Indianapolis, IN
Downtown heliport at center of MLS stadium talks to close. What happens next?
Watch discussions on site for possible MLS stadium in Indianapolis
Listen to discussions at the Metropolitan Development Commission on a proposed stadium site to attract a Major League Soccer team to Indianapolis.
Brett Phelps/IndyStar
The Federal Aviation Administration has officially approved closing the downtown Indianapolis heliport, capping off a yearslong decommissioning process and clearing a hurdle for the Major League Soccer stadium that Mayor Joe Hogsett hopes to one day develop on the site.
Three years after the Indianapolis Airport Authority submitted a request to decommission, or shut down, the heliport, the FAA ultimately agreed, determining closing the heliport would not impact air operations in Indianapolis and was “a net benefit to civil aviation,” according to a Nov. 25 letter signed by FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta Griffin and addressed to the IAA Executive Director Mario Rodriguez.
IAA officials said the heliport, which opened in 1969, has seen a decline in demand, tenants and revenue along with mounting expenses in recent years, according to the letter.
The fate of the heliport has become publicly intwined with Mayor Joe Hogsett’s efforts to bring a Major League Soccer team to Indianapolis, as the heliport sits at the center of a mile-wide site the city identified as a potential soccer stadium district after ditching a $1 billion development proposed by Indy Eleven owner Ersal Ozdemir. The city has exclusive rights to buy and redevelop the heliport site from the IAA under a memorandum of understanding signed in 2021.
The proposal to close the heliport sparked opposition across the state. In comments to the FAA, hundreds of aviation enthusiasts, politicians and business owners, including former vice president Mike Pence, opposed the plan, citing the benefit of the heliport’s easy access to downtown.
“There is literally nowhere to land a helicopter in Indianapolis now,” said Fort Wayne entrepreneur Chuck Surack, who owns the helicopter charter service Sweet Helicopters. “Any leading world class city has a heliport or a way to land downtown. You need it for safety and for the public good.”
Surack, who joined Indy Eleven as a co-owner and investor for a now-defunct private Indy Eleven soccer stadium development, bought the nearby LaQuinta Inn and Suites property at 401 E. Washington St. three months ago to encourage more dialogue over the location of the stadium, he told IndyStar.
Over the past three years, the FAA said no buyer came forward to acquire the heliport from the Indianapolis Airport Authority to keep it in operation.
Flight data at the heliport is limited, but the most recently available Department of Transportation show 1,696 arrivals and departures. That number hasn’t exceeded 2,600 since 2011.
The heliport’s last official tenant, IU Health, agreed to cease operations there eventually in a deal finalized with the IAA in June. Public and private companies still use the site and may do so until it closes.

MLS commissioner says expansion not imminent, but Indy doing right things
MLS commissioner Don Garber says expansion not imminent, but Indy doing right things
What happens next?
It’s not known exactly when the heliport will close. IU Health’s LifeLine emergency medical transportation will continue to operate at the heliport through 2025 before it moves to the Indianapolis Regional Airport at the corner of West Airport Boulevard and North Aviation Way in Buck Creek Township, some 18 miles east of downtown.
Other outstanding heliport infrastructure, such as hangars or fueling stations, will move to the Indianapolis International Airport or another airport in the area, according to the FAA letter. State officials have expressed concerns over the future of electric helicopters, or EVTOL, if the site closes. According to the agreement, the IAA will build a vertiport site at Indianapolis International Airport to support EVTOL use around Indianapolis.
The IAA signed a memorandum of understanding in 2021 giving the city exclusive rights to purchase and redevelop the site. Under the FAA agreement, the IAA must provide two appraisals and an independent review appraisal within six months of the closing date to determine a fair market value. After that, the airport must publicly sell the land at that value and reinvest the money into the Indianapolis Regional Airport. The Indianapolis Airport Authority also operates the Eagle Creek Airpark, Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport and Hendricks County Airport.
As for a potential soccer stadium, the State Budget Committee is expected to vote on a proposal to create a special taxing district at the site in the coming months. The city has said an MLS ownership group would be announced before such a vote takes place.
The city has been quietly inquiring about multiple buildings within the tax district. On Wednesday, the city will consider buying a surface parking lot in the stadium taxing district.
Alysa Guffey covers growth and development for IndyStar. Have a business story or tip? Contact her at amguffey@gannett.com.

Indianapolis, IN
Local talent to shine as WNBA All-Star Weekend showcases dance to entertain fans

INDIANAPOLIS — Downtown Indianapolis will transform into a vibrant stage this weekend, as the WNBA All-Star Weekend arrives with not just basketball, but the celebration of art and dance.
Local dancers of all styles are uniting for a series of dynamic activations, showcasing their talent and creativity.
Among the talented dancers featured is Ashley Lain, a tap dancer from Indianapolis. For Lain, this opportunity is not just about performing; it’s a significant milestone in her career.
“This is like a resume line: I danced at WNBA All-Star Weekend as part of the entertainment for all the fans,” said Lain.
WRTV
She expressed her enthusiasm for performing in a city where opportunities for tap dancers can be limited. “As a tap dancer, there’s not a lot of work for us, especially maybe in a city that doesn’t have a big tap hub. So it is like an honor to be able to present myself as a tap dancer to the city.”
Dancer Cuong Tran shares a similar passion and vision for the weekend. He hopes that the WNBA All-Star festivities will inspire dancers across Central Indiana and broaden their horizons.
“I think a lot of people think they need to move out to like LA or somewhere in California or New York to make dance a living. I think being part of this event is going to show folks that you don’t got to move anywhere. You know, we can do it here in Indiana, in Indianapolis,” Tran stated.

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Tran will play an active role this weekend by teaching a pop-up dance class on Monument Circle following Saturday’s All-Star Bounce event. He will also showcase his skills as an emcee for an all-women dance battle, an event he is eagerly anticipating. “It’s going to be crazy… We have so much talent in Indiana,” Tran said.
Both Tran and Lain were selected from over 100 dancers who responded to a call for talent issued by the Indy Dance Council, an organization dedicated to celebrating and uplifting the dance community in Indianapolis.
“For us, dance is part of life. Dance is part of culture. Everybody dances a little bit, shaking it in your kitchen absolutely counts. That is how we celebrate, that’s how we express, that’s how we mourn. It’s dance,” Mariel Greenlee, the artistic director of the Indy Dance Council, explained.

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Sarah Farnsley, managing director of the Indy Dance Council, added that the organization is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the WNBA.
“Our organization’s only about three years old, and before us, there wasn’t really so much of a way to gather all the groups together,” she expressed, highlighting the growth of the local dance community.
The partnership with the WNBA was a natural fit, given that approximately 72% of the dance community is female.
“There’s a massive female-led presence in both of those communities. So I think a ton of crossover is natural, but it’s also a way to really showcase a lot of the incredible talent that we have in the city, in the dance space.”

WRTV
Greenlee hopes that fans will come out to support the dancers this weekend. Dance performances will be showcased on the south end of Monument Circle, near the Conrad Hotel and at the Indiana Convention Center.
The entire community is invited to join in the festivities for Indy’s hottest dance jam, which kicks off on Friday night on Monument Circle. The event opens with pop-up performances by Dance Kaleidoscope and the Indy Project before dozens of local dancers ignite the dance floor from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
As Indianapolis rolls out the red carpet for All-Star festivities, the city’s dancers are ready to showcase their passion, creativity, and talent, making this All-Star Weekend a celebration of both basketball and the vibrant rhythm of dance.
Indianapolis, IN
What to know about WNBA All-Star Game’s Indianapolis events, tickets and TV schedule
Retired WNBA star unveils WNBA All-Star court in Indianapolis International Airport
Watch Tamika Catchings unveil WNBA All-Star court Thursday, June 26, 2025, inside the Indianapolis International Airport.
WNBA’s 2025 All-Star Weekend will put women’s basketball front and center in downtown Indianapolis with a variety of events. While other events will run alongside the league’s planned festivities, here’s what to know about the main basketball and entertainment events planned July 18-19.
WNBA Live presented by Panini schedule
This two-day interactive fan experience will include appearances by current and former WNBA players, exclusive merchandise, basketball clinics and games, and league and sponsor experiences for fans gathered in downtown Indianapolis. The ticketed event will precede each night’s activities at nearby Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Where: Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19
Tickets: Daily adult admission is $28.40 plus applicable taxes at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets for children age 12 and younger are free and must be reserved while purchasing adult tickets.
WNBA STARRY 3-Point Contest, Kia WNBA Skills Challenge time and TV schedule
Friday’s main event includes the league’s annual 3-point contest and skills challenge that pits top players against each other in a variety of basketball skills-based competitions.
Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Indianapolis
When: 8 p.m. ET Friday, July 18 (broadcast on ESPN)
Tickets: Verified resale tickets are listed for a wide range of prices at Ticketmaster.com.
FeverFest time and schedule
This outdoor music and comedy event in downtown Indianapolis is headlined by musician The Kid LAROI, with featured performances by Cedric the Entertainer, Leslie Jones, Aida Rodriguez, G-Eazy, BIA and more.
Where: Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, July 19
Tickets: Tickets are available at a wide range of prices at Ticketmaster.com.
Re-live Caitlin Clark’s rookie season with our commemorative book
2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game time and TV schedule
The WNBA’s annual showcase game pits teams captained by Indiana Fever phenom Caitlin Clark and Minnesota Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier.
Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Indianapolis
When: 8:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, July 19 (broadcast on ABC)
Tickets: Verified resale tickets are listed for a wide range of prices, starting at about $140 plus taxes, at Ticketmaster.com.
Stream the WNBA All-Star Game on ESPN+
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Indianapolis, IN
Former Tar Heel: Josh Downs, Year Three In Indianapolis

Downs played three seasons in Chapel Hill under former head coach Mack Brown, and he was on the receiving end for arguably two of the best signal callers in program history in Sam Howell and Drake Maye. Despite not having much team success did not happen during his time at UNC, that does not take away from his accolades and his highlight reel performances.
Imagine if head coach Bill Belichick had someone Downs on his roster right now? That would be an interesting player-coach combination.
GoHeels wrote about Downs’ stats, outings, and accolades, check them out below:
“Started all 11 games he appeared in • PFF first-team All-America • Tabbed second-team All-America by AP, FWAA and Phil Steele • First-team All-ACC • Biletnikoff Award Semifinalist • ACC Receiver of the Week (11/7, 11/14) • Led the ACC in receptions (94), yards receiving (1029), receptions per game (8.5) and yards receiving per game (93.5) • Ranked second in the FBS in receptions per game, seventh in touchdown receptions and 11th in in receiving yards per game
• Third player at UNC with over 90 catches in a season • His 11 touchdown grabs were the second-most in the ACC and fourth-most in UNC history • Finished the season with over 1,000 yards receiving for the second consecutive season (1,029) • Had a team-high nine receptions for 78 yards and two receiving TDs in the season opener against FAMU • Returned from a two-game absence and scored twice and had five catches for 32 yards against Notre Dame
• Had 120 receiving yards on eight receptions against Virginia Tech • Had a team-high six receptions for 69 yards and a TD at Miami • Came up with nine catches for 126 yards at Duke • Equaled his career high with 11 catches for 102 receiving yards and scored two touchdowns against Pitt • Also returned a punt for 23 yards against the Panthers
• Had a career-high 15 receptions for 166 yards and a touchdown at Virginia • Had 11 receptions for 154 yards and three touchdowns at Wake Forest • Had three catches for 31 yards against Georgia Tech • Had six catches for 51 yards against NC State • Caught 11 passes for 100 yards in the ACC Championship game against Clemson.”
For a description of Downs’ career overall, here’s an excerpt also found on GoHeels:
“Finished his career with 2,483 yard receiving, the fourth-highest total in Carolina lore • Had 22 career touchdown receptions, second-most in school history • One of three players in UNC history with over 200 career receptions, finishing third on the school’s all-time list with 202 • One of two players in Carolina history with two 1,000-yard receiving seasons.”
As Downs enters his third season in Indianapolis under head coach Shane Steichen, he will be preparing to add more touchdowns, currently sitting with seven through two seasons. But as he showed in Chapel Hill, he’s capable of doing just that, and then some.
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