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GM’s Indianapolis Stamping Plant to Become Concert Venue?

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GM’s Indianapolis Stamping Plant fell into the hands of RACER Trust back in 2011, but the Michigan-based organization has now inked a deal with REI Investments, which hopes to turn the former stamping plant site into a 15,000-seat amphitheater on one half and a new jail and justice center on the other. (Because that’s what every good concert needs—jailed criminals to act as backup dancers.)

An aerial view of GM’s Indianapolis Stamping Plant

An aerial view of GM’s Indianapolis Stamping Plant


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There’s some controversy about the amphitheater plans, however, as there are already large concert locations in the city, including White River State Park (7,400 spectators) and Klipsch Music Center (24,000 spectators). Many feel that a third concert venue is not justified and could create costly competition.

“It’s going to be a war,” commented Gary Bongiovanni to The Indy Star, who is the editor-in-chief of Pollstar, a trade publication for the concert industry. “I don’t know, economically, how three outdoor facilities can exist in a market the size of Indianapolis.”

If for some reason, GM’s Indianapolis stamping plant can’t become a concert venue, Mike Wells, president of REI, says that an alternative solution is to build apartments, retail shops, and restaurants—admittedly not as cool as a concert venue.

The stamping plant was closed during the 2009 bankruptcy.


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