Bloomington: The Movie

HLA and SchrockStar 

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Lucas Oil Stadium ranked #1

The stadium that Peyton built, erected a year after the Colts won the Superbowl, sits alone at the top of the rankings - much like its neighbor down the street, Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Not only does Indianapolis provide a safe, affordable, compact downtown with plenty of hotspots, the city also offers the best basketball and football venues in the country. To top that off, the city also boasts impressive products on the field as well. How impressive? Well, both the Pacers and Colts are ranked #1 this year (or have been), while featuring the best young-pro-athlete-duo around: Paul George and Andrew Luck.
Anyway, back to Lucas Oil... Retractable roof? Check. Food variety? Check. Scenic view of the city? Check. Wide-open hallways allowing for easy access and decreased traffic? Check. With over 350 concession stands, lines rarely take more than a minute or two.  The stadium and the city also masterfully hosted a Superbowl last year.

Lets take a look at the other factors making Indy #1:

• professionals
• Airport
• dating
• jobs
• sex
• affordable homes
• spectator events
• sports

Ryan Newman wins Brickyard

Just weeks after announcing this would be his final year under Tony Stewart's ownership, Hoosier Ryan Newman won the 2013 Brickyard 400 at the IMS today.

The South Bend native followed through with today's victory after a record-setting pace that won him the pole earlier this week, at 187.531 MPH. Now closer to 40 y/o than 30, this win cements his legacy - his trophy case includes 2002 Rookie of the Year, 2003 Driver of the Year, 2008 Daytona and 2003 All-Star race winner.

Indy bachelors spend the most on first date

Another national study [this time a dating site called WhatsYourPrice] has Indianapolis listed as the top-ranked city; $226 - the average amount men were willing to spend for a chance at love. Miami and Philly placed 2nd and third, respectively. What does that say when single men are willing to drop an amount equal to a car note or pair of Jordans, on a first date. Wise investment strategy, if you ask me. Generous men make better lovers. We already know Indy is #1 in that.

IU baseball now on the map

Omaha to be specific.
After winning the both the regular season title and the tournament championship, the Indiana Hoosiers blasted their way past regional foes including Florida and Florida State to advance to the College World Series for the first time in program history. This marks the first time a B1G team has made it to the final stage since 1984. On Thursday, three Hoosiers were drafted (Ryan Halstead, Dustin DeMuth and Aaron Slegers) all by the Minnesota Twins, and they're all roommates! I smell a Reality TV show in the making. Or movie. All depends how far IU goes in the CWS. They face I-65 rival Louisville on Saturday in a best-of-3 format. IU won 2 of 3 vs the Cardinals earlier this season.

And contributing to the bounty of championships won in the past year, Track & Field stud Derek Drouin won his 5th national title (NCAA record) this weekend, clearing 7'10" in the high jump.

Indy #1 City for Young Professionals

Factoring in college-grad unemployment rate (1.9%), cost of living (#1) and wages (73% higher than non-college-grads), SurveyDonkey has named Indianapolis the top place to live for college graduates. This is the gazillionth* time Central Indiana has taken home top honors in a similar category. National publications have taken notice, have you?

* rough estimate

Indy features nations best young pro studs

1. Indy: Paul George and Andrew Luck
2. Washington: Bryce Harper and RG3
3. San Fran: Buster Posey and Colin Kaepernick
4.  L.A.: Mike Trout and Blake Griffin
5. Houston: JJ Watt and James Harden
6. Chicago: Derrick Rose and Jonathan Toews
7. Pittsburgh: Sidney Crosby and Andrew McCutchen
8. Tampa: Steven Stamkos and Doug Martin
9. ATL: Julio Jones and Justin Upton
10. Dallas: Dez Bryant and Yu Darvish

Hicks v Knicks

The rivalry was unofficially born in '93, climaxed in '95, and renewed at the turn of the century. Six playoff meetings in 8 years ending in 2000. If you look at today's Pacers roster, all of them were just kids when this happened, even David West. Larry Bird built this team, following Donnie Walsh's footsteps, then Walsh built this current Knickerbocker squad. That's why this match-up is a basketball lovers dream: each team's playing style reflecting their home market's identity. NYC run&gun/street ball versus Indiana's defense/rebounding.
Hoosiers vs Hoopers, or Hoovers, or Hooders... I'm still working on an improved title, but until then its "Hicks vs Knicks"