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What Did Super Bowl 46 Mean to Indianapolis?

∞ posted 2 weeks ago in SB46 Super Bowl 46 Indy Super Indy contains 1 note

by Randy Clark

I believe that’s a difficult question, as SB46 meant a lot on many levels. There’s the obvious statistical data, such as:

• $150 Million — A conservative estimated economic impact
• $154 Million — Invested revitalization in Indy neighborhoods
• 2876 Trees — Planted in Indianapolis
• 150,000 Visitors — In Indy for SB46
• 100 Million Viewers — Will watch SB46

But, what does it all mean? Not only does this positively affect Indy’s economy, there are continued benefits. Indianapolis and SB46 was the first to institute a legacy program investing in 21 Indianapolis neighborhoods, planting trees, improving roads, and much more.

I chatted with dozens of visitors in the super bowl village. Journalists, sports insiders, and fans from around the world came to Indy, and the vast majority touted our fine city and its preparation. Many of these visitors will be back, and some will champion Indy for consideration in future sporting events.

100 million — a conservative estimate — will watch SB46, which was a travelogue for Indy. You can’t buy that kind of positive exposure — it has to been earned. The impact of conventions, events, and shows will be substantial.

And if you live in Indy, as I do, there’s more. I’m proud. I’m proud of our past and present civic leaders and their vision. I’m proud of the Super Bowl committee – there planning, organization, and implementation. I’m proud of our Colts organization and I’m proud of our people. I’m proud to call myself a Hoosier.

I believe, as individuals or as a society, we fulfill prophecies by how we see ourselves. If we focus too much on the negative, our destiny may reflect that. But when a community like Indianapolis comes together, as we did for SB46, the positive energy paves the way to a positive future for our city. What did SB46 mean to Indy? It meant a lot — maybe more than can be presently realized.

Indy’s Best Websites For SB46 Updates

∞ posted 3 weeks ago in SB46 Super Bowl 46 Indy

by Randy Clark

Are you visiting Indianapolis for SB46, and want to know what to do, where to go, and how to do it? We’ve listed a few Indy websites with social media presence where you can find the most up-to-date, reliable information. Whether you want to download a mobile app, follow on Twitter, friend on Facebook, or be notified via RSS, check out these websites for the best info around:

Visit Indy — The official Indianapolis tourism site with everything Super Bowl. This site shares the most current information available on where to eat, park, sleep, and what to do. Visit Indy offers a free mobile app, city guide, coupons, and more.
Twitter — @visitIndy
Facebook — facebook.com/visitindy

Visit Indiana — Indiana’s official travel planning source with valuable information, such as the best driving routes downtown, and transportation from Indianapolis International Airport with, “Know before you go.” The Visit Indiana blog, Indiana Insider, lists events and activities while sharing editorials, surveys, and reviews.
Twitter — @VisitIndiana
Facebook — facebook.com/VisitIndiana

Naptown Buzz — Covers all things Indy including everything SB46. Brian Groce, @briangroce who manages the site, also shares community news, podcasts, and the occasional editorial. Brian’s experience covering large events, such as the Indy 500, are invaluable.
Twitter — @naptownbuzz
Facebook — facebook.com/naptownbuzz

All Around Indy — The site does an excellent job of organizing and sharing SB46 events, while listing times, places, and more. Bob Burchfield stays on top of it all. It seems as if he is everywhere.
Twitter — @aroundIndy
Facebook

Indianapolis Star Newspaper — With some of the most pro-active editorialist in the nation like, Matthew Tully (@matthewltully). Erica Smith (@ericasmith), and sports writers like Bob Kravitz (@bkravitz), The Star is a great source for the latest news and thoughts in Indianapolis.
Twitter — @indystar
Facebook — facebook.com/indianapolis.star

West Coast Tacos and TKO Bite Back

∞ posted 1 year ago in Homeless Homelessness Indy Indianapolis Indiana Charity Donations Donate Salvation Army West Coast Tacos

by Randy Clark

photo courtesy of Salvation Army

Last Sunday evening, my wife and I visited the Salvation Army shelter for women and children at 540 N Alabama St., Indianapolis, Indiana. West Coast Tacos chose the shelter to help “Bite Back” with the Salvation Army’s “Homelessness Bites campaign (www.homelessnessbites.org).”  TKO employees had generously donated $300, (thank you, everyone!) which translated into 500 tacos for WCT to donate. We came along to help in anyway we might.

If you get online, you’ll find The Salvation Army is “…one of the largest social care providers in the World.” The Salvation Army is in 115 countries, and has 15,175 facilities — such as 647 residences for the homeless with a capacity of 34,945 (source). This is only a small part of over 50 programs helping millions. But all the statistics pales in comparison to actually being there, privileged to take trays of food to people waiting outside in the rain, chatting with children about how “hot” the red sauce is, hearing laughter, and watching the children play.

I want to challenge other organizations to help. Through 2009 and 2010, charitable contributions have been at modern-era lows. It’s time to help. As I mentioned to Kristen and Deborah of the Salvation Army, John from WCT, and Nancy from TKO, ­the Reverend Mozel Sanders Foundation began in 1959 with a few dinners, and now, with the leadership of his son, Reverend Roosevelt Sanders, they feed over 25,000 on Thanksgiving and distribute over 30,000 pounds of food, hygiene, and cleaning products every month. How far could this Bite Back event grow?

Over the last two weeks, we’ve collected donations and spread the word on Facebook and Twitter. Last month, my band and three other bands, performed at the annual Angels of Hope charitable event. All of this has been rewarding, but being there Sunday brought it to life! This is real. This is why we do this. You could see it on the faces of the West Coast Tacos team of volunteers. They get it. As we were leaving, I looked at my wife and said, “We’re very fortunate aren’t we?”

If you would like advice or assistance on this subject, do not hesitate to contact me: rclark@tkographix.com or 317-271-1398.

Let’s Bite Back —
Randy