Outdoor heaters warm up for Super Bowl

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH - Crews are setting up several warming zones along Georgia Street ahead of the Super Bowl.

Eight infrared heaters per block will hang above the three block stretch.

“It works similar to the sun. It's a beam of infrared light that focuses in on an object of person and makes them warm .. The heat doesn’t blow away because it is a beam of light versus air. It stays put and focuses” said Shawn Hitchcock who oversees the project.

The heaters are designed to raise the temperature of a stationary object 30-40 degrees without wind.

24 Hour News 8's Jay Hermacinski went out to test the heaters and was surprised by the effect.

"I was skeptical at first. But even with today's bitter cold temperatures and high winds, I could feel the heat." Jay asked people walking by to also test the heaters.

“That is a pleasant surprise … it works, it works” said passerby Steve Howick.

The warming zones, located along the pedestrian walkway in the middle of Georgia Street will be turned on during all Super Bowl Village events.

“They are gathering points. We are going to celebrate whatever weather we have. we want to give people a spot to gather to get warm and hopefully extend their stay. if the temperature is like today” said Hitchcock.