$170M event center project begins

By Leila Kheiry leila@youarecurrent.com

The City of Fishers kicked off the construction phase of the planned new Fishers Event Center March 24 with a crowded celebration event featuring local elected officials and partners in the development of the 8,500-seat event center.

The $170-million center will become home base for the East Coast Hockey League team the Indy Fuel, and the mascot was on hand to greet everyone who entered the packed tent, put up to protect the crowd from the rain.

“Looks like we need a bigger tent next time,” said Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness, greeting the crowd.

He spent his time at the lectern thanking team members who worked on the project. They included the council and staff members, Indy Fuel owner Jim Hallett, Paul Thrift of Thompson Thrift — the development firm heading up the project — and Leonard Bonacci of ASM Global, which will manage the event center when construction is complete.

Fadness noted that the center will not

The City of Fishers kicked off the construction phase of the planned new Fishers Event Center March 24 with a crowded celebration event featuring local elected officials and partners in the development of the 8,500-seat event center. Cutline: Mayor Scott Fadness speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Fishers Event Center, while the Indy Fuel mascot listens. (Photo by Adam Seif) only be for hockey.

“This is going to be the epicenter of the community,” he said.

Hallett said planning for the event center started about 10 years ago.

The facility is expected to be completed and open for business in late 2024.