History UsefulNotes / Indianapolis

Indianapolis is also a center of amateur athletics, styling itself as the "Amateur Sports Capital of the World" ever since the 1987 Pan American Games. As a result many significant U.S. amateur sports federations (including the National Collegiate Athletic Association and its High School equivalent) are headquartered in Indianapolis. The city retains all of the facilities necessary to hold an Olympics in miniature and the annual 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, AKA "The Mini", is one of the largest foot races in the U.S with over 35,000 participants and is just one of four full and five half marathons run in Indianapolis every year. Even such peripheral sports as marching band and drum & bugle corps were enticed into relocating to Indianapolis, along with their national associations and associated championships. Indy hosts the Circle City Classic college football invitational every year and with the opening of the new football stadium (which is also designed to become a large basketball arena) the city is guaranteed to host the NCAA "Final Four" Basketball Tournament every four years for the foreseeable future.

* ''Series/{{One Day at a Time|1974}}'' was set in Indianapolis.

* ''Series/OneDayAtATime'' was set in Indianapolis.

Also known as the "Circle City"[[note]]the city's center is at Monument Circle, home of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, and the city is encircled by the Interstate 465 beltway[[/note]], the "Crossroads of America"[[note]]from its central location in the US Interstate Highway system[[/note]], Naptown[[note]]A play on "India'''nap'''olis" and the city's reputation for being "sleepy"[[/note]], and simply "Indy"[[note]]Why say six syllables when you can say two?[[/note]], Indianapolis was founded in 1826 to serve as the capital of the newly recognized State of Indiana. Indy was an economic powerhouse by the early 20th century, especially in the automotive industry (one of the factors leading local entrepreneur Carl Fisher to create its famous Speedway), but came under the influence of the Ku Klux Klan during TheRoaringTwenties. Though the Klan effectively took over the whole State of Indiana in the 1924 elections, their power was thoroughly broken by 1931 after their leader was jailed and documents from his files resulted in the resignation of the mayor and most of the city council. Indy spent TheThirties as a center of American Isolationism and the city has done its best to [[OldShame forget about these periods]] ever since.

On a more environmentally friendly note, Indianapolis is the most heavily forested city in the world. When taking a picture of the city from the roof of a downtown building almost everything out the horizon is a sea of green. It's also the largest city that doesn't have a navigable river. The closest thing to a navigable river Indianapolis has is the Broad Ripple canal. That's only 3ft deep and part of it is underground. There's also the White River, but while it's quite pretty and good for things like canoeing and fishing, navigable it ain't.

Urban decay took over in the years after WorldWarTwo as the economy gradually shifted from manufacturing to warehousing, logistics and pharmaceuticals and downtown Indianapolis has only recently lost the last few decrepit, abandoned factories from its early days as an industrial center. Recently the downtown has undergone something of a renaissance as buildings that formerly housed companies like L.S. Ayres and Madame C.J. Walker's headquarters have been converted into stores, lofts, restaurants and clubs. Two whole blocks of mostly derelict buildings were converted into a large shopping mall and arts districts have grown up in the Broad Ripple and Fountain Square neighborhoods and along Massachusetts Avenue downtown. The Indiana Repertory Theatre is one of the best regional theatres in the Midwest[[note]]the current director of the University of Michigan's drama department, Priscilla Lindsay, spent thirty years as an IRT stalwart[[/note]], The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Indianapolis Children's Choir have achieved an international reputation, and the Children's Museum of Indianapolis is generally considered the best in the world. The annual Indiana Black Expo (the first and largest of its kind) draws record crowds, as does [=GenCon=], an enormous gaming convention that annually attracts more than 28,000 participants.

On a more environmentally friendly note, Indianapolis is the most heavily forested city in the world. When taking a picture of the city from the roof of a downtown building almost everything out the horizon is a sea of green. It's also the largest city that doesn't have a navigable river. The closest thing to a navagible river Indianapolis has is the Broad Ripple canal. That's only 3ft deep and part of it is underground. There's also the White River, but while it's quite pretty and good for things like canoeing and fishing, navigable it ain't.

** Likewise, the news reporters covering the Butler Bulldogs' appearance in the 2010 NCAA Final Four were apparently contractually obligated to mention that the Bulldogs' home court was "Hinkle Fieldhouse, where the movie ''Hoosiers'' was filmed", while completely missing the fact that the actual game that the movie was based on was played there as well.

Ah, Indy... the city everyone forgets except for a certain Sunday in May, during which the [[UsefulNotes/IndyCar Indianapolis 500-Mile Race]] (or Indy 500) occurs. This is virtually the ''only'' time it will be mentioned in fiction, despite the fact that it is the third-most populous state capital in the US (behind [[UsefulNotes/{{Arizona}} Phoenix]] and, according to 2015 estimates, [[UsefulNotes/OtherCitiesInTexas Austin]]) and the second largest city in the Midwest behind UsefulNotes/{{Chicago}} (though other cities in the region have bigger metro areas). And the Indianapolis Motor Speedway isn't technically ''in'' Indianapolis, it's in the town of [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speedway,_Indiana Speedway]], a semi-independent (though wholly surrounded) suburb west of downtown[[note]]In fairness, the town of Speedway was incorporated as a semi-planned, Progressivist "horseless"-roaded community by ''the'' eponymous Speedway's main founder, Carl Fisher, only after the latter was built[[/note]].

On a more environmentally friendly note, Indianapolis is the most heavily forested city in the world. When taking a picture of the city from the roof of a downtown building almost everything out the horizon is a sea of green. It's also the largest city that doesn't have a navigable river. The closest thing to a navagible river Indianapolis has is the Broad Ripple canal. That's only 3ft deep and part of it is underground.

On a more environmentally friendly note, Indianapolis is the most heavily forested city in the world. When taking a picture of the city from the roof of a downtown building almost everything out the horizon is a sea of green.

Ah, Indy... the city everyone forgets except for a certain Sunday in May, during which the [[UsefulNotes/IndyCar Indianapolis 500-Mile Race]] (or Indy 500) occurs. This is virtually the ''only'' time it will be mentioned in fiction, despite the fact that it is the third-most populous state capital in the US (behind [[UsefulNotes/{{Arizona}} Phoenix]] and [[UsefulNotes/OtherCitiesInTexas Austin]]) and the second largest city in the Midwest behind UsefulNotes/{{Chicago}} (though other cities in the region have bigger metro areas). And the Indianapolis Motor Speedway isn't technically ''in'' Indianapolis, it's in the town of [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speedway,_Indiana Speedway]], a semi-independent (though wholly surrounded) suburb west of downtown[[note]]In fairness, the town of Speedway was incorporated as a semi-planned, Progressivist "horseless"-roaded community by ''the'' eponymous Speedway's main founder, Carl Fisher, only after the latter was built[[/note]].

Ah, Indy... the city everyone forgets except for a certain Sunday in May, during which the [[UsefulNotes/IndyCar Indianapolis 500-Mile Race]] (or Indy 500) occurs. This is virtually the ''only'' time it will be mentioned in fiction, despite the fact that it is the third-most populous state capital in the US (behind UsefulNotes/{{Phoenix}} and [[UsefulNotes/OtherCitiesInTexas Austin]]) and the second largest city in the Midwest behind UsefulNotes/{{Chicago}} (though other cities in the region have bigger metro areas). And the Indianapolis Motor Speedway isn't technically ''in'' Indianapolis, it's in the town of [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speedway,_Indiana Speedway]], a semi-independent (though wholly surrounded) suburb west of downtown[[note]]In fairness, the town of Speedway was incorporated as a semi-planned, Progressivist "horseless"-roaded community by ''the'' eponymous Speedway's main founder, Carl Fisher, only after the latter was built[[/note]].

Ah, Indy... the city everyone forgets except for a certain Sunday in May, during which the [[UsefulNotes/IndyCar Indianapolis 500-Mile Race]] (or Indy 500) occurs. This is virtually the ''only'' time it will be mentioned in fiction, despite the fact that it is the second-most populous state capital in the US (behind Phoenix) and the second largest city in the Midwest behind UsefulNotes/{{Chicago}} (though other cities in the region have bigger metro areas). And the Indianapolis Motor Speedway isn't technically ''in'' Indianapolis, it's in the town of [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speedway,_Indiana Speedway]], a semi-independent (though wholly surrounded) suburb west of downtown[[note]]In fairness, the town of Speedway was incorporated as a semi-planned, Progressivist "horseless"-roaded community by ''the'' eponymous Speedway's main founder, Carl Fisher, only after the latter was built[[/note]].

In recent years the city has become known in the sports world for something besides auto racing; the Indianapolis Colts have become a well known football team after their win in Super Bowl XLI in 2007, and the city hosted Super Bowl XLVI in 2012 to mostly positive reviews. The city is also home to an NBA franchise, the Indiana Pacers, and the 2012 WNBA champion Indiana Fever, in keeping with the state's rich basketball tradition. Minor league baseball and hockey teams (the Indians and the Ice, respectively) make their homes here as well, with the Indians playing in Victory Field, consistently called "the best minor league ballpark in America" for its nearly major-league park dimensions, incredible facilities, location in the heart of downtown, and gorgeous, picturesque architecture.

Oh, and if anyone from Indy says "Raceday" without qualifiers they are invariably referring to the day before the Memorial Day holiday (which falls on the last Monday in May) and the Indianapolis 500. Indianapolis Motor Speedway (AKA "The Brickyard") may hold other races, but there is only one '''Raceday''', thanks in part to the annual influx of nearly half a million spectators and the resulting partying, in part because it's the culmination of a month-long festival that kicks off with the aforementioned mini marathon and in part because the race has more than a century of history. Think of it as a Hoosier Mardi Gras -- with automotive fuel. ''Lots'' of automotive fuel. Though automobile manufacturing has gradually vanished from Indy since the days of Stutz and Duesenburg, auto racing is still a vital part of the local economy, and Indy's famous "Gasoline Alley" is still a name to contend with even though these days the cars -- as well as many of the fans -- run on alcohol.

* The final game in the movie ''Film/{{Hoosiers}}'' takes place at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, which is TruthInTelevision since all 1950's era Indiana State basketball finals were played in Hinkle, including the one on which the story is based.
** Likewise, the news reporters covering the Butler Bulldogs' appearance in the 2010 NCAA final four were apparently contractually obligated to mention that the Bulldogs' home court was "Hinkle Fieldhouse, where the movie ''Hoosiers'' was filmed", while completely missing the fact that the actual game that the movie was based on was played there as well.

* Famous author and Indianapolis native KurtVonnegut was equally famous for dissing his hometown early in his career, dismissing Indianapolis as "The city that woke up only one day a year." However, sufficient time and distance eventually reconciled him with his roots.

* Radio's ''TheBobAndTomShow'' is aired from here.

* The Mark Knopfler song ''Speedway at Nazareth'' (which summarizes a driver's entire racing season) contains an entire verse on the Indianapolis 500, including the line "The Brickyard's there to crucify anyone who does not learn." No other race gets more than two lines.

* Parts of the 1980s action movie ''Twice Under'' were filmed in downtown Indianapolis, in an tunnel system encasing a stream called Pogue's Run.

Oh, and if anyone from Indy says "Raceday" without qualifiers they are invariably referring to the last Sunday in May and the Indianapolis 500. Indianapolis Motor Speedway (AKA "The Brickyard") may hold other races, but there is only one '''Raceday''', thanks in part to the annual influx of nearly half a million spectators and the resulting partying, in part because it's the culmination of a month-long festival that kicks off with the aforementioned mini marathon and in part because the race has more than a century of history. Think of it as a Hoosier Mardi Gras -- with automotive fuel. ''Lots'' of automotive fuel. Though automobile manufacturing has gradually vanished from Indy since the days of Stutz and Duesenburg, auto racing is still a vital part of the local economy, and Indy's famous "Gasoline Alley" is still a name to contend with even though these days the cars -- as well as many of the fans -- run on alcohol.

The only automobile race that can compare to spectacle of the Indianapolis 500 is the Monaco Grand Prix, which usually takes place on the same day. Due to time zone differences, it's possible to watch one and attend the other.

* The Bartlet campaign spent one episode of ''Series/TheWestWing'' in Indianapolis... ironically, the late date of the Indiana primaries means that in real life hardly anyone ever bothers to campaign in Indianapolis.

* The NBC comedy series ''MenBehavingBadly'' (not the original British version, obviously) is set here.

* The webcomic ''EverydayHeroes'' is explicitly set in Indianapolis. Mr. Mighty works for a Triple-A level minor league superhero team ("one step away from the major leagues"), a ShoutOut to the Indianapolis Indians baseball team.
* An episode of ''TheFlintstones'' sees Fred and Barney drive to its prehistoric counterpart, "Indianrockolis", to enter its auto race; Indianrockolis was shown as being several hours' drive from Bedrock.
* The Bartlet campaign spent one episode of ''TheWestWing'' in Indianapolis... ironically, the late date of the Indiana primaries means that in real life hardly anyone ever bothers to campaign in Indianapolis.
* The climax of the film ''OctoberSky'' involves the state science fair in Indianapolis.

Also known as the "Circle City"[[note]]the city's center is at Monument Circle, home of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, and the city is encircled by the Interstate 465 beltway[[/note]], the "Crossroads of America"[[note]]from its central location in the US Interstate Highway system[[/note]], Naptown[[note]]A play on "India'''nap'''olis" and the city's reputation for being "sleepy"[[/note]], and simply "Indy"[[note]]Why say six syllables when you can say two?[[/note]], Indianapolis was founded in 1826 to serve as the capital of the newly recognized State of Indiana. Indy was an economic powerhouse by the early 20th century, especially in the automotive industry (one of the factors leading local entrepreneur Carl Fisher to create its famous Speedway), but came under the influence of the Ku Klux Klan during TheRoaringTwenties. Though the Klan effectively took over the whole State of Indiana in the 1924 elections, their power was thoroughly broken by 1931 after their leader was jailed and documents from his files resulted in the resignation of the mayor and five of the six city council members. Indy spent TheThirties as a center of American Isolationism and the city has done its best to [[OldShame forget about these periods]] ever since.

Also known as the "Circle City"[[note]]the city's center is at Monument Circle, home of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, and the city is encircled by the Interstate 465 beltway[[/note]] and the "Crossroads of America"[[note]]from its central location in the US Interstate Highway system[[/note]], Indianapolis was founded in 1826 to serve as the capital of the newly recognized State of Indiana. Indy was an economic powerhouse by the early 20th century, especially in the automotive industry (one of the factors leading local entrepreneur Carl Fisher to create its famous Speedway), but came under the influence of the Ku Klux Klan during TheRoaringTwenties. Though the Klan effectively took over the whole State of Indiana in the 1924 elections, their power was thoroughly broken by 1931 after their leader was jailed and documents from his files resulted in the resignation of the mayor and five of the six city council members. Indy spent TheThirties as a center of American Isolationism and the city has done its best to [[OldShame forget about these periods]] ever since.

Ah, Indy... the city everyone forgets except for a certain Sunday in May, during which the [[{{Indycar}} Indianapolis 500-Mile Race]] (or Indy 500) occurs. This is virtually the ''only'' time it will be mentioned in fiction, despite the fact that it is the second-most populous state capital in the US (behind Phoenix) and the second largest city in the Midwest behind UsefulNotes/{{Chicago}} (though other cities in the region have bigger metro areas). And the Indianapolis Motor Speedway isn't technically ''in'' Indianapolis, it's in the town of [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speedway,_Indiana Speedway]], a semi-independent (though wholly surrounded) suburb west of downtown[[note]]In fairness, the town of Speedway was incorporated as a semi-planned, Progressivist "horseless"-roaded community by ''the'' eponymous Speedway's main founder, Carl Fisher, only after the latter was built[[/note]].

Urban decay took over in the years after WorldWarTwo as the economy gradually shifted from manufacturing to warehousing, logistics and pharmaceuticals and downtown Indianapolis has only recently lost the last few decrepit, abandoned factories from its early days as an industrial center. Recently the downtown has undergone something of a renaissance as buildings that formerly housed companies like L.S. Ayres and Madame C.J. Walker's headquarters have been converted into stores, lofts, restaurants and clubs. Two whole blocks of mostly derelict buildings were converted into a large shopping mall and arts districts have grown up in the Broad Ripple and Fountain Square neighborhoods and along Massachusetts Avenue downtown. The Indianapolis Repertory Theatre is one of the best regional theatres in the Midwest[[note]]the current director of the University of Michigan's drama department, Priscilla Lindsay, spent thirty years as an IRT stalwart[[/note]], The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Indianapolis Children's Choir have achieved an international reputation, and the Children's Museum of Indianapolis is generally considered the best in the world. The annual Indiana Black Expo (the first and largest of its kind) draws record crowds, as does [=GenCon=], an enormous gaming convention that annually attracts more than 28,000 participants.

* Creator/JohnGreen, author of ''AnAbundanceOfKatherines'', ''LookingForAlaska'', and ''Literature/TheFaultInOurStars'', lives in Indianapolis, and ''The Fault in Our Stars'' is set there.

Indianapolis' relatively low population density and relatively large geographical area (one-tenth the population of UsefulNotes/NewYorkCity over a much larger area) makes for a very green and leafy city, and rural features like cornfields and horse farms can still be found within city limits.[[note]]Due to Indianapolis and Marion County being largely one and the same, rural areas that would be outer suburbs for other cities are parts of town here[[/note]] Since The downtown area along the Canal hosts several museums and is quite attractive to pedestrians, with lovely walkways and paddle-boats for rent. Indy also stays close to its agricultural roots by hosting the annual Indiana State Fair, a huge 21 day agricultural and industrial expedition. Like all Midwestern state fairs the Indiana State Fair is SeriousBusiness, particularly for Future Farmers of America and 4-H, with the largest livestock and produce show of the year along with historical displays and the usual Midway attractions (including the typical selection of delicious fatty fried fair foods). Some of the biggest names in {{Pop}} and CountryMusic have graced the main stage, though the horrific stage collapse in 2011 that killed seven and injured dozens of fans waiting to see country band Sugarland has put a damper on live performances for the immediate future. The State Fairgrounds and the newly expanded Indiana Convention Center are also home to numerous conventions, trade shows and exhibitions, taking advantage of Indy's central location and position at the hub of the interstate highway system.

Indianapolis' relatively low population density and relatively large geographical area (one-tenth the population of UsefulNotes/NewYorkCity over a much larger area) makes for a very green and leafy city, and rural features like cornfields and horse farms can still be found within city limits. (There aren't many other major metropolitan areas that actually have horse farms within four miles of downtown.) The downtown area along the Canal hosts several museums and is quite attractive to pedestrians, with lovely walkways and paddle-boats for rent. Indy also stays close to its agricultural roots by hosting the annual Indiana State Fair, a huge 21 day agricultural and industrial expedition. Like all Midwestern state fairs the Indiana State Fair is SeriousBusiness, particularly for Future Farmers of America and 4-H, with the largest livestock and produce show of the year along with historical displays and the usual Midway attractions (including the typical selection of delicious fatty fried fair foods). Some of the biggest names in {{Pop}} and CountryMusic have graced the main stage, though the horrific stage collapse in 2011 that killed seven and injured dozens of fans waiting to see country band Sugarland has put a damper on live performances for the immediate future. The State Fairgrounds and the newly expanded Indiana Convention Center are also home to numerous conventions, trade shows and exhibitions, taking advantage of Indy's central location and position at the hub of the interstate highway system.