From Fox 59 News, May, 2013:
"Gov. Mike Pence has signed a bill Friday that will help pay for improvements at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
House Enrolled Act 1544 gives the Indiana Finance Authority the power to issue bonds to help raise $100 million for upgrades at IMS. The bill creates a Motorsports Investment District that will take sales and income tax at IMS property to be used for reinvestment in the track.
“The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has contributed to the life of our state for more than a century, enhancing the global reputation of Indiana,” Pence said. “The legislation I signed today makes a state investment that will further economic development in the motorsports industry while also protecting the interests of Hoosier taxpayers.”
The legislation has several safeguards, including a security interest in IMS assets, an annual $2 million investment by the track through the life of the bonds and a guarantee of the debt.
Mark D. Miles, chief executive officer of Hulman & Company, expressed gratitude at the governor’s decision to sign the bill.
“The success of this legislation reflects their broad understanding of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, its impact on the state’s economy and our prospects for growth,” Miles said. “The company is committed to doing everything possible to produce a return for taxpayers. We’ve been humbled by the overwhelming enthusiasm we’ve received from Hoosiers as we’ve gone through the legislative process.”
The bill also creates a Motorsports Improvement Fund that will give loans to businesses including race tracks, team owners, drivers, suppliers and other qualified businesses. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation will oversee the fund.
According to the state, the motorsports industry employs about 23,000 people in Indiana. Thousands more work for motorsports-related companies in 91 of the state’s 92 counties."
From the Indianapolis Business Journal, July, 2013:
"Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials say they've seen no adverse sales impact from a risky move to raise ticket prices for the 2014 Indianapolis 500 by about 15 percent--the first price increase in almost a decade."
It's been a long time coming, and no secret. Check out the price for Colts tickets. The 500 is still a good deal comparatively, and you can bring in your own food as the nice lady said, unlike an NFL, NBA or MLB event. In today's economy, the fact that prices held steady for 10 years is a miracle.
The tax is only going to be imposed at IMS, much like taxes levied at Lucas Oil Stadium and Banker's Life Fieldhouse, and is the first time in the history of IMS that they've asked for, and received municipal help. Again, a miracle in today's economy.
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Jim Jones
Midwest Thunder Speed2 Midget #97
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Last edited by jjones752; 3/7/14 at 5:57 PM.
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