Why the Indy CIB will ask the Legislature for millions of dollars

The quasi-governmental group that owns the Indiana Convention Center and Indy's major sports facilities will ask the Legislature for at least $8 million in additional funding annually as it tries to plan for its future needs.

Already, the Capital Improvement Board has plans for a $120 million expansion of the Indiana Convention Center, a project that includes two private, convention-style hotels at Pan Am Plaza. 

But the CIB will also be looking for the long-term funding it will need to upgrade Bankers Life Fieldhouse for the Indiana Pacers, which owner Herb Simon has said is necessary to secure the team's long-term future in Indianapolis.

Podcast host Mason King talks with IBJ reporters Lindsey Erdody, Hayleigh Colombo and Anthony Schoettle about the CIB's big ask, why the city thinks it's necessary and how lawmakers might react.

Read more about the issue here.