[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 8, 2012)]
[House]
[Pages H581-H582]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1040
   CONGRATULATING THE CITY OF INDIANAPOLIS AS HOST OF SUPER BOWL XLVI

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Carson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the great 
city of Indianapolis, my hometown, for doing an outstanding job as the 
host of Super Bowl XLVI.
  On Sunday, two teams played an incredible game; but I believe that 
the events leading up to kickoff, organized by countless community 
organizations, good corporate citizens, committed public leaders, and 
thousands of volunteers, were as impressive as any play

[[Page H582]]

on the field. Over 1 million visitors enjoyed the free festivities of 
Super Bowl Village, and a record 265,000 fans visited the NFL 
experience to test their passing and kicking skills and to meet their 
favorite players. So I was not surprised when Indianapolis received 
rave reviews for its accessibility, downtown amenities, civic 
commitment, and famed Hoosier hospitality.
  Yet this success, Mr. Speaker, did not stop with the blocks 
surrounding Lucas Oil Stadium. With Commissioner Goodell and the NFL's 
assistance, I am confident that the impact of this Super Bowl will last 
far longer than the memories of that final Hail Mary pass.
  Indianapolis embarked on an unprecedented effort to rebuild one of 
its hardest-hit areas. Even before the recession hit, Indianapolis' 
Near Eastside, a patchwork of neighborhoods just outside of downtown, 
led the Nation in foreclosures, and families were too often rattled by 
violent crime; but today, thanks to relentless efforts by community 
residents and with the Super Bowl as its springboard, Indianapolis' 
Near Eastside has been rejuvenated.
  It has been given new life through housing developments like the St. 
Clair Senior Apartments, Commonwealth Apartments, and Building a Living 
Legacy housing initiative. These new housing options will help seniors 
and low-income families stay in the community they love and access the 
services they rely on, like the John Boner Community Center and 
People's Health and Dental Center. They will help the homeless find a 
new start and working men and women to locate near their employers.
  On Super Bowl weekend, we also saw the grand opening of the Chase 
Near Eastside Legacy Center, which includes the area's only fitness 
center now offering low membership rates. This center will be home to 
the Youth Education Town. It is a facility that will provide classes to 
students of all ages through great national and local non-profits.
  While other host cities spend Super Bowl weekend breaking ground on 
projects, Indianapolis spent ours opening doors for these new 
facilities. Collectively, the Near Eastside redevelopment effort serves 
as a model, not only for what can be achieved throughout Indianapolis, 
but across this great Nation. Just a few years ago, the Near Eastside 
and all of Indianapolis were suffering the worst of the economic 
downturn. We had some of the Nation's highest unemployment, foreclosure 
and bankruptcy rates; but today our unemployment rate is near the 
national average and is getting better. Our critics counted us out many 
times, but this weekend showed that we are a modern city.
  Mr. Speaker, this weekend, Indianapolis showcased why it is America's 
best-kept secret. It showed that we are a prime destination for 
conventions and big events and that we have some of the best sports 
facilities anywhere. It is with great pride that I ask my colleagues to 
join me in congratulating Indianapolis, Indiana, and all of those who 
worked so hard to make this event a huge success.

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