Could Eleven Park bring MLS to Indy?
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe founder of Indianapolis-based Keystone Group says he hopes the planned $1 billion Eleven Park mixed-use development will be a catalyst for job creation and create a boost for downtown Indy.
The developer has unveiled new details about the project, which will include a 20,000-seat soccer stadium for the Indy Eleven soccer team, as well as 4,000-seat entertainment venue, and five 10- to 20-story buildings for apartments, a hotel and office space.
Ersal Ozdemir, who is also majority owner of the Indy Eleven, says the complex could help the city attract a Major League Soccer franchise, though project is about more than just soccer.
“Trying to get a Major League Baseball [team], for example, would be more difficult [today] than it was 30 years ago,” Ozdemir said on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick. “Over the last 10 years, a lot of cities have moved forward and were able to deliver the stadiums that got them an MLS [franchise].”
But Ozdemir said the developer is focusing on building out Eleven Park, whether an MLS franchise comes to Indy or not.
“With or without MLS, we have an excellent league that we’re growing; we’ve added a women’s team recently on top of it,” he said. “So we’re focusing on a great, transformational riverfront development that is going to have a large impact to the city. If MLS works out in the long term, we’ll be open to it.”
Eleven Park is slated to be built on the former Diamond Chain Co. property in downtown Indy, with demolition and remediation work slated to begin in May and take until at least November to complete.
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Ozdemir said the location is prime for the project, located near Lucas Oil Stadium, Victory Field, and White River State Park. Having the complex along the White River is key for the project.
“With what we’re doing, putting the stadium on the river, creating a plaza, creating green space, a dog park, kids’ playground, we’re going to have so much actual public space that creates a little village for the area that hopes to complement what’s there. We really, truly believe that it’s going to continue to help the area to grow in the years to come.”
Across the river is the future home of Elanco Animal Health Inc. (NYSE: ELAN), which is building its $100 million global headquarters at the former GM Stamping Plant.
Ozdemir said he believes both projects will complement each other well and help drive further growth.
“We feel like we’re going to help Elanco to get connected downtown. Hopefully, that will create more economic development on that side. We’re hoping to create a lot of jobs and a lot of private investment.”
Ozdemir expects the stadium to be done in time for the Indy Eleven’s 2025 season.