Breaking ground on new campus arena

On Feb. 19, at the Herron School of Art and Design, IU Indianapolis students, alumni, members of the athletic department, board members and government officials gathered together to celebrate the groundbreaking of the James T. Morris Arena.

“No one loved Indiana and Indianapolis more than Jim. To us, though, Jim was family, a lifelong friend, a mentor and the ultimate fan. He was a constant presence in Gainbridge Fieldhouse and an endless source of optimism on the future of his beloved Pacer, Fever, and Indiana University. Jim will be sorely missed by all of us, and we will keep him and his family in our prayers now and always,” according to a statement by Herb Simmons, owner of the Pacers, the Simmons family and Pacers Sports and Entertainment.

Indiana University president Pamela Whitten, welcomed attendees and gave remarks about the impact the new arena will have on both the campus and the city of Indianapolis. Whitten explained that this arena will serve as a multi-purpose facility that will inspire future generations and athletes. She also mentioned how it will contribute to the local economy and, “make Indianapolis a more vibrant and dynamic destination.” Like many of the other speakers, she acknowledged that Jim Morris left a legacy of hope and ambition by advocating for the construction of this arena.

Along with Whitten, there were seven other speakers who took the stage, each representing National Governing Bodies, Government officials or athletes, all of which will be positively impacted by the construction of the arena. Every speaker, aside from the student athlete, also shared stories about their conversations with Jim Morris and his vision for sports within the city of Indianapolis.

Indianapolis mayor Joe Hogsett, was a close friend of Morris and expressed his happiness at seeing his dream come to fruition. He spoke about the importance of sponsorship and how Indianapolis, in his opinion, is the sports capital of the world. “This city values athletes and athletic competition, which can bring people together. This is the sort of community that made and encouraged Jim to be the focus of many projects in this city and state,” Hogsett said.

Indiana Sports Corp. chair and Horizon League commissioner Julie Roe Lach, talked about how Morris was among the first to say go for it and saw the true potential in projects. She went on to discuss how, from a Horizon League stand point, they emphasize major cities and focus on providing major experiences for student athletes and fans. “And I have no doubt that the ‘Jim’ will deliver on just that,” Lach said.

USA Track and Field CEO Max Siegel, shared how Morris had embraced him and mentored him throughout his entire career. Morris had shared his vision with Siegel about growing sports in Indianapolis and as a result of that vision, USATF decided to stay in Indianapolis. Siegel acknowledged that this was another proof of Morris’ contribution to the city. “Although all of us will miss Mr. Morris very dearly and deeply, every day we feel his presence and he will be with us forever,” Siegel said.

Indiana University Indianapolis chancellor Latha Ramchand, spoke on how, “they [IUI] commit to every one that the experience…that will happen in that arena will speak to the values that Jim Morris stood for: faith, family, friends, community and location.” Ramchand also talked about how IU Indianapolis is dedicated to involving and connecting the community with the university through the power of sports.

Kate White, a sophomore at the Kelley School of Business and player for IUI’s women’s volleyball team, spoke on how the Morris Arena is a symbol of growth, commitment and admission shared by students and student athletes. It also represents the direction that IUI athletics is headed. “Morris Arena is an investment in us and an acknowledgement of all the work we have been putting in the past few years,” White said.

Indiana University Board of Trustees chair Quinn Buckner, concluded the event by saying, “Jim was beyond special, he was a great connector…and an eternal optimist…everyone here has been affected in one way or another by Jim’s services and unparalleled commitment to the city of Indianapolis, the state of Indiana, and Indiana University.” After Buckner’s address, all the speakers took the stage and grabbed shovels to officially mark the groundbreaking of the arena.

On the pamphlet handed to all guests was a quote from President Whitten which read, “no individual epitomized the idea of service to IU and the city of Indianapolis more than Jim Morris. This recognition is only fitting for our vision of an arena that will serve both the university and the community. It was Jim’s advocacy at the Statehouse that helped propel this project forward, and now generations of IU students and campus visitors will benefit.”

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