Indianapolis, IN
National Catholic group, Brickyard 400 making hotel rooms scarce in Indianapolis this weekend – Indianapolis Business Journal
Downtown Indianapolis hotels are virtually sold out for this weekend, with tens of thousands of Catholics and racing fans set to flock to the city for separate events.
The National Eucharistic Congress—the first U.S.-wide gathering of Catholics in more than 80 years—is expected to draw as many as 60,000 visitors to the Indiana Convention Center from Wednesday through Sunday, while NASCAR’s Brickyard 400 and related events could draw another estimated 60,000 people to Indianapolis Motor Speedway from Friday through Sunday.
According to tourism agency Visit Indy, about 80% of downtown’s nearly 8,400 hotel rooms will be occupied by the Catholic gathering on Friday and Saturday, the event’s peak nights, with thousands of other rooms being used for the stock car race, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
“With 60,000 attendees visiting for the National Eucharistic Congress and another 60,000 for the 30th anniversary of the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, this weekend is another example of Indy’s ability to host a wide array of events simultaneously,” Clare Clark, senior communications manager for Visit Indy, said in a written statement. “As Indy prepares for this influx of visitors, hotels are showing strong demand and compression throughout downtown and central Indiana with limited availability remaining.”
The National Eucharistic Congress, which is meant to help Catholics develop a deeper connection to their faith, will use about 27,000 room nights over five days. The organization has contracted with 88 hotels throughout central Indiana for the event.
Tim Glemkowski, CEO of National Eucharistic Congress Inc., said the event was “bumping up against capacity issues” even before the date for the Brickyard race was announced last year. Some attendees are staying at hotels as far as an hour from downtown Indianapolis—a typical occurrence with major events that book Indianapolis, including the National FFA Organization, National Rifle Association and Gen Con.
Thousands of attendees are also expected to stay at area rental homes through companies like Vrbo and Airbnb, as well as local churches or in university dormitories including Butler University, the University of Indianapolis, Marian University and Indiana University Indianapolis, according to Visit Indy and NEC officials. Several local retreat centers and recreational vehicle areas are expected to be used for the five-day event, too.
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Indianapolis Archbishop Charles Thompson presided over a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)
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Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)
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Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)
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Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)
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Indianapolis Archbishop Charles Thompson presided over a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)
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Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)
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Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)
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Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)
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Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)
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Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)
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Indianapolis Archbishop Charles Thompson presided over a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)
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Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)
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Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)
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Catholics hug during the National Eucharistic Congress welcome service at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)
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Indianapolis Archbishop Charles Thompson presided over a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)
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Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)
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Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)
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Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)
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Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)
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Hundreds attended a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)
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Indianapolis Archbishop Charles Thompson presided over a welcome service for the National Eucharistic Congress at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)
The last National Eucharistic Congress took place in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1941, less than six months before the U.S. became involved in World War II. The last major international Catholic gathering was held in 1976 in Philadelphia, drawing 1.5 million people over a single week.
Despite lodging restrictions, Glemkowski has said Indianapolis is an ideal spot for the national gathering because of its proximity to a large portion of the U.S. population. The church, he said, is focused on adding to its membership through specific outreach programs, rather than relying solely on individuals predisposed to joining or remaining in the church through cultural traditions or upbringing.
That’s why the church opted against hosting the event in a Catholic hotbed such as Boston, Chicago or Philadelphia, he said.
He said while the event is competing for hotel rooms with the race, Indianapolis Motor Speedway is offering a discounted ticket to Congress participants. There will also be a dedicated seating section for attendees, NEC officials said.
“Even in these competing moments we’ve still found that Hoosier hospitality to be present,” he said.
On Tuesday, four groups of pilgrims arrived in Indianapolis after separate two-month journeys from different parts of the United States. The groups, which traversed the country largely on foot, hail from San Francisco; Lake Itasca, Minnesota; New Haven, Connecticut; and Brownsville, Texas.
Those journeys drew more than a quarter-million people along their respective routes to offer encouragement and prayer, the organization said. The groups were welcomed to Indianapolis with a church service at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 126 W. Georgia St.
The service, known as a liturgy, was led by Archbishop Charles Thompson, who oversees the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, and included the participation of a representative of Pope Francis.
Indianapolis, IN
That trail you walk downtown? It’s generated $3 billion for Indianapolis, study finds
See the 10th Street Cultural Trail Expansion ribbon cutting ceremon
Highlights: Indiana Ave. and 10th Street Cultural Trail Expansion ribbon cutting on Indiana Ave. on Thursday, June 20, 2024, in Indianapolis.
Since its creation, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail in the heart of Circle City has drawn millions of residents and visitors to its distinctive paved path. But according to a new report, the trail isn’t just beneficial for those looking to get out on an urban stroll or bike ride — it’s a driver for the city’s economy and quality of life.
The report, “Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick at 20: Connecting People, Places, and Possibility,” was based on analysis by James Lima Planning + Development, a group of real estate, planning and economic development advisors. Here’s what to know about the report.
How has the Cultural Trail affected the city’s growth, development?
According to the report from 2026, the 10-mile trail has generated $3 billion in assessed property value around its path — money that supports the city and its governmental services.
The population along the trail has grown five times the city average and retail space near the trail has increased 39%, the report shows. Nearby food and beverage sales are almost twice the average per square foot in Indianapolis.
Additionally, the report shows, undeveloped land along the trail has the potential to add $1.4 billion of value in the near future. Since an initial study in 2015, the trail’s economic impact has grown from $1 billion to $3 billion.
“For nearly 20 years, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail has helped transform Downtown Indianapolis into a more vibrant, connected and economically competitive city,” Mayor Joe Hogsett said in a June 3 news release. “It is more than a trail. It is a nationally recognized public asset that drives investment, supports local businesses, connects neighborhoods and improves quality of life for the people who live, work, play and stay in our city.”
According to the report, over 1 million people use the trail each year, and almost half of downtown Indianapolis residents live within a three-minute walk of the path.
What other features does the Cultural Trail offer?
Users of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail aren’t limited to walking — the Pacers Bikeshare program, operated by the trail, has 57 bike stations throughout the city that are accessible 24/7.
The trail also features nearly six acres of plants and greenspace, offering locals and visitors an urban getaway. City planners from across the world have visited the trail to study its design, according to the report.
What is the future of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail?
Focus on the Indianapolis Cultural Trail has shifted from construction and maintenance to long-term operations and expanded resources for the public.
Kären Haley, executive director of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Inc. — the trail’s nonprofit — said it has grown into the “crown jewel” of the city with the growth and development it has created over two decades.
“The Cultural Trail is driving billions in investment and making surrounding neighborhoods thriving destinations,” she said in a June 3 news release. “As we enter the next phase for the Trail, we look forward to building upon our initial 20 years of impact.”
Mia Thurow is the breaking news and criminal justice reporting intern for the Indianapolis Star. She can be reached at mthurow@gannett.com.
ICYMI: Top 5 IndyStar business stories in May 2026
A busy month at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway reignited debates about hotels and the downtown heliport. Plus, Eli Lilly celebrated 150 years.
May came and went, and with it, we saw the closest Indianapolis 500 finish in history, the 150th anniversary of Eli Lilly and a contested primary election day.
There’s also been some movement in retail news ahead of the summer shopping season. On the north side, a new women’s clothing store opened while a piercing studio set up shop in Speedway. Meanwhile, an indoor children’s play place opened on the near north side.
Read on for four spots that recently opened and one in Broad Ripple that said farewell.
Openings
Monkee’s
8659 River Crossing Blvd., monkeesofindianapolis.com, opened in March
Monkee’s of Indianapolis, a high-end women’s clothing store, opened recently on the north side in the Shops at River Crossing near the Fashion Mall. The brand Monkee’s started in the South three decades ago and has since grown to nearly 70 locations. In Indianapolis, Missy Llewellyn and Whitney Schmitt started the franchise to bring the clothing brand to the Circle City.
The Nest Play Cafe
515 E 22nd St Suite 101, indynestplaycafe.com, opened early May
The Nest Play Cafe opened at the corner of Central Avenue and 22nd Street, offering an indoor space for parents and caregivers to bring their children to play. Caregivers can book 90-minute play sessions for $15 per child over the age of one. Tickets for additional siblings run $10. The cafe sells coffee and snacks, too.
Open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to noon. Closed Tuesdays.
Forget Me Not Piercing Studio
5324 W. 16th St., jessflowerspiercings.square.site, opened May 27
A new piercing studio opened in Speedway at the end of May just days after the Indianapolis 500. Forget Me Not Piercing offers traditional lobe, helix and conch piercings along with nostril and septum piercings. Artist Jess Flowers opened the one-woman shop on 16th Street.
Open Sunday and Thursday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Black Orchid Barbers Fountain Square
1201 Prospect St. Suite 100, blackorchidbarbers.com, opened in May
Black Orchid, a local barbershop known for its sharp haircuts with a side of humor, opened its Fountain Square spot, marking the company’s seventh brick-and-mortar location. Walk-ins are welcome but Black Orchid recommends grabbing a time slot online for your preferred service.
Open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Closures
Vitality IV Bar
6302 Guilford Ave., vitalityivbar.com
An IV-wellness spot in Broad Ripple shut its doors last month. Vitality IV Bar was located next to the Thieves cocktail lounge, formerly the Broad Ripple Starbucks location, before it went out of business.
Vitality IV still operates an Indianapolis-area location on Mass Ave downtown at 749 Massachusetts Ave where customers can book a variety of infusions with vitamins.
See a store opening or closing near you? Contact IndyStar reporter Alysa Guffey at alysa.guffey@indystar.com.
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