Senate OKs $20M plan for Indy Eleven stadium upgrade

The Indiana Senate on Thursday approved a $20 million bond package to renovate IUPUI's Carroll Stadium, home of the Indy Eleven.

But to reach the governor's desk, the bill must be reconciled with a drastically different version passed by the House that would have financed a new $82 million Downtown stadium for the Indianapolis soccer team.

The scaled-back measure passed 46-3, winning over some critics who questioned the wisdom of investing that heavily in a team that doesn't play in a major league and is only a year old.

Under the Senate version, Indiana University could borrow up to $20 million to upgrade Michael A. Carroll Stadium, a 33-year-old track and soccer stadium that seats just over 12,000. The bonds would be backed by stadium-related revenues and tax proceeds from a hotel being developed by team owner Ersal Ozdemir.

Supporters say the improved soccer stadium would be an economic development tool for Indianapolis, giving it another site that can attract state and national sporting events.

State Sen. Pete Miller, R-Avon, who co-sponsored the legislation, borrowed a quote from hockey great Wayne Gretzky to answer skeptics who don't see soccer as an economic draw on par with American mainstays such as football and basketball.

" 'It's not about where the puck is, it's where the puck is going to be,' " Miller said. "The youth of today are playing soccer. This is the future. This is where the youth are going to be."

Although Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis has expressed support for the bill, team officials previously called the Carroll renovation a "potential solution" but stopped short of an outright endorsement.

But on Thursday, the team for the first time appeared to enthusiastically back the Senate version, rather than hold out for a new stadium. In a statement applauding the bill's passage and looking ahead to the conference committee, the team made no mention of the original $82 million proposal.

"We are thrilled that the Senate's vote today furthers our goal to secure a proper stadium for 'the World's Game' and all of its passionate supporters from across Indiana," said Peter Wilt, president and general manager of Indy Eleven.

The details of the renovations haven't been ironed out, said Tom Morrison, vice president of capital planning and facilities at IU. But Indy Eleven would have to cover expenses beyond the $20 million and whatever the city of Indianapolis contributes. The team also would have to sign at least a 20-year lease.

Among the lingering questions: Will an improved stadium at IUPUI be enough to push Indy Eleven into serious conversations with Major League Soccer as a potential expansion club? Currently, the team plays in the North American Soccer League, which is a rung below MLS.

Indy Eleven also pushed a stadium bill last year — before the team played a single game — but it stalled in the Senate. The team returned this year after selling out every game in 2014.

Star reporter Mark Alesia contributed to this story. Call Star reporter Brian Eason at (317) 444-6129. Follow him on Twitter: @brianeason.