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NBA All-Star Game, other major sporting events excite Indy businesses

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The NBA All-Star Game coming to Indianapolis in 2021, and it is exciting the business community because of all the big sporting events coming to town within 13 months.

“There’s a tremendous amount to be optimistic about because we’ve never had this before,” said Matt Hanlon, the general manager at Collections Den, a sports memorabilia store in downtown Indianapolis.

From February 2021 to March 2022, Indianapolis will host the NBA All-Star Game, the NCAA Final Four men’s basketball tournament championship, the Big Ten Football Championship, the College Football Playoff National Championship and the Big Ten men’s basketball tournament.

“When it’s a regular convention they can be from anywhere but when we know the sports that are coming we can pinpoint the inventory a lot better,” he said.

How much money could the city be looking at? Estimates show $150 million alone from the CFP National Championship Game.

Mayor Joe Hogsett said Wednesday the All-Star Game could bring in another $100 million.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said an entire week of events, not just the All-Star Game, will include a slam-dunk contest and a three-point shot contest.

Pacers owner Herbert Simon said it will be a great show for Pacers fans and he is excited the All-Star Game is returning to Indianapolis for the first time since 1985.