opinion

Indy Eleven stadium will help city

I have been a resident of Indianapolis for over 30 years and have had the great fortune to be involved in many community projects, civic partnerships and the arts. These experiences have shaped the way I see Indianapolis, while also cultivating the way others perceive our great city. A major component to our city's evolution has been our investment in sports. Indianapolis transformed itself from a "no place" to a "must-go place."

Supporting a new state of the art facility for Indy Eleven will undoubtedly have a positive impact on our community by creating new streams of revenue, supporting local industry, and adding to the lore of Indianapolis as a major hub for family-friendly entertainment. My children, who grew up playing soccer, are now young adults looking for ways to stay involved in our city. They often speak of Indianapolis in positive terms but they also recognize that there are other cities vying for their bright futures.

Soccer introduces our children to new people, ideas and cultures. My daughter and son loved playing soccer and through soccer met so many people from different countries and cultures. I now have a greater appreciation for the cultural exposure and richness of their experiences. Our community can benefit from expanding our reach and developing our youth beyond generally accepted sports activities. By building a strong relationship with Indy Eleven and taking advantage of its presence in our city, we can truly grow as a community.

Alan K. Mills

Indianapolis