 years ago

August 7, 2024

Broad Ripple business owners beckon former patrons to return – Indianapolis Business Journal

Broad Ripple Avenue in Broad Ripple Village. (IBJ photo/Eric Learned)

Owners of Broad Ripple bars and other businesses have a message for former patrons: The lengthy reconstruction project on Broad Ripple Avenue is over and new public safety measures are in place. Please come back.

The entertainment district has had a difficult trifecta of circumstances, beginning with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, followed by construction on the main street that wrapped up late last year and a string of violent incidents last summer. Bar owners told IBJ on Wednesday that they’ve taken a big financial hit.

Patrick Sparks has owned Brick House Dueling Pianos for 47 years. This year, he had to use $350,000 of his savings to get by, he said. With 21 months left on his lease, he’s hoping that next year will see a pickup large enough to prevent him from draining his dwindling retirement funds , so he can keep the bar open.

Sparks and other owners spoke to media following a regular meeting of late night business owners and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Officers at Kilroy’s Bar & Grill at 831 Broad Ripple Ave..

The meetings arose due to the challenges the entertainment district has faced in recent years, including a high-profile triple homicide last summer and multiple efforts at improving safety in the entertainment district. Those discussions included the consideration of a gun-free zone, which Broad Ripple stakeholders ultimately axed due to potential costs.

While Sparks expected business to pick back up this past summer, he said his bar has had fewer patrons than last summer. Owners said the reputation the area gained last summer has driven away business.

“I hear constantly, from the younger kids especially that used to come in late night, ‘Whoa, Patrick, we love your piano bar, but we just don’t come to Broad Ripple anymore; we don’t feel safe at night. So, I have to preach to them,” Sparks told IBJ.

IMPD North District Commander Matthew Thomas said the department has seen success in getting businesses to buy into IMPD’s B-Link camera program, as well as in the usage of other technology such as public safety cameras and license plate readers. Above all, though, he said it’s been beneficial to have a seat at the table for IMPD at the monthly bar owner-focused meetings.

“We’re very enthusiastic about the collaboration that’s being done in Broad Ripple,” Thomas said. “There’s not a day goes by that we can’t pick up the phone and call each other, whether it’s IMPD contacting the Village Association or business owners contacting each other, we’re seeing such great increase of communication.”

Kilroy’s, which hosted the meeting, is investing in the Broad Ripple location despite a recent downturn in business during construction on the property’s outdoor patio to create an event space. Jade Sharpe, director of operations, said the community has nearly weathered the storm.

“I know everybody was a little leery of what the summer would bring, and we’ve had a great, smooth summer, and that just kind of goes to show what we can do,” Sharpe told IBJ. We all work together and acknowledge what any of the issues may be and addressing them.”

Sparks, however, also characterized the summer as “very slow.” The challenge now is bringing back customers. They’re working to do that through organized bar crawls, but also weighing other options that could make the area more appealing.

One possibility was the establishment of a designated outdoor refreshment area, or a DORA, such as the recently-established DORA in Carmel. Attendees compared the potential to something like the Fourth Street Live! district in Louisville, which is closed to traffic and has a secured perimeter.

Wednesday’s discussion was the first on this topic. Establishing such a district in Broad Ripple would require city-level legislation.

Democratic Councilor John Barth, who represents the district, said that the idea of having a closed-off area with automatic bollards like Kirkwood Avenue in Bloomington is appealing. Barth said closing the road to traffic on evenings could help foster a more festive atmosphere.

Still, there are a lot of details to sort out.

“This is the very beginning of a long process to think about doing something like that,” Barth told IBJ.

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Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis Colts Player Spotlight: Tight End Mo Alie-Cox

Published

11 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Indianapolis Colts Player Spotlight: Tight End Mo Alie-Cox

The Indianapolis Colts changed the landscape of Shane Steichen’s offense by taking tight end Tyler Warren with the 14th-overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

Warren took the field in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins and didn’t look back. He’d set the Indianapolis rookie reception record with 76 while also piling on 817 receiving yards and five touchdowns (four receiving, one rushing).

Warren’s emergence put the other Colts tight ends in the shadow of the limelight. However, one name on the depth chart is ultra-reliable, willing to do the dirty work, and has been a staple for the Colts. That name is veteran Mo Alie-Cox.

This is part four of a series where I’ll detail Colts players who may not get the limelight they deserve. Alie-Cox might not be the playmaker Warren is, but he’s vital to the success of the Colts’ offensive attack.

From the Hardwood to the Gridiron

Feb 8, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Virginia Commonwealth Rams forward Mo Alie-Cox (12) dribbles as George Washington Colonials forward Tyler Cavanaugh (34) defends during the first half at Charles E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images | Brad Mills-Imagn Images

The craziest part of Alie-Cox’s journey to the NFL is that he didn’t play a single snap of college football during his days with the Virginia Commonwealth Rams. This was, of course, due to the program not having a football team.

Very few players have accomplished this, but the most notable is unquestionably NFL Hall of Fame tight end, Antonio Gates. Gates played at Kent State University and didn’t see any action on the college gridiron.

What stood out about Alie-Cox was is immense stature and athleticism, standing around 6’5″ and weighing approximately 260 pounds. This type of build and athletic profile made him perfect for a tight end spot.

Alie-Cox was undrafted in 2017, but Indianapolis liked what they saw from his private workouts and development into a tight end.

Alie-Cox went through a series of signings, injuries, practice squad designations, and releases. However, 2018 is when he saw his first NFL action with then-quarterback Andrew Luck.

He’d play nine games and stack a modest seven catches for 133 receiving yards and two scores. After this season, Alie-Cox got more respect from the Colts coaching staff to begin building his reliable resume.

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Respected and Reliable Asset for the Colts

Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox (81) rushes up the field Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Miami Dolphins, 33-8. | Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Alie-Cox isn’t a freakish offensive weapon like Warren, but he boasts other great attributes that have helped propel Indy’s offense while also providing a steady hand as a pass-catcher in big situations.

Through eight years with the Colts, Alie-Cox has played 125 games, earned 53 starts, and secured 127 catches for 1,550 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns.

He averages just a single catch per game through his NFL tenure, but two things stand out most about Alie-Cox: his red zone prowess, and his excellent blocking skills inline.

Alie-Cox averages a touchdown reception for every 7.94 catches, and always poses a threat when Indianapolis is in the red zone. Given his small usage as a receiver, this is a high clip to catch scores.

As for his blocking, he’s the top man for the job for all Colts tight ends, and 2025 was no different for the former basketball talent.

Alie-Cox led the way for Colts tight ends when discussing his Pro Football Focus run-blocking grade, which stood firm at 64.6 on 220 run-blocking snaps. This placed Alie-Cox 37th out of all NFL tight ends in 2025.

Alie-Cox might not blow anyone’s mind as a pass-catcher, but he’s one of the best rotational pieces for any tight end room in the league. And the Colts are happy to have his services.

Outlook With Colts

Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Grover Stewart (90) and tight end Mo Alie-Cox (81) run on the the field for the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

I chose to refrain from putting any Colts in-house free agents into my Player Spotlight series, but Alie-Cox gets a big pass here.

I would be shocked beyond belief if Indianapolis doesn’t get Alie-Cox a new deal in 2026. He’s cheap to keep, and his value to the franchise can’t be overlooked simply because he isn’t a household name.

In fact, the Colts would be wise to keep him in Indianapolis for the rest of his career. He’s an excellent vet to have available, does every job he’s asked to do at a high level, and brings a great presence to the locker room.

Alie-Cox has put together a solid NFL career against all odds after not playing a lick of college football or getting an invitation to the 2017 NFL Combine.

The Colts need to prioritize re-signing quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce, but they must make room in the salary cap to keep Alie-Cox in their roster ranks.

Previous Spotlight Articles
–Cam Bynum
–Mekhi Blackmon
–Adetomiwa Adebawore

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Indianapolis, IN

Anti-war protest sparks in Indianapolis amid US-Iran conflict

Published

23 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Anti-war protest sparks in Indianapolis amid US-Iran conflict

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – More than a dozen protesters gathered at Military Park. In a dramatic escalation, the US and Israel engaged in military strikes against Iran and protesters are upset, including veteran Lucas Lee.

“I know what it’s like to be on the edge, potentially going somewhere where your life is at risk. And I believe this war is something we shouldn’t be fighting in. It’s important to stand up, because not only is standing up the right thing to do, but it could potentially save lives.”

Protesters held signs that read ‘Hands off Iran’ in front of the corner of West and New York intersection.
Several cars honked in support. Democratic City County Councilor Jesse Brown attended as well.

IPS School Teacher Noah Leininger organized the Anti-Iran War Rally. “The United States spends 1 trillion dollars on war every single year. While there are massive unmet needs right here in our own communities. People need jobs, healthcare, housing, and schools. And instead our government spends a trillion dollars every year to go and bomb elementary school age girls,” he said.

Iranian officials say the U.S. and Isreal hit a girl’s primary school in southern Iran killing at least 115 people.

The US strikes have not only created tension in the Middle East, but also here at home.
Mark Oakley who supports military action Iran, confronted the anti-war protesters. “Freedom for Iranian people, freedom for Americans. Freedom for everybody, but this [protest] is not it. When you’re debating about innocent people getting killed. You are debating the wrong thing.”

Additional police were called in to de-escalate the situation.

Chris Gomez, attended the protest because he wanted to take action. “Trump ran on a platform called the party of peace. That’s what Republicans run their policy on a party of peace, but look where we are now.”

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Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis Opera’s free concert spotlights influential Black composers

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Indianapolis Opera’s free concert spotlights influential Black composers

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis Opera will host a free concert in honor of Black History Month Saturday night at 6 p.m. to celebrate the legacy and artistry of Black composers. The event features a range of spirituals, contemporary art songs, and operatic works performed a cappella.

Lyndsay Moy, the director of education, outreach, branding and design for Indianapolis Opera, said the event is designed to keep this specific music accessible to the public.

Resident artist Ian Williams, describes the concert as a mix of traditional repertoire and new songs. The artists will perform without microphones or instrumental accompaniment. “All of this is just straight out of our voices, so there’s no microphones,” Williams said. “We’re just creating the sound ourselves and putting it into a space, so it’s a little bit of, a little bit of breathing, a little bit of extra work there, yes.”

“So many composers tonight have been so influential in the broader vocal canon and it’s important and wonderful for us to be able to offer this kind of concert for free to our community to keep this kind of music accessible and more importantly to feature these fabulous artists like Ian so much talent,” Moy said.

Williams noted that the concert allows the organization to celebrate classic composers who were not well known during their own time. “It’s very cool because we get to celebrate some of classic composers all the way back to William Grant Steele, who was one of the who wrote operas back in the day, even during the time of Porgy and Bess, but he wasn’t, it wasn’t well known,” Williams said.

One of the featured pieces is the traditional spiritual “Fix Me Jesus,” which was arranged for the University of Michigan choir. Williams said the arrangement by Stacey Gibbs maintains the traditional spiritual style while adding rich harmonies.

While formal tickets for the event are currently sold out, those interested in attending can email tickets@indyopera.org to be added to a waitlist.

Check out the video above to hear a sneak peak of the Indianapolis Opera!

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