The Online Reflector

As the Super Bowl draws near, so do the NFC champions who will practice in the University of Indianapolis’ Athletic and Recreation Center. The ARC’s turf football field, that was installed to allow the NFC champions to practice for the Super Bowl, will be moved.

After the turf has served that purpose for the university, it will be donated to Arsenal Technical High School on the city’s near east side.

Vice President of Business and Finance and Treasurer Mike Braughton said the turf has always belonged to Arsenal Tech.

“The turf was purchased by the Super Bowl Committee,” Braughton said. “They’re allowing us to use it until after the Super Bowl, and then they will take it to Tech.”

Braughton, a member of the Super Bowl sub-committee for the NFC practice site, said that some facilities on campus, including the ARC, will be blocked off from the public.

“We have to give up our facilities  for a few weeks prior to the Super Bowl,” Braughton said. “It’s totally hands off. They [people involved with the NFC team] want their privacy.”

Keith Burke, the Athletic Director for Tech High School, said that the donation of the turf will benefit a number of  Tech athletic programs.

“It gives us an opportunity to be a viable place to host events, not just for football, but for soccer, band competitions and even physical education classes,” Burke said.

The turf will not be moved immediately to Tech, however, as construction work is still being done on the Legacy Center, along with other athletic renovations on the Tech campus. The Legacy Center will be a place to encourage healthy activities. This facility will be available to all IPS schools. The center will also serve as an activity center for the surrounding communities.

“They’re doing the initial prep work right now and will wait for the ground to thaw. We’re looking at late March,” Burke said. “The completion date is around June 15 with everything ready to go.”

Burke said that this benefits more than just aesthetics of the Tech campus.

“Our kids are extremely excited. It gives them a sense of pride and self-worth to able to have the same kind of facilities as schools like Lawrence North and Warren Central,” Burke said.

Tech has already built the exterior structure of the Legacy Center, which will house a number of community events. Burke said the community will have access to the facilities through collaborations with IUPUI and the YMCA.

The Legacy Center still requires interior construction, but the outer frame has been completed. The Super Bowl Host Committee Legacy Project is a program that helps to renovate inner-city areas.

“The NFL requires that they [the Super Bowl Host Committee] spend a significant amount of money on the Legacy Project,” Braughton said.

UIndy has plans for the ARC after the turf is moved to Tech High School. Basketball courts will be installed, as well as an indoor track. The track will allow UIndy Track and Field to host indoor track meets. Braughton said that the plan for the ARC includes building a new weight room facility, basketball goals and restrooms.

“It’s now a year-round deal. It allows practice for all sports,” Braughton said.

There are a number of  beneficiaries from the deal struck between the Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee and the University of Indianapolis. Burke is excited to showcase the renovated Tech campus to the city.

“We’re getting the turf and the opportunity to have the Legacy Center.,” Burke said. “The University will be getting some new facilities they can use. It’s a win-win.”