Arsenal Tech getting NFL Legacy Project
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Kevin Rader/Eyewitness News
Marion County - Indianapolis will host Super Bowl XLVI in about 22 months. But this week, two neighborhoods in Indianapolis are seeing the multi-million dollar benefit.
In order to land a Super Bowl, Indianapolis first needed to map out a super proposal and a big part of that was the NFL's Legacy Project to help revive the near east side. That includes construction of a Youth Education Town on the Arsenal Tech campus.
"It's not being paid for by the Super Bowl Host Committee budget like the other legacy project. We are trying to raise additional money from other sources and funds, in this case private philanthropy and other sources, not taxpayers to make this happen," said Mark Miles.
It's a little bit of a curve ball for the baseball team, which is giving up a field to make way for the Youth Education Town. The 27,000-square-foot facility, initially planned to include a temporary dome for an NFL team to practice in, will now be constructed without it.
"I've already received four emails today saying this is better. Isn't this better? And I said, yes, this is better. We've got a community center that fits the neighborhood so we are really excited," said Patrick Debach, neighbor.
That will mean YMCA, Girls Inc., Indianapolis Arts Center and many other programs on the near east side. Since the NFL has decided to allow teams to stay in downtown hotels, that cleared the way for the Super Bowl Committee to partner with the University of Indianapolis which was already planning to build a domed facility.
"By enlarging the dome just a little we will meet the full needs of the NFL," said Dr. Beverly Pitts, University of Indianapolis president.
"We wanted the football field turf and we are getting that. A great facility for the school and community. We are getting the parking redone. We are getting a whole new attitude about Tech we can't even pay for," said Dr. Eugene White, IPS superintendent.
The Super Bowl Host Committee will be covering the cost of the dome expansion project at the University of Indianapolis. The school is expecting to break ground for the facility next month.
