Indy civic leaders defend $6 million cricket park

INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis civic leaders are supporting plans for a $6 million park that will host national cricket championships despite protests from residents.

Critics say the money to create the Indianapolis World Sports Park could be better spent. But Indiana Sports Corp. CEO Allison Melangton says it’s an opportunity to appeal to a new audience.

The Indianapolis Business Journal (http://bit.ly/12MdfXn ) reports the USA Cricket Association has agreed to hold its national championships at the site in 2014, 2015 and 2016. City and association officials don’t have estimates on how many people might attend.

The five fields are also designed for soccer, lacrosse, hurling, rugby, Australian rules football and Gaelic football.

Attorney and sports marketer Milt Thompson says it’s risky to build the project before knowing whether the market will support it.

———

Information from: Indianapolis Business Journal, http://www.ibj.com