A new 8,500-seat arena for the Indy Fuel (ECHL) will be the cornerstone of new investments totaling some $550 million in the Fishers District development in suburban Indianapolis.
Thompson Thrift, the master developer of the mixed-use Fishers District development, is eying new retail, restaurant, entertainment and residential options in community setting. The mixed-use development will be located east of I-69 between 106th and 116th Streets southeast of IKEA.
The expanded Fishers District will be anchored by an event center hosting sporting, theatrical and entertainment events for up to 8,500 spectators. The anchor sport tenant will be the ECHL’s Indy Fuel beginning with the 2024-2025 season, as announced by owner Jim Hallett.
“I’m thrilled to bring the fun and excitement of Indy Fuel hockey and its fan base to Fishers,” Hallett, chairman of Hallett Sports & Entertainment, said via press release. “We are beyond excited to not only bring the Fuel to Fishers, but also have Hallett Sports & Entertainment manage the new facility for the community. We intend for the event center to be the best facility of its size anywhere, create unique experiences for fans, families and groups, and bring a multitude of different types of events and attendees to the city and region.”
Once complete, the Indy Fuel, the professional hockey minor league affiliate of the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks, and Hallett Sports & Entertainment will officially move its headquarters from the Indiana State Fairgrounds to Fishers with the event center serving as the team’s primary facility. Hallett Sports & Entertainment will manage the event center and provide day-to-day operational and booking management. The Indy Fuel currently utilizes the Fuel Tank, located in Fishers, for its practice and residential facilities.
Indianapolis-based Thompson Thrift, a full-service real estate company, will act as the master developer for the Fishers event center and the surrounding neighborhood districts. The company has experience in commercial development and focuses on ground-up mixed-use and retail development across the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest. In Fishers, Thompson Thrift previously developed The Yard at Fishers District.
“We are excited to grow our presence in the ever-expanding community of Fishers,” said Ashlee Boyd, Thompson Thrift managing partner, commercial. “Part of our mission is to positively impact the communities we serve. By attracting new businesses, new jobs and more entertainment to Fishers, we are confident this development will enhance the experience of those living in and visiting this dynamic community.”
The new arena will anchor The Commons, with additional new-to-market restaurant, retail, and entertainment destinations, as well as additional residential options.
“This is a monumental day for our city,” said Mayor Scott Fadness via press release. “Fishers is thriving and today’s announcement demonstrates that our momentum isn’t slowing down. Since 2019, residents and visitors of Fishers have enjoyed The Yard at Fishers District with a demand we haven’t experienced elsewhere. This announcement to expand the District into even more neighborhoods is exciting news from an entertainment perspective, but also because of the economic development promise to come. This expansion not only answers the call from CEOs and employees looking for restaurants and entertainment but can now be home to our schools’ graduations and statewide sporting events.”
Renderings courtesy city of Fishers.
