Quite a bit of hospitality related news flashes hit the local media recently (many in the last 24 hours) so I thought I'd share with everyone.



FFA re-ups with Indy - Announced last Friday at a press conference in Conseco Fieldhouse!  Kudos to all those involved in on the bid team that have worked closely to ensure the FFA would return to Indianapolis after our current 7 year contract expires in 2012 - this is another fantastic addition to an already productive booking year here in Indy.

Brickyard Motel shuttered - Last night the Indianapolis Motor Speedway issued a news release announcing that the ~100 room motel will immediately cease operations.  This property sits just outside turn 2 of the famed racing oval and while it has played a large part of the venue's history, IMS has plans to build a new hotel in the future.

Anthony over at the IBJ reported on these future plans last month - you can read his article here where it has been archived on the website for the Speedway Redevelopment Commission.  The SRC is an organization that is leading the efforts to redevelop downtown Speedway and the area immediately south of IMS.  Maps and renderings can also be found on their website.  Quite a bit of positive work being done over near the Speedway as they enter their 100th anniversary celebration from 2009 (track opened) to 2011 (first Indy 500).

Back to the motel closure - while the overnight rooms will no longer be available, the main building that houses the 5000 square feet of meeting space, restaurant, bar and pro shop for the Brickyard Crossing golf course will remain open.  While not right in downtown Indianapolis, this facility is located just 10 minutes from downtown and is often used for small meetings



Columbia Club GM to return to Hershey, PA - The Columbia Club general manager Maarten Van Wijk announced today that he has accepted the GM position at the Hershey Country Club.  The Columbia Club will announce an interim GM shortly and we wish Maarten the best in his new role!



Super Bowl Legacy Project Progress - Beyond the room nights, beyond the incremental February business for our restaurants, nightspots, attractions and other hospitality related companies - beyond all the economic impact there is a part of our winning 2012 Super Bowl bid that will have a long term impact on our community...and the work is already getting started.