Visit Indy held their annual State of Tourism event last week inside the Indiana Convention Center where over one thousand people were in attendance.
State of Tourism is an event where greatness is recognized from all over the city. Sports, art, and culture are among a few of the various categories that are highlighted each year for bringing tourism to the city.
On National Girls and Women in Sports Day, the Indiana Fever were recognized for the excitement the team brought last season, not just in the city of Indianapolis, but in the WNBA as a whole. In fact, the Fever were honored and presented with the 2025 Bill McGowan Leadership Award for bringing record setting tourism numbers to the city in 2024.
"This award recognizes an organization or individual who has helped shine a spotlight on Indy," said Fever legend and Hall of Famer, Tamika Catchings.
we are honored to be recognized with the @VisitIndy Bill McGowan Leadership Award, which is given annually to an individual or group that significantly supports and advocates for Indianapolis and our city’s image.
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) February 6, 2025
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Fever guard and 2024 Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark was in attendance for the event along with GM Amber Cox and Fever President Kelly Krauskopf.
"When I knew I had the chance to come and play for the Fever I was really excited and it was a perfect fit for me," said Clark.
The Fever completed their 2024 season having shattered previous attendance records after recording 340,715 over the course of their 20 home games. Not to mention a large increase in revenue from merchandise sales, viewership and corporate partnerships to name a few. The average attendance per game went from 4,000 fans to averaging 17,000 in 2024, including multiple sell-outs.
"I'm proud to see Indianapolis at the very epicenter of this success," Mayor Joe Hogsett said.
Indianapolis is set to host the 2025 WNBA All Star game this summer.