As Mark Miles walks through downtown Indianapolis, he can’t help but notice the indelible stamp left by Jim Irsay. From iconic sports venues to the J.W. Marriott hotel and the Pan Am Plaza under construction, these landmarks signal the metamorphosis of this Midwestern city, once seen as Indiana No Place, into a vibrant Indiana Some Place largely due to the influence of the Colts’ longstanding owner.
As Indianapolis gears up for a Memorial Day weekend teeming with sports events, Miles, a veteran local sports executive, feels a profound sense of loss knowing Irsay isn’t here to witness the culmination of his efforts. Jim Irsay passed away in his sleep at the age of 65, leaving a legacy of community and sports advocacy.
“He had such a giant heart and was devoted to the people here. It’s a tremendous loss,” Miles lamented. Despite the sorrowful reminder of Irsay’s absence, his daughter Casey Irsay Foyt will carry on the family’s legacy as the honorary starter at the Indianapolis 500. Track officials have noted this gesture is symbolic of the new generation stepping up, represented by Irsay’s daughters, including Carlie Irsay-Gordon and Kalen Jackson.
Miles, along with his role as CEO and president of IndyCar and Penske Entertainment, has witnessed firsthand the growth of Indianapolis — much of which is attributed to Irsay’s visionary impact. The city has flourished under the international attention garnered by events like two NBA All-Star Games and the College Football Playoff National Championship.
This weekend showcases a spectacular alignment of sports, featuring Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever playing against defending champions in the WNBA, and a full house expected Sunday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the world’s largest single-day sporting event, the Indianapolis 500. That same evening, the NBA’s Indiana Pacers will play the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals.
Irsay’s far-reaching influence was not just obvious to Miles. Herb Simon, owner of the Indiana Pacers, reflected on Irsay’s legacy, stating, “He was more than just the owner of the Colts. He was a transformative force, a community advocate whose generosity and vision touched many.”
After the Colts’ dramatic move from Baltimore to Indianapolis, Irsay demonstrated his commitment to the city’s growth, never once suggesting relocation even during critical negotiations for a new stadium in the early 2000s. Miles recalls Irsay’s unwavering support for the 1987 Pan American Games, an event which broadened Indianapolis’s international presence beyond motorsports.
Without Jim Irsay, Indianapolis might never have hosted Super Bowl 46. “The vision and commitment of Irsay and the Colts were crucial in bringing the Super Bowl to this city,” noted Miles.
The streets of the city this weekend offer perhaps the most tangible tribute to Irsay’s legacy. A once barren downtown is now bustling, with several hotels, dining establishments, and sports venues such as Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Lucas Oil Stadium, and the Irsay Family YMCA gracing the area.
Indianapolis has transformed dramatically, with locals well aware of who played a pivotal role. “As we dive into this phenomenal sports weekend, we pause to remember his transformative impact on our city’s landscape,” said Chris Gahl of Visit Indy. “It’s fitting but tough to celebrate knowing he has only just passed. His tweet cheering for Indy just before his passing captures the culture he ingrained here.”