Senate Approves Bill To Renovate Carroll Stadium For Minor League Soccer

INDIANAPOLIS – A bill to renovate IUPUI's track stadium into the new home for the Indy Eleven soccer team passed the Senate on Thursday.

House Bill 1273 would extend a sports and entertainment development area to include a future stadium site and a new downtown Indianapolis hotel to be developed by the owner of Indy Eleven for the purpose of reinforcing stadium finances.

Taxes paid within the zone would help pay for the stadium project.

The plan replaces legislation backed by the minor league soccer team and passed by the House that would have helped fund a new $82 million arena in an undetermined Indianapolis location.

“This is the sport of the future,” said Sen. Pete Miller, R-Avon, who sponsored the bill. He noted that Indianapolis has “a good track record with sports” and that the renovations would be a “great opportunity” for the state.

The Indy Eleven already plays at the Michael A. Carroll Track and Soccer Stadium on the Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis campus. But that was supposed to be just a temporary home for the team, which sold out every game last year in its first season.

“We are thrilled that the Senate’s vote today furthers our goal to secure a proper stadium for ‘the world’s game’ and all of its passionate supporters from across Indiana,” said Peter Wilt, president and general manager of Indy Eleven, in a press release.

“The potential to partner with Indiana University to create a first-division-quality stadium that honors the rich heritage of soccer in the Hoosier state is being met with tremendous enthusiasm by our fans,” Wilt said.

The bill passed 46-3 and moves back to the House, which will consider changes made by the Senate.

Jess Seabolt is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.