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The City Of Evansville Department Of Parks And Recreation Released Finalized Designs For Sunset Skatepark.

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The City Of Evansville Department Of Parks And Recreation Released Finalized Designs For Sunset Skatepark.

MAY 25, 2022

The new concept for the Riverfront park was developed by Hunger Skateparks and incorporates features requested during a March public input session. Updates include a refreshed design for the manual pad in the center of the rink, redesigned ledges to include out and ride-on options, an Amoeba Bowl, and a reconfigured bike zone.

“We’re proud of our local skate community for leading this effort,” said Mayor Lloyd Winnecke. “When completed, Evansville will be home to one of the largest and most diverse skateparks in our state.”

Hunger Skatepark designers added plans for rain gardens to mitigate stormwater runoff. The design team also ramped up appearances by pulling creative inspiration from the historic Mississippian culture that once thrived during 1000-1450 A.D. a few miles from the park’s location.

“Sunset Skatepark will be located between Mickey’s Kingdom and the Evansville Water & Sewer Utility Sunrise Pump Station,” said Deputy Mayor and interim Director of Parks & Recreation Department Steve Schaefer. “By this time next year, a section of our Riverfront will be completely transformed into a public space where residents can ride, play, relax and learn.”

Construction on the park will begin this fall.

FOOTNOTE: Follow the park project on the Sunset Skatepark Facebook page or at skatesunset.com.

Download the renderings: https://we.tl/t-fR2ive5lKP

It’s Time To Wish ‘Good Luck’ To These Five Student Journalists

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It’s Time To Wish ‘Good Luck’ To These Five Student Journalists
From left, Ashlyn Myers, Isaac Gleitz, Ari Lovitt, Taylor Wooten and Maddie Alexander pose outside Shirk Hall on the Franklin College campus, home to the Pulliam School of Journalism. The five reporters just finished a successful stint at TheStatehouseFile.com.

TheStatehouseFile.com is saying goodbye to its spring 2022 class of reporters.

This week, Franklin College senior Taylor Wooten, senior Ari Lovitt, junior Isaac Gleitz, junior Maddie Alexander, and freshman Ashlyn Myers completed a four-month stint working in “the Shack”—The Statehouse File’s office in the press corps of the Indiana Statehouse—as well as on campus and in the field.

As part of the Pulliam School of Journalism‘s 16-year-old immersive learning program, they attended some 70 meetings during the 2022 legislative session and published almost 100 articles plus photos and videos on TheStatehouseFile.com. Their work also appeared in 35 Indiana media outlets that subscribe to TSF as a news service.

“A real newsroom is the best classroom for a student journalist,” said Colleen Steffen, The Statehouse File’s executive editor. “It can be hard and stressful for students, but for me, it’s extremely satisfying to watch the growth they’re able to accomplish in such a short time.

“This group was a joy to work with.”

This semester’s crop of J majors was challenged by an extraordinarily contentious session that saw partisan fighting over handgun licensing, the right of trans youth to play sports, post-redistricting primary races and how to respond to a possible knockdown of Roe v. Wade among other polarizing issues. Some members of staff, along with members of campus newspaper The Franklin, also continued a reporting series on disgraced former FC president Thomas Minar standing trial in Wisconsin.

Meanwhile, the Indiana College Press Association named TheStatehouseFile.combest overall website, beating out much larger state schools.

“TSF was rather challenging for me,” said Myers, new to college life and the youngest of the group. “In September, when I first started writing, I was what most would consider a complete rookie. I didn’t know a lick of AP style, and I certainly didn’t know how to craft a lede or call up legislators.

“However, I did have fellow reporters and two editors that cared enough to help me grow both my writing skills and my confidence. I learned all about state government, but I also learned about myself. I learned that I love feature writing, and that I thrive under a deadline. I learned about how to show empathy, and how to accept when you’re wrong.

“TSF helped me to fall in love with journalism, and I have no intention of stopping.”

Ashlyn is from Franklin and recently took home the college’s Damaris Knobe Endowed Journalism Scholarship. She will continue working with The Statehouse File this summer as a freelancer, as will Alexander, an Indianapolis resident and social-media content creator with over 280,000 followers on TikTok who rediscovered a love for writing.

“TSF taught me how to better my writing skills and made me more confident about what I am doing and asking when talking to politicians,” Alexander said. “It brought me new friends that I could bond over writing with.”

Gleitz, of Corydon, was a finalist in the Thomas R. Keating Competition for college feature writers this past fall and won the Jerry Miller Award from the college this spring. “I learned that there is a way to be creative and add one’s personal flavor to every topic, even when it comes to the most mundane,” he said.

He is off to a study-abroad experience in Barcelona while TSF’s two seniors will plunge into the job market. Lovitt, of Greenwood, dreams of a reporting job in music or tech.

“TSF for me was a new adventure every day,” she said. “It was the most and the fastest I’ve ever pushed myself as a journalist—with results and improvement to boot. The team made writing and working fun … I’m so grateful for the opportunity!”

As for Wooten, of Clarksville, her accolades as a senior include second place in the Keating competition and the Harvey C. Jacobs Journalism Award, and she is off to the POLITICO Journalism Institute, a prestigious workshop accepting just 16 young journalists from across the nation, while interviewing for jobs.

“Being able to cover the session in person this semester alongside professional journalists really helped me build confidence in myself and in my choice to pursue journalism,” said Wooten. “That, with support and guidance from Colleen and Kevin, really made me feel capable despite the usual young-adult doubts.”

Kevin Morgan helps mentor TSF reporters as part of a partnership between TheStatehouseFile.com and The Indiana Citizen.

“After a 2021 session that saw our Statehouse bureau essentially shut down by COVID, forcing us to report remotely, it was good to return to the Statehouse in 2022,” he said. “This year’s group made the most of it, producing in both quantity and quality. I enjoyed working with them, wish our departing seniors the best, and look forward to working with those who return next year.”

You can support TheStatehouseFile.com and the education of future journalists by subscribing as a reader or as a media outlet.

FOOTNOTE: Over the last several years many of the above students wrote articles for the City-County Observer and we thank them for their excellent work.  

Franklin College School Of Journalism has proven to be a valuable media partner of the City-County Observer,

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Local Lawmakers Override Governors Veto “To Protect Girls’ Sports”

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Indiana Senate President Pro Tem David Long, R-Fort Wayne, speaks on the last day of the 2018 legislative session. Photo by Quinn Fitzgerald, TheStatehouseFile.com

Local Lawmakers  Voted  To Override The Governors Veto to “Protect Girl Sports” In Indiana

MAY 25, 20022

Indiana State legislators voted on Tuesday to override the governor’s veto of House Enrolled Act 1041, which prohibits biological males from competing in K-12 girls’ sports in Indiana. The vote came as part of technical corrections day, where lawmakers can take up any vetoes and fix technical errors in laws passed during the prior session.

“Young women have fought hard for the same opportunities as men, and it’s only right to protect the integrity of girls’ sports in Indiana,” State Representative Bartels (R) said. “Overriding this veto was important so we can prevent unfair competition throughout our state.”Indiana will join at least 16 other states that have similar laws on the books protecting female sports. Lindauer said concerned parents reached out after an increasing number of biological males have dominated the national spotlight in girls’ athletic events across the nation.

“Female athletes work hard to win titles and earn scholarships, and shouldn’t watch from the sidelines because a biological male took their playing time,” State Representative Lindauer (R) said. “This is about fairness, and overriding the veto was the right thing to do.”

There are certain biological differences that give males an unfair advantage over females in sports, like greater muscle mass, bone density, and cardio capacity. Lindauer said the vote Tuesday was especially important as June marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX, which ensures women have an equal opportunity to play and compete in sports.

In Indiana, a gubernatorial veto can be overridden with a constitutional majority vote in both chambers, and the bill becomes a law without the governor’s signature. For more information about House Enrolled Act 1041, effective on July 1, 2022, visit iga.in.gov.

Area Lawmakers who voted to override the governor’s veto to protect the integrity of girl sports in Indiana were TIM O’BRIEN (R), WENDY MCNAMARA (R), MATT HOSTELLER (R), AND CINDY LEDBETTER (R).  The lone area Democrat who voted not to overturn the Governor’s veto was RYAN HATFIELD (D).

FOOTNOTE: At press time we had a problem verifying how Indiana State Senators Becker (R) and Toomes (R) voted on this issue but shall provide our readers an update once we find the results.

We also find it interesting that our local lawmakers didn’t make any comments concerning their vote on this issue. We feel that it’s very important for the voters of this community to find out the rationale why our local representatives voted on this issue the way they did. 

 

 

David Ragland Named Head Men’s Basketball Coach At UE

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David Ragland Named Head Men’s Basketball Coach At UE

Evansville Native Brings A Wealth Of Experience To The Program

 EVANSVILLE, Ind. – David Ragland has been named the 16th head men’s basketball coach in University of Evansville history.  The announcement of the 8th Division I head coach in Purple Ace’s history was made by Director of Athletics Dr. Kenneth “Ziggy” Siegfried.

Media is invited to meet with Coach Ragland and Ziggy Siegfried inside Meeks Family Fieldhouse between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, May 25. Each station/publication will receive a 10-minute 1-on-1 opportunity with Ragland and Siegfried. Those who would like to reserve their time are asked to RSVP to Bob Pristash at rp113@evansville.edu.

At 6 p.m. on Wednesday, a community introduction will take place at Meeks Family Fieldhouse. The event will be open to the public. Media is invited to cover the event; however, interviews with Ragland and Siegfried must be conducted at the earlier media opportunity.

“As we moved through the search process for our new head men’s basketball coach, David Ragland separated himself from the other candidates and established himself as the clear choice to lead our program,” Siegfried said.  “David brings a pedigree that will help our program in every way while his familiarity with the Evansville community will help to reengage our supporters.”

In a coaching career that has spanned nearly two decades, Ragland’s experience has seen him contribute to an impressive group of programs that includes Butler, Utah State, Valparaiso, Vincennes, Northern Kentucky, Bowling Green, Indiana State, and Frank Phillips College.  He joins the Evansville program following a 1-year stint as an assistant coach at Butler University.

Prior to his tenure with the Bulldogs, Ragland enjoyed a successful tenure at Utah State where his squads achieved at least 20 wins in each of his three seasons while finishing with an overall mark of 74-24.  The Aggies made two NCAA Tournament appearances during his tenure while the 2019-20 squad posted a 26-8 mark before the postseason was canceled due to COVID-19.

“I want to thank Dr. Siegfried and President Pietruszkiewicz for putting their trust in me to lead this program.  It is a dream come true to return home.  Evansville is such a special place for my family and myself and the opportunity to come back to where it all started means the world,” Ragland exclaimed.  “Growing up in the city, I understand what the Purple Aces program means to the community.  From day one, I will work to establish a program that the entire University of Evansville campus community and the city of Evansville will be proud of.  My family and I are excited to be home.”

Ragland has worked at two current Missouri Valley Conference institutions, including a 2-year stint at Valparaiso.  His first season with the program saw them accumulated 24 victories in 2016-17 while finishing with a Horizon League regular season championship and a spot in the postseason NIT.  Highlighting the roster for VU was Horizon League Player of the Year Alec Peters, who was the 54thpick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

From 2010 through 2014, Ragland was an assistant coach at Indiana State where the Sycamores put forth one of the top stretches by a mid-major program in recent memory.  ISU recorded 80 victories along with four postseason appearances, including a spot in the NCAA Tournament in 2010-11.  Ragland was an assistant at Northern Kentucky (2015-16) and Bowling Green (2014-15) following his stint with the Sycamores.  He contributed to a 24-11 mark at NKU, which included an NCAA Tournament berth.

His first head coaching opportunity came at Vincennes University where he led the Trailblazers to a 44-19 record in two years at the helm.  The 2009-10 campaign saw them post a 22-10 mark and a run that took the program to the NJCAA District Tournament Finals.  Ragland opened his coaching career at Frank Phillips College where he was part of a squad that went 25-5 in 2004-05.

Graduating from Harrison High School, Ragland was named an All-State Honorable Mention basketball player. He began his collegiate career at Missouri Southern State College in Joplin, where his team went on to the NCAA Division II Final Four during his freshman year. Following his sophomore year, he transferred to the University of Sothern Indiana where he played two seasons, propelling the Screaming Eagles to a total of 47 victories and leading the team in assists both years.

Ragland and his wife, Annie, have two children: Ava and Joshua.

Democrats Ask Again For Suspension Of State’s Gas Tax As Prices Rise

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Democrats Ask Again For Suspension Of State’s Gas Tax As Prices Rise

  • MAY 24, 2022

INDIANAPOLIS—Indiana Democrats are once again calling for Gov. Eric Holcomb to temporarily suspend the state’s gas tax as prices hit a high.

Indiana is forecasted to have a $6.1 million surplus, which legislators say could be used to save Hoosiers money at the pump. House and Senate Democrats asked to suspend the tax at the end of the legislative session and are renewing the calls as prices rise.

“We’re exceeding our numbers on overall sales tax revenue, so the state doesn’t need this money,” DeLaney said in the release. “Either the governor should use his authority to suspend the tax or the General Assembly should do so ourselves during Technical Corrections Day on May 24. It’s what struggling Hoosier families need and deserve.”

Rep. Ragen Hatcher, D-Gary, said in a press release that her constituents would be particularly helped by the suspension of the tax because of long commutes.

“The average Gary resident drives nearly a half hour to get to work each day,” Hatcher said. “Suspending the gas tax would drastically reduce the price at the pump and help Hoosiers get back on their feet after two years of an unpredictable pandemic that impacted many Hoosiers’ incomes.”

Although DeLaney and other Democrats are asking to suspend the gas tax on the May 24 convening of the General Assembly, technical correction sessions are only supposed to be used to make corrections to bills and consider overriding vetoes, according to Indiana code.

In a statement to WRTV, Holcomb said the gas tax should only be suspended by a governor in the event of an energy emergency. The states that have suspended the gas tax did so through the legislature, the statement said.

Georgia, Maryland, and Connecticut have suspended gas taxes, with over a dozen considering similar moves as of April 8, according to CNET.

The gas tax in Indiana is 32 cents per gallon. Sales tax on gas changes monthly and currently stands at 24 cents per gallon for May.

On the last day of the legislative session on March 8,  Sen. Tim Lanane, D-Anderson, and Rep. Gregory Porter, D-Indianapolis, held a press conference and released materials asking for gas sales tax and fuel taxes to be put on hold for the next three months as gas prices began to increase.

Porter said the increase in gas prices due to the conflict in Ukraine is an example of how legislation needs to shift from the beginning of the session to the end as the world changes.

Instead, the Republican supermajority passed House Bill 1002, a multifaceted tax bill that repeals certain utility taxes and gradually decreases income taxes in the state if certain conditions are met.

FOOTNOTE: Taylor Wooten is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

California Bill Would Allow Parents To Sue Social Media Platforms For Kids’

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California Bill Would Allow Parents To Sue Social Media Platforms For Kids’ Addictions

Written By Dannie McIntire

The California Assembly passed a measure Monday that would allow parents to sue social media companies for up to $25,000 per violation if their child becomes addicted to media platforms. The proposed law now goes to the California state senate for additional hearings and would go into effect in January 2023 if passed. 

I have a better idea, why doesn’t the California legislature pass a simpler law requiring a parent to actually be a “parent”. If your child is obsessed with and spending too many hours on social media whose fault is that?

It’s not the media site’s fault, it’s not the child’s fault, the blame lies squarely with the “parenting”. If your child is spending too much time on social media sites, limit their time on such sites, and if necessary take their device away, it’s as simple as that!   

Unfortunately, this malady is not only affecting our children. I can’t count the number of instances I’ve been in a restaurant and observed a family out to enjoy a meal together, everyone in the family with a cell phone in hand with hardly a glance or word was spoken to one another.  How often have you seen a group of apparent friends out together, each one in their own little world glued to their cell phones, with little or no conversation between them?

The art of conversation is being replaced by texting. Now I’m hoping my wife doesn’t read this article. I’ve heard her cell phone “dinging” constantly to the point I think an ice cream truck must be driving by. Me-“who is texting”, wife-“Oh I’m texting with my sister”, Me-“why don’t you just call her”, wife-“angry stare at my intrusion into her texting”. 

Don’t even get me started on when my wife has a group text going with her “Bunco Girls”, the sound effects are equal to listening to a “lightsaber” fight in “Star Wars”. 

Don’t get me wrong, I do appreciate the world of technology we are now living in, however, sometimes it does seem to upset the rules of the universe. Adults should be the teacher, I recall the look on my wife’s face when her then seven-year-old great-niece Grace asked quizzically, “Auntie L, why are you typing, just speak into the phone like this and it will do the text for you”, her expression was “WHAT”! But then at age 68, my wife is still trying to learn how to Cha Cha, I wonder if technology can help with that.  

when her then seven-year-old great-niece Grace asked quizzically, “Auntie L, why are you typing, just speak into the phone like this and it will do the text for you”, her expression was “WHAT”! But then at age 68, my wife is still trying to learn how to Cha Cha, I wonder if technology can help with that.      

 

SEVEN-TIME GRAMMY® WINNER GLADYS KNIGHT GRACES THE PLAZA STAGE ON JULY 31, 2022

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SEVEN-TIME GRAMMY® WINNER GLADYS KNIGHT GRACES THE PLAZA STAGE ON JULY 31, 2022

TICKETS GO ON SALE MAY 27 AT 10 AM

Evansville, IN -  May 26, 2022 – Gladys Knight, known as the ‘Empress of Soul,’ is scheduled to take the Aiken Theatre stage this summer for an amazing show on July 31. The seven-time Grammy Award-winner is known for hits she recorded during the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s with her group The Pips, a group that included her brother Merald “Bubba” Knight and cousins William Guest and Edward Patten.

Knight has recorded two number-one Billboard Hot 100 singles, ‘Midnight Train to Georgia,’ and ‘That’s What Friends Are For,’ eleven number-one R&B singles, and six number-one R&B albums. She has won four Grammy Awards as a solo artist and three Grammys with The Pips. Two of her songs, ‘I Heard It Through the Grapevine,’ and ‘Midnight Train to Georgia,’ were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for ‘historical, artistic and significant value. She also recorded the theme song for the 1989 James Bond film License to Kill. Rolling Stone magazine ranked Knight among the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.

In 1995, Knight earned her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the next year, Gladys Knight & The Pips were inducted into the Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame. Knight published an autobiography, Between Each Line of Pain and Glory (a line taken from her million-selling recording ‘Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me’), and the next year, she and The Pips were presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. In 2004, Knight received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual BET Awards ceremony.

All told, Knight has recorded more than 38 albums over the years, including four solo albums during the past decade, Good Woman, Just for You, Many Different Roads, and At Last, showing the world she still has what it takes to record a hit album. Today, Knight and her husband William, oversee her busy career from the Las Vegas headquarters of Shakeji, Inc., her personal entertainment corporation.

Ticket Information:

What:                   Gladys Knight

When:                  Sunday, July 31, 2022, at 8:00 PM

Where:                Old National Events Plaza, Aiken Theatre

Tickets:                Tickets start at $46.50 plus applicable fees and tax.

For more information about Gladys Knight, visit: www.GladysKnight.com

Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or the Old National Events Plaza Box Office.

For more information about the Aiken Theatre, visit: www.oldnationaleventsplaza.com

About JAC National Management Group

JAC National Management Group LLC brokers concerts, conventions, spectacle shows and sporting events for through its subsidiary company, JAC Life. The core executive team, previously event promoters, leads JAC Management and offer expertise in making dynamic deals on behalf of clients. With a combined 15+ years in the concert industry, JAC Management offers relationships with the world’s top agencies and artist management, routing entertainment icons such as Elton John, Barry Manilow, Tim McGraw, Motley Crue, Cirque Du Soliel, Earth Wind and Fire, Bob Dylan, and more for more information, visit   www.jacmg.com.

About Old National Events Plaza

Old National Events Plaza, managed by ASM Global, is Evansville, Indiana’s premier convention center and largest live entertainment theatre. Housing a spacious 2,500-seat theatre, 38,000 square- feet of column free exhibit space, a beautiful 14,000 square-foot ballroom, and 12,00 square feet of meeting space, Old National Events Plaza hosts a variety of events. The venue offers easy scheduling, one-stop-shop services, and in-house catering and audio-visual services. For more information and a complete schedule of events, please visit www.oldnationaleventsplaza.com.

About ASM Global

ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management – delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 325 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues. For more information, please visit www.asmglobal.com.

 

GARY ALLAN RETURNS TO EVANSVILLE THIS SUMMER WITH SIZZLIN’S NEW TOUR

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GARY ALLAN RETURNS TO EVANSVILLE THIS SUMMER WITH SIZZLIN’S NEW TOUR

TICKETS GO ON SALE NATIONALLY ON MAY 26 AT 10 AM

Evansville, IN -  May 23, 2022 –  American country music artist Gary Allan returns to the Old National Events Plaza on August 27 with The Ruthless Tour: 25 Years the Hard Way. Fans can expect to hear new music from Allan’s new album ‘Ruthless,’ one he calls his most commanding work ever.

“This is a montage of everything I have done since my last album. It’s what I love. I remain influenced by the ‘90s – as well as by the ‘80s. Twenty-six tracks were cut for this album.  Then I went back to the studio and recorded three or four more tracks. Then I returned for two more. From each of these many sessions, I pulled out the cool stuff that I wanted on the record,” Allan says of Ruthless.

Allan made his country music debut with the release of his single ‘Her Man,’ leading to his gold-certified 1996 debut album ‘Used Heart for Sale.’ His second album, ‘It Would Be You,’ followed in 1998 and a third, ‘Smoke Rings in the Dark,’ was his first platinum album. He continued producing chart toppers like ‘Alright Guy,’ and ‘See If I Care,’ which were both certified platinum, while ‘Tough All Over,’ ‘Greatest Hits,’ and ‘Living Hard,’ all certified gold. His next two albums ‘Get Off on the Pain,’ and ‘Set You Free,’both reached the Top 10 on the U.S. Billboard Top Country Albums charts.

Gary Allans’ greatest hits albums have produced 26 singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts, including the number one hits ‘Man to Man,’ ‘Tough Little Boys,’ ‘Nothing On but the Radio,’ and ‘Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain).’  Allen has been nominated for this work by the American Country Awards, Academy of Country Music, and CMT Flameworthy Video Music Awards.

Ticket Information:

What:           Gary Allan

When:          Saturday, August 27, 2022, at 7:30 PM

Where:         Old National Events Plaza | 715 Locust Street | Evansville, IN 47708

Tickets:        Tickets start at $36.50 plus applicable fees and tax.

For more information about Gary Allan visit www.garyallan.com.

Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com or the Old National Events Plaza Box Office.

For more information about the Aiken Theatre, visit www.oldnationaleventsplaza.com

About Old National Events Plaza

Old National Events Plaza, managed by ASM Global, is Evansville, Indiana’s premier convention center and largest live entertainment theatre. Housing a spacious 2,500-seat theatre, 38,000 square- feet of column free exhibit space, a beautiful 14,000 square-foot ballroom, and 12,00 square-feet of meeting space, Old National Events Plaza hosts a variety of events. The venue offers easy scheduling, one-stop-shop services, and in-house catering and audio-visual services. For more information and a complete schedule of events, please visit www.oldnationaleventsplaza.com.

About ASM Global

ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management – delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 325 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues. For more information, please visit www.asmglobal.com