Big Ten Championship Continues to Score in Indy
This year's game will be the fifth edition of the Big Ten Championship.
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe co-chair of the local organizing committee of this year’s Big Ten Football Championship in Indianapolis says the sold out contest between Michigan State and Iowa is about more than football. Steve Sanner says last year’s game had an economic impact of $16.5 million. The Big Ten is locked in to play at Lucas Oil Stadium through 2021, which he says officials are working to extend. During an interview with Inside INdiana Business, Sanner called the city a "perfect site."
He says its accessibility for conference schools and the way the community embraces the events surrounding the Saturday night game make it a "great destination." Some events have national appeal with a local flavor, including a St. Elmo shrimp cocktail eating contest featuring internationally-known Joey Chestnut among other competitors.
The game itself will be nationally-televised on Fox and pre-game festivities will get the ESPN Gameday treatment, which offer the city international exposure.
Community-focused events are also a part of every Big Ten Championship. Free festivities for fans taking place all weekend downtown, particularly on Georgia Street, include concerts, rallies and other activities on Georgia Street. Local restaurants are also adorned with Big Ten football themes. Volunteer efforts connected to the game include Friday’s Allstate Big Ten Good Works Day, where Hoosiers and conference-related officials will join Indy Parks and Recreation to refurbish the family center at Christian Park on the city’s southeast side.
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