Great Lakes & Upper South in the News: "Is Hosting The Super Bowl Worth It?" from NPR

"This is what it's like to host the Super Bowl: For one weekend, your city is the focus of the sporting universe. Fans flock in droves. They eat at your restaurants and sleep in your hotels. They buy the "I ♥ [your city]" t-shirts.


The NFL estimates that hosting the country's premier sporting event will give the local economy a $300-500 million jolt.


Economist Victor Matheson of the College of Holy Cross doesn't buy it.


In today's podcast, co-hosted from Indianapolis by NPR's Mike Pesca, Matheson presents the case against hosting the Super Bowl.


He argues hosting the Super Bowl pushes out the economic activities that occur on normal, non-Super Bowl hosting weekends. No conventions are held. Museums are closed. Local residents do not come downtown simply because it's too crowded.


What's more, Matheson says, the majority of the money that's being shelled out by out-of-towners does not even stay in the city. It flows to the big, national hotel companies and restaurant chains."


Link:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2012/02/03/146363292/the-friday-podcast-is-hosting-the-super-bowl-worth-it

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Destination: Indianapolis for the Lucas Oil Stadium

Ground Zero for all the festivities.  Built in the southern section of downtown, Lucas Oil Stadium, it cannot be missed.  Tours are normally available Tuesdays and Wednesdays for $7.00.  The on-site Colts Pro Shop is open year-around.  


Lucas Oil Stadium 
http://www.lucasoilstadium.com/
500 South Capitol Avenue  
Indianapolis, IN 46225-1117
(317) 262-8600

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Destination: Indianapolis for the National Art Museum of Sport

Like adding chocolate and peanut butter (g)!  The NAMS's a well curated collection of sport-inspired art will be on special display downtown in Monument Circle.  


National Art Museum of Sport
http://www.namos.iupui.edu/
850 West Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 274-3627

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Destination: Indianapolis for the Indianapolis City Market

This market has a little of everything, well, other than reasonable hours, current and easy to use web site.....Okay, enough of the negatives.  While the landing page gives Wednesday as the only open hours, if you dig enough, you will find that the core city market hours are perfect for a Super Bowl visitor.  Besides a range of vendors selling fruits, vegetables, and bread, the market has its a tap room on the second floor.  Also this week are special tours of the catacombs under Whistler Plaza. 


Indianapolis City Market
www.indycm.com/
222 East Market Street  
Indianapolis, IN 46204-3336
(317) 634-9266

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Destination: Indianapolis for the Indiana State Museum

Located in the Indianapolis' Museum Row, the Indiana State Museum has a little for everyone.  It is though the few state museums that has an entry charge (Adults: $7, Children: $4). Two on-site restaurants offer a nice break from the action.    Just outside is the famous Indianapolis canal walk. 


Special exhibits at the Indiana State Museum-
The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition:
through Feb. 19, 2012
Amazing Maize:
through Jan. 20, 2013
Heartland Art:
through Sept. 15, 2013


The Indiana State Museum
http://www.indianamuseum.org
650 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204

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Destination: Indianapolis for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum

Indianapolis is no stranger to major sporting events.  The city regularly hosts a number of professional and college tournaments and playoffs, and of course, the Indianapolis 500.  The Hall of Fame Museum has plenty to offer a visitor - a large auto collection, medals, videos, and the opportunity to see the massive complex from the infield.  


Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum
http://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/about/35204-Museum/
4790 West 16th Street
Indianapolis, IN
(317) 492-8500

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Destination: Indianapolis for the Super Bowl

Only three GL&US cities have hosted the Super Bowl: Detroit (1982, 2006), Minneapolis (1992), and now, Indianapolis (2012)!  According to Wikipedia 111 million viewers watched the last Super Bowl.  That is a lot of potential visitors to Indianapolis and the rest of the region.  While this week might not be a great week to visit Circle City, it is a great week to learn about the numerous activities this fun city has to offer.

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Special June Spotlight: "Gaga, AGAIN?": For the Weekend 10-12 June

Special June Spotlight: "Gaga, AGAIN?"
For the Weekend 10-12 June


-Lansing, MI: Michigan Pride 2011
http://www.michiganpride.org/


-Pittsburgh, PA: Pride 2011
http://www.pittsburghpride.org/


-Milwaukee, WI: Pridefest 2011
http://www.pridefest.com/


-Indianapolis, IN: Circle City INPRIDE 2011
http://www.indyprideinc.com/
Now how can you beat a parade titled the "7th Annual Cadillac Barbie IN Pride Parade".  Like many large cities Indianapolis does not have a "gayborhood", but the northeast section of downtown will due.  The parade begins at Saint Clair Street and follows Massachusetts Avenue and Michigan Street to the American Legions Mall/Veterans Plaza.  It is a VERY late arriving crowd so do not panic if moments before the parade there is a lot of space along the route.  The party continues at the INPride Festival with God-Des and She, Kaci Battaglia, and the Indianapolis Men's Chorus, all free.  The Westin Indianapolis (located downtown) is a sponsor and is offering special weekend rates.  


Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association:
http://visitindy.com/


Gay Cities-Indianapolis:
http://indianapolis.gaycities.com/

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