INDIANAPOLIS -
The city is winning praise for its Super Bowl Legacy Project from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Goodell was among those celebrating the opening of the Chase Near East Side Legacy Center. The center is located on the campus of Arsenal Tech High School.
The center evolved from an NFL Charities project. For the past 18 years, NFL Charities has donated $1 million toward building Youth Education Towns (YETs) in at-risk neighborhoods.
Indianapolis' initiative went far beyond any other host city, with the community raising another $10.3 million toward the project.
Goodell said, "To all of you and your leadership, you have exceeded every goal and every expectation the NFL has had."
The 27,000-square-foot facility includes a gym and fitness area along with classrooms, a teaching kitchen, state-of-the-art media center and greenhouse.
Arsenal Tech will also get the artificial turf from the AFC practice field, which Tech football player Charles Snyder says is greatly needed.
"We used to call it the mud bowl, because when it's wet and rainy it's a mess," said Snyder.
Demetrius Lately, who runs track at Tech, also appreciates the other improvements in his neighborhood, from the new streets and sidewalks to the housing and new commercial development.
"It will help out our neighborhood, bring attention to it and bring more community involvement, stuff like that," said Lately.
Many initiatives were underway before Indianapolis was chosen to host the Super Bowl. The overall investment is estimated at $154 million; 55% from government monies the remainder from corporate and private donations.
Colts owner Jim Irsay says the near east side will benefit for years after Super Bowl XLVI.
"This is really to give an opportunity to and to change the near east side," Irsay said. "It's about kids having dreams and hope and these things make such a big difference in the community."
Indianapolis' Youth Education Town also stands out as the only one to open before the Super Bowl.
The YET Center will provide the opportunity for a wide variety of activities including health, fitness, wellness, cultural, educational, and family strengthening programs designed to benefit near east side residents.
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