The downtown of Indianapolis, Indiana, is undergoing a makeover. New restaurants, new hotels, a new library, an expanding convention center and a state-of-the-art sports facility have helped change the face of the city's skyline.
Lucas Oil Stadium, a 63,000-seat multipurpose facility, features a retractable roof and walls that open to showcase the skyline. Built primarily as the home of the 2007 Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts, the stadium was selected as the site of the 2012 Super Bowl. It also will be used for regional play during the men's and women's NCAA Tournament occasionally hosting the Final Four.
Indianapolis, also known for its auto-racing heritage, is home to the world-famous Indianapolis 500, NASCAR's Brickyard 400 and the National Drags. Formula One is negotiating to bring the U.S. Grand Prix back to the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Visitors also can take in games of the NBA's Indiana Pacers or the NFL's Indianapolis Colts.
Cultural tourism hasn't taken a backseat, however. With expanding museums and officially designated cultural districts chock-full of galleries, shops, restaurants and public sculpture, the city's focus remains on the arts and tourism. Indianapolis visitors also can enjoy the famous Indianapolis Zoo.
