Indy officially put in a bid for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game last week. On Monday, April 24 — deadline day for 2020 and 2021 bids to be sent in — Larry Bird and Rick Fuson, Pacers Sports & Entertainment President, delivered Indy’s plans to the NBA Headquarters in downtown Manhattan.

And, of course, they did it in style. As in Bird riding five blocks in a specially-designed IndyCar. Talk about making a strong impression…

[Commissioner Adam Silver on Indy hosting All-Star Weekend: ‘The ball is in their court’]

One man who has plays an important role in Indianapolis hosting big events is Ryan Vaughn, the President of Indiana Sports Corp. This is a world-class organization that is one of the main reasons why this city continues to attract and excel at putting on events like Big Ten Football Championship Game, the Big Ten Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament, the Final Four, and the 2012 Super Bowl.

Vaughn attended Wabash College and was a swimmer. He then earned his law degree and practiced in downtown Indianapolis at Barnes & Thornburg. Before taking over ISC, he was Mayor Greg Ballard’s Chief of Staff.

I hope that you enjoy this podcast with Vaughn on Indy’s desire to host NBA All-Star Weekend.

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Topics Discussed:

* Why 2021 works for the city.

* How Indy excels when hosting big-time events.

* Specific requirements to bid for the weekend.

* Indy’s goal to touch every visitor in some way and leaving a lasting impact.