Plus, A Cup of Chai opening Saturday.
 
07.11.2023 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

SUBSCRIBE | REFER
6AM City In-house

Today’s Forecast

39º | Cloudy | 0% chance of rain | Sunrise 8:06 a.m. | Sunset 5:33 p.m.
 

🎂 Happy birthday, Victory Field

The history of Victory Field in Indianapolis
View of Victory Field from Elements Financial Club seating
Have you checked out the Elements Financial Club at Victory Field? It might be the best seat in the house. | Photo by INDYtoday team
The baseball stadium that we know and love opened 27 years ago today — on July 11, 1996. On opening day, the Indians fell short to the Oklahoma City 89ers, 5–3, in front of 14,667 fans.

The name “Victory Field” originated as a nod to the US’ involvement in World War II. The new ballpark took the name in April 1996, going back to the name that Bush Stadium had carried during + after the war, between 1942 and 1947.

Before Victory Field, the Indianapolis Indians played at Bush Stadium located on West 16th Street from 1930-1996. In 1992, Major League Baseball (MLB) determined the stadium didn’t meet the Minor League Baseball facility standards implemented in 1991.

Renovations of Bush Stadium were estimated at $12-14 million (equivalent to ~$23.2 million today), so there were negotiations for a new stadium. In the spring of 1994, officials announced plans for a new downtown stadium to be built just west of the Hoosier Dome, at 501 W. Maryland St., on land made available by White River State Park.

Wondering what happened to Bush Stadium? It still exists on the west side + you can even live at the historic site. The ballpark has since been transformed into an apartment complex called Stadium Lofts with the field in the courtyard.

A historical photo of Bush Stadium hangs on the wall in the lobby at Victory Field.

A historical photo of Bush Stadium hangs on the wall in the lobby at Victory Field.

|

Photo by INDYtoday team

Since Victory Field opened, it’s received national recognition as one of the best minor league ballparks in the country from Baseball America, Sports Illustrated, and Midwest Living.

The American Institute of Architects also deemed the ballpark to be among the most “architecturally significant” buildings completed in the city’s history since World War II — and with its iconic view of downtown, we believe it.

Want to get to know our local teams even more? Check out our ultimate guide to sports in Indy.
Events

Tuesday, July 11
  • Small Wonders: Mission to Mars | Tuesday, July 11 | 10-11 a.m. | Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | $13 | Children will become the astronauts to design space suits + Mars rovers and create their own star-inspired art during this hour-long class.
Wednesday, July 12
  • Original Farmers’ Market | Wednesday, July 12-Wednesday, Oct. 4 | 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Indianapolis City Market, 222 E. Market St., Indianapolis | Free | From fruits and vegetables and meats and cheeses, you can find in-season, fresh foods brought to you at this local market.
  • Indy Eleven vs. Charleston Battery | Wednesday, July 12 | 7 p.m. | Carroll Stadium, 1001 W. New York St., Indianapolis | $11-$75 | Help Indy’s soccer team bring home a W by cheering them on during this home game.
Thursday, July 13
  • Tinker House Taco Takeover | Thursday, July 13-Thursday, Oct. 26 | 5-10 p.m. | Tinker House, 1101 E. 16th St., Indianapolis | Free | Every Thursday this summer, Gordito’s Food Truck will be serving up tacos + tortas to enjoy on the pet-friendly patio.
Friday, July 14
  • Summer Celebration Outdoor Concert | Friday, July 14 | 6-11:30 p.m. | American Legion Mall, 700 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis | $75 | Check out this annual Summer Celebration concert by Indiana Black Expo and join the community through music and culture.
Saturday, July 15
  • Open House Celebration | Saturday, July 15 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Carmel Swim Academy, 830 City Center Dr., Carmel | Free | Celebrate the opening of its new swim facility with activities for the whole family.
Sunday, July 16
  • Party in the Park | Sunday, July 16 | 1-5 p.m. | White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | Free | Be a part of this Junior Gold Championships kick-off event with games, food trucks, talent show, and a state walk.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Opening
  • A Cup of Chai is getting ready for its grand opening in Fountain Square this Saturday, July 15. The new chai cafe located at 1028 Shelby St. will feature authentic Indian drinks and snacks. It’s also still looking to hire team members. Those interested can send their resume to pravy@acupofchai.us.
Biz
  • Local coffee shop MOTW Coffee & Pastries has been pushing for growth — it just recently opened its fourth Indianapolis-area location — and is now embarking on a Chicago journey. Owner Sajjad Shah announced plans to open a shop in downtown Lombard, Illinois (a Chicago suburb) within the next few months. (IBJ)
Edu
  • Beginning in this school year, all Indiana schools will no longer charge families for textbooks and other materials like iPads + Chromebooks — following a new law passed during the 2023 legislative session. The law provides $160 million for curricular materials, but the amount per student hasn’t been determined yet. (Chalkbeat/WISH)
Sports
  • Recent Franklin Community High School grad Max Clark is achieving his baseball dreams. The Detroit Tigers picked Max with the No. 3 pick in the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft. The 18-year-old outfielder was also named the Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year just last month. Congrats, Max. (WTHR)
Answered
  • Last week, we shared some new + coming soon businesses around Indy and asked you if we missed any. Reader Stan M. said, “We had lunch at Nando’s today in Broad Ripple. It offers authentic Brazilian and Mexican food. It recently opened. [...] This place deserves a “look see” and a shout out.” Thanks for the scoop, Stan.
Outdoors
  • A solar storm forecast for Thursday is expected to give stargazers in 17 states a glimpse of the colorful Northern Lights (AKA aurora borealis) — and Indiana is included. It’s expected to be visible on the horizon in Indy + if you want to see it, you should get away from city lights between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. (WTHR)
Show
Trending
  • It’s Amazon Prime Day. Browse deals including up to 75% off Amazon devices, 60% off Gap apparel, and 40% off appliances from Ninja, Keurig, and Breville.*
 
Share INDYtoday
 

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

{{profile.vars.rh_reflink_13}}
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_13}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.
Claim your rewards
 
The Wrap
 
Nicole-Hernandez-Headshot-INDY

Today’s edition by:
Nicole Hernandez
From the editor
Want to experience Victory Field in a whole new way? The stadium is hosting a brand new charity event that it’s calling “SWING” on Friday, Sept. 29 — featuring local restaurants and bars with entertainment all night long. Guests will walk the red carpet, snap photos at photobooths, and dance on the field to live music under the lights. Tickets are going fast, so get them online soon.
Missed our previous newsletter?     ›
Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback     ›
Subscribe     ›
Advertise     ›
Shop     ›
 
 

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY