Indiana University School of Medicine - Caduceus Yearbook (Indianapolis, IN)

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Indianapolis, during 1981-85, has been making its move to become a major city again. In the days of rail passages, Indianapolis was a doorway of the Midwest. Most trains ran through the city making it a major tourist and business attraction. Unfortunately, the advent of air travel left Indianapolis dormant. The city became known as “Nap Town” and “India-no-place.” The 500 Mile Race was its only claim to fame. Recently, with much support from private industry, the city has been rejuvenated. The IUPUI Natatorium and track field stadium are world-class: the site of the ’82 National Sports Festival, the ’84 Olympic Trials, and the ’87 Pan-American Games. It is a frequent event that brings Indy to national sports attention as it vies for the title “Amateur Sports Capital of the World.” Downtown has been rejuvenated with the restoration of the Circle Theater, the continued strength of the Indiana Repertory Theater, the construction of state-of-the-art hotels, and the planning of an enclosed downtown mall. In 1984, the Hoosier Dome was completed just in time for the Baltimore Colts to relocate in Indy. Photo of Soldiers and Sailors Monument courtesy of Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association. Grounds of Art Museum courtesy of Indianapolis Museum

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Even though the Colts struggled in their first season here, capacity crowds of over 60,000 turned out for every game. New owners Mel Herb Simon have sparked a dramatic increase in attendance and interest in the Indiana Pacers after the team nearly folded at the end of the 1983 season. The Checkers brought home two consecutive Adam’s Cups, while supplying exciting hockey action in the cozy confines of the State Fair Coliseum. The city is unique with its “circle” design centered around the Circle Monument. This is the scene of frequent social events such as the Strawberry Festival, Circlefest, Summerfest, fireworks, and others. Every Christmas the monument is draped in lights to create the “World’s Largest Christmas Tree”, the fountain becomes a skating rink, and yuletide spirit predominates. The Christmas of 1984 was perhaps the most outstanding as the circle was converted into a giant carousel. Other attractions within the city offer a variety of diversions. The Indianapolis Museum of Art, CTS Repertory Theater, Crackers Comedy Club, the Indianapolis Symphony, and Triple A baseball. The growth of the Circle City along with the increasing prosperity and civic pride of Indianapolis has created an attractive and well-rounded environment at the Indiana University Medical Center. d.