City sending message that ‘Indy Welcomes All’

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The NCAA Final Four tips off inside Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday and about 70,000 people are expected to visit the city of Indianapolis.

In response to the negative light shined upon the state over the last week regarding the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, downtown Indy businesses want visitors to know everyone is welcome.

Throughout the weekend, free t-shirts with “Indy Welcomes All” printed on them will be given away in the downtown area. It’s a new marketing campaign from organizations in Indianapolis aimed at spreading the message that Indy businesses, organizations, and residents are welcoming to all.

“You hope they come here and then they find out what we are about and what we stand for,” Brian Statz with the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis said.

“I think Indianapolis hospitality, family, is some of the most professional, giving, genuine, and above all welcoming people that there are anywhere,” Craig Huse with St. Elmo Steak House said.

The Indy Welcomes All campaign will post pickup locations for the t-shirts on its Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Many downtown businesses have also put stickers in their windows and on their doors which read “This Business Serves Everyone” as a way to welcome everyone.