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Indiana's Entertainment Scene Heats Up with Comic Con, Sports, and Monster Trucks in Indy
In downtown Indianapolis, a clash of the fans is underway as three major events converge on the city this weekend.
Indiana Comic Con kicked off on Friday afternoon and ends Sunday evening, bringing together fans of comics, movies, and TV shows. The Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament started on Wednesday and will end on Sunday, drawing in college basketball enthusiasts from around the region. Meanwhile, Monster Jam is taking over Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, thrilling audiences with high-powered monster trucks.
Despite the different interests and passions of these three groups, they all share a common thread: Hoosier Hospitality. Whether it's cosplayers dressed to impress at Comic Con or Purdue basketball fans cheering on their team in the Big Ten Tournament, everyone is showing up ready to have fun and make memories.
For some attendees, the excitement is palpable. Keziah Muthama, dressed as Poison Ivy, and her friend Mallory Anness, dressed as Harley Quinn, were attending their first Indiana Comic Con on Friday.
"I stayed up all night working on this costume," Muthama said. "I just like making costumes."
Muthama hand-glued each leaf onto her outfit, dedicating six hours to the top alone and a few more to the rest of the costume.
Anness had similar dedication to her Harley Quinn costume, spending 14 hours overall on the wig alone.
Ashlie Massey, a repeat Comic Con attendee, praised the Indiana event's smaller size, saying it allows for better celebrity encounters and a more enjoyable experience.
"It’s really cool here. I like getting to meet the people – it’s actually nice getting the chance to meet the people because out there’s just too many people," Massey said. "You don’t have to wait as long for the celebrities and stuff because out there it’s just ridiculous. You can’t have any fun when there’s just too many people."
Meanwhile, Purdue basketball fans were also in attendance, mixing with Comic Con-goers and Monster Jam enthusiasts in a display of Hoosier Hospitality.
Lucy McFarland, an 11-year-old Purdue superfan, was thrilled to be supporting her team. "My parents went to Purdue for college and Purdue is just the best college ever," she said. "They have good fans. Good players – Zach Edey and Braden Smith are the best."
Craig Dragash and his wife Denise were heading to the Purdue game, hoping their team would bring home a victory.
"Very excited," Craig said. "Kinda hit a little skid lately but hoping they will bring it back and take one home tonight."
Denise echoed her husband's sentiments: "It’s great to see all of the Big Ten madness around here. I love it – a Purdue victory, of course!"