(Director of Track and Field Jay Arther introduces the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion indoor facility)
Photo Gallery of the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion
Indianapolis, IN -- A vision that has been in place dating back five years, track and field competition will soon become a reality as meets are scheduled to commence at the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion located within the Indiana State Fairgrounds in January.
The MileSplit team enjoyed a guided tour of the grounds last week courtesy of the facility's Track and Field Director Jay Arther.
A 200-meter banked track with spacious areas designed for all field event disciplines, the Fall Creek Pavilion will provide a state-of-the-art experience for athletes, coaches, meet officials and fans.
The venue exhibits a vast landscape that will enable efficient foot traffic in the concourse level with dedicated areas being designed for concession sales, media member work zones and athlete warm-ups.
As the Fairgrounds regularly host large-scale events, ample parking will be available for attendees. A preliminary estimate is up to 4,000 for spectator seating.
A cooperative planning effort between administrators from the Indiana State Fairgrounds along with the Indiana Sports Corporation and through taking into account perspectives shared by entities such as the USATF, the NCAA and the NAIA, among others, it was identified that a venue of this nature was a need in the Indianapolis market and one which could be utilized to uplift the sport of track and field not only throughout the Hoosier state, but also nation-wide.
"We are hopeful that this facility will host athletes at all levels of competition at all age groups. Our goal is for it to become a destination for the sport's largest events and best athletes. If we are successful, we will elevate the sport and nurture future champions," said Ray Allison, who is the Chief Strategy & Development Officer for the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
On the competition docket in the early stages of 2024 are meets hosted for Butler University, Marian University, IUPUI, as well as collegiate conference championships and the Hoosier State Relays High School Championships.
Looking ahead, the facility has been awarded the 2025 NCAA Division II National Championships. Additionally, in conjunction with the Indiana Sports Corporation, there are plans to bid on other NCAA championships during the next bid cycle.
"We have also partnered with USATF to bring events of all levels of competition (youth, elite and masters) to the facility plus we are working to secure major NCAA conference championships," said Allison.
For additional information, watch our interview with Track and Field Director Jay Arther and view a selection of photos taken throughout the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion complex.
