soccer

Inside the cavernous Lucas Oil Stadium, amid a sea of 40,000 chanting fans watching the venue’s first soccer match, two different contests were unfolding.

The inside story on forming the team and how the city landed the chance to host a marquee international event on August 1—plus, why pro soccer may actually succeed here this time.

Indiana Blast (1997–2004): They had the best record in the D3 Pro League in 1998, and Jamar Beasley, once of the MLS Chicago Fire, played in 21 games in 2003. But a revolving door of head coaches hampered the Indy club’s success.

For those who dream of taking the plunge, a guide to buying your Indiana lake home. Plus, a primer on renting, for those just testing the waters—featuring Wawasee, Monroe, Michigan, Tippecanoe, Patoka, and more.

Last week Indy was awarded hosting duties for a match featuring a pair of soccer’s international superpowers on Aug. 1. Tickets go on sale tonight (June 4) at 10 p.m. and range from $30 to $135. This came on the heels of the splashy announcement in May that the Indy Eleven pro soccer team will kick into action next year.