Bob Bedell, president of the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association, says that an expanded convention center should help bring more major events and gatherings to Indianapolis. "This expansion affords our largest customers growth opportunities and gives Indianapolis the ability to host larger conventions and two major conventions simultaneously," Bedell says in a statement. "This moves Indianapolis into the 'big leagues,' making us competitive with the largest convention cities and giving us an advantage over most American cities."

Slated for completion in 2010, the convention center expansion project – along with the new Lucas Oil Stadium – will grow the amount of exhibition, meeting room, ballroom and pre-function space operated by the Capital Improvement Board from about 725,000 square feet to more than 1.2 million square feet. Plans also call for adding an enclosed walkway between the convention center and the stadium.

Ratio Architects, the lead architect for the project, is being assisted by BSA LifeStructures, Blackburn Architects and Domain Architects. Shiel Sexton Co. Inc. is the construction manager, in association with Powers & Sons Construction Co. Inc. the Indiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority is directing the expansion of the 34-year-old convention center.