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Lawmakers consider expansion of Indiana Convention Center

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Some city and state leaders want to expand the Indiana Convention Center.

Supporters of the proposal think the state is missing out on millions of dollars the center could bring in revenue.

Visit Indy and the Indiana Chamber of Commerce said Thursday that expanding the convention center would be a shot in the arm for the city and state’s economy.

State Sen. Ryan Mishler, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, filed a bill that would allow the Indiana Convention Center area to grow and let the Capital Improvement Board keep collecting taxes in that area of Indianapolis.

Back in October, Indianapolis leaders unveiled plans to expand the Indiana Convention Center and add two Hilton-brand hotels. 

On Thursday, Visit Indy said the center needed a 50,000 square foot ballroom on the south campus of the convention center and at least 1,400 new hotel rooms connected to the convention center.

“We believe this expansion will retain $287 million in current convention business. It will also attract new business. Over the last 10 years, we have lost and tracked 208 conventions who have had to say ‘no’ to Indianapolis. That’s $1.1 billion in potential lost convention business,” said Chris Goel with Visit Indy.

State leaders still have to approve the idea.

Lawmakers want to make some changes, so there was not a vote on Thursday. The bill could be back in front of lawmakers next week.