INDIANAPOLIS — City and state leaders joined the Indiana University Indianapolis community on Nov. 11 to officially dedicate the James T. Morris Arena, a new 3,902-seat multipurpose venue honoring the legacy of the late civic leader, philanthropist, and IU alumnus.
Located at 725 W. Ohio St. in downtown Indianapolis, the $110 million facility—also known as “The Jim”—was funded by approximately $89 million in state appropriations and a $21 million investment from IU. Construction on the project began with a groundbreaking in February 2025.
The arena serves as a state-of-the-art home for IU Indianapolis Jaguars basketball and volleyball while also housing 16,000 square feet of office space for USA Track & Field (USATF). Officials noted that co-locating USATF with the campus creates unique educational and professional pathways for students pursuing careers in sports management, hospitality, and tourism.
The dedication ceremony featured remarks from IU President Pamela Whitten, Jackie Morris (wife of the late Jim Morris), and IU Indianapolis Athletic Director Luke Bosso.
“Jim Morris devoted his life to strengthening communities and creating opportunities for others,” said President Whitten. “The James T. Morris Arena honors that remarkable legacy by creating a place that strengthens our partnership with the city and helps prepare the next generation of leaders.”
Jim Morris was widely recognized for his decades of public service, business leadership, and philanthropy, including roles with Pacers Sports & Entertainment, the administration of Indianapolis Mayor Richard G. Lugar, Lilly Endowment Inc., and the United Nations World Food Programme, alongside extensive service on the IU Board of Trustees.
