Bush Stadium

Bush Stadium, originally called Perry Stadium when it was built by the architectural firm Pierre & Wright, photographed during its construction in the 1930s. Below the photograph is an article from Copper & Brass Bulletin describing the massive lead-coated copper marquee above the entrance to the stadium. Both are from the Fran E. Schroeder Architectural Records Collection.

Images: Bush Stadium Construction Photograph, 34-188, Fran E. Schroeder Architectural Records Collection, Drawings + Documents Archive, Archives and Special Collections, Ball State University Libraries.

Lead-coated Copper marquee protects entrance to new sports stadium at Indianapolis, 34-188, Fran E. Schroeder Architectural Records Collection, Drawings + Documents Archive, Archives and Special Collections, Ball State University Libraries.

Bush Stadium

At one time elegant and stately, historic Bush Stadium (originally Perry Stadium) continues to fascinate us as it awaits its fate. Languishing in its current condition near downtown Indianapolis and on Indiana Landmarks' list of "10 Most Endangered Places," the building has fortunately inspired much revitalization interest lately. It's exciting to hear about plans to preserve the building while making it relevant to current needs.

While the Archive does not have the original plans in our Pierre & Wright Architectural Records Collections, we do have drawings made during renovations in the 1940s-1980s that are in the Indianapolis Parks Collection. If you're interested in seeing any of these drawings, you are welcome to make an appointment to see them here at the Archive.

For more information on the history and condition of Bush Stadium, visit Indiana Landmarks: http://www.historiclandmarks.org/newsphotos/10most/pages/bushstadium.aspx

Image credits:

Perry Stadium, linen postcard, n.d. Postcard Collection.

Perry Stadium, photostat, 1920s. Pierre and Wright Architectural Records Collection.