INDIANAPOLIS — People from around the world will fill downtown Indianapolis streets this weekend for a wide array of events.

Taylor Schaffer, president and CEO of Downtown Indy Inc., said, “From the Indianapolis Zoo opening Zoo Boo this weekend to the international violin competition happening at Hilbert Circle Theatre, from a Colts game on Sunday and an Indy Eleven game on Saturday from WWE to Swing at Victory Field, there really is something for everybody happening in downtown Indianapolis this weekend.”

Downtown Indy Inc. expects tens of thousands of people to visit the city this weekend.

“It’s really more meaningful when it’s that mix of local regional and national audiences coming to Indianapolis and being able to get a sense of downtown, get a sense of downtown entrepreneurs and businesses at the same time they’re heading to the event that they came into Indianapolis for,” Schaffer said.

Well-established partnerships like the Circle City Classic, now in its 42nd year, and new collaborations with WWE allow the city to showcase its hospitality. Schaffer said these partnerships serve as economic drivers that attract other organizations to bring events to the city.

“We know how to host a lot of people all at once. We know how to get people in and out in a reasonable manner. We know how to have a walkable experience that really accommodates all those visitors, perhaps from all different walks of life, from all different areas of the community and the country,” Schaffer said.

Visitors traveling to town for these events continue to spend money on lodging, shopping and food.

“Location is everything. It makes a lot of difference when there’s things in town,” said Brent Drescher, general manager of District Tap.

The bar, restaurant, and sports pub sits at the corner of Meridian and Georgia streets, within walking distance of both Lucas Oil Stadium and Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Drescher said business increases significantly when events happen in town.

“Easily a nice uptick, by several thousand, easily,” he said.

Drescher said every event provides an opportunity to boost sales and demonstrate Hoosier hospitality.

“Very festive atmosphere. A lot of people out here have a great time, and this is just a part of their experience,” Drescher said. “We take that very seriously. And we love watching them have a good time as well.”

WWE and Indiana Sports Corp announced a partnership in 2024 to bring three of the company’s largest stadium events to Indianapolis. Indiana Sports Corp said the events — WrestleMania, SummerSlam and Royal Rumble — have a combined economic impact of more than $300 million. These events bring hundreds of thousands of fans to the host city from all 50 states and dozens of countries.

The 42nd Circle City Classic celebrates historically Black colleges and universities, youth leadership, and community achievement. Circle City Broadcasting is a partner with Circle City Classic.

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