Dome Auction Proceeds Won't Go To Nonprofits After All

INDIANAPOLIS -- Officials have voted not to give proceeds from an online auction of RCA Dome memorabilia to two private nonprofit groups.

The Capital Improvement Board, which operates the dome, originally had planned to allow the Indiana Sports Corp. and Indianapolis Colts Foundation to run the sale and keep the proceeds, but the board reversed course Thursday.

An Indianapolis law firm had filed a lawsuit saying proceeds from the sale of public property should go to pay off debt still owed for the dome rather than go to the two private nonprofit organizations.

The CIB will now put the proceeds -- which it estimates will be less than $1 million -- in its general fund, which it uses to attract sporting events and conventions to Indianapolis.

"In our opinion, (the money) is going back to the benefit of the taxpayers," said CIB president Bob Grand.

However, the CIB will let the Sports Corp. keep a $200,000 fee for selling and delivering the stadium seats and other items.

The new agreement does not include field turf to be mounted in plaques or lockers, both of which are Indianapolis Colts property.

Grand said he hopes the change will satisfy the public and head off the lawsuit.

The RCA Dome will be demolished and replaced in time for the start of the 2008 NFL season by the $700 million Lucas Oil Stadium one block to the south.