Lots of questions stirring in the community since last week's unofficial confirmation of Celebration II being held at the Indiana Convention Center & RCA Dome, located in downtown Indianapolis. Several emails have come my way asking why the listing at the ICCRD website list the event time frame from May 1st until May 6th. Sort of weird for a convention to start on a Wednesday of one week and end the following monday. Most likely the event will start on Friday and run through Sunday (May 3rd, 4th, & 5th). The additional time reserved is for the time needed for set up and breakdown. Another item listed at the ICCRD is what space is reserved for use. Marked on the calendar as "Hall B" and shown in red on the above image, Hall B is only 47,000 sq. ft. Too small if you ask me. Perhaps this will be the mother brain of the operation? Other questions asked were, "Why Indianapolis?". I feel Indianapolis was chosen simply due to function and availability. It is some what centrally located in the U.S., large in size (if they reserved enough space) and it is INDOORS. Word has it that this space was also one of very few that fit the needs of the organizers that was still available for the time frame desired. Another factor is it is easily within driving distance of several other major cities, which may draw in more fans unable to afford pricey airfare. If you did not get the chance to go to the Denver Celebration and want to know what it is going to be like please visit this archive page over at TheForce.net. More info can also be found at Starwars.com's coverage of the event.

UPDATE: Several Indy locals have written in with info. Chris N. reports the following:

"While I did not attend the Denver celebration, I have read some of the concerns - the lines, the weather. I'm writing to let you know and to fill in others, as a life long Indianapolis resident and as someone who has been working in downtown Indianapolis for nine years, you're not going to be disappointed. First up hotels, there are at least (off the the top of my head) 12 major hotels within, at maximum, four blocks of the Convention Center in every direction. Four of these hotels are brand new within the past three years, with one opening just last month. It's possible to be in about five of those hotels and never walk outside and still make it into the Convention Center. There's a three-story mall and shopping complex connected to the Convetion Center and there's wide-range of diners, resturants, bars, clubs, bagel joints or whatever you're looking for in every direction - from the Hard Rock Cafe to McDonalds to Indian food. There's also one of the best minor league ballparks in America just across the street from Center. And of course the 56,000 seat RCA Dome is connected to the Center - I don't know if they'll use it for any of the SW festivities. The Center itself is just now finishing up an multi-year expansion project. I attended an electronics show last spring and the facility never looked better. It only takes about 15 (or less) to get from the airport to the Convention Center. Plus the event is timed about two-weeks BEFORE the city undergoes the rush for the Indianapolis 500."

Long time buddy and one of many working for theForce.net, Xizor had this to say:

"I don't know if you have been to the convention center but it one VERY nice facility. I know the hall that is reserved very well ( I attended many a sports card show there) there is easy access to several other rooms of equal size as you can see by the map. Also the fact that can hold a LARGE crowd that is not inside the room I hope was a consideration. Though I didn't make it to Denver, I have heard more than enough war stories to indicate that that was a major problem. People will NOT be disappointed by the Indianapolis choice. Besides the Celebration there will be plenty of things to see and do in the downtown area that time of year. The AAA Indianapolis Indians play just down the street. Indy's' new Arena Football team will be in it's second season and the Pacers should still be playing. Not to mention that could very well be opening weekend at the Speedway. The "Indy Knights" Fan Force group will be getting some info together. IF anyone want to check out the Indy threat on the celebration it is at http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=2260013&start=2288133. We would be glad to answer any question nyone might have. Fans will NOT be disappointed."