IU-Indy next UCLA?

I thought it about 10 years ago and I'm thinking it now. Is IU-Indy the next UCLA? Well with the new James T Morris Center it might be, especially if they calling it The Jim.

UCLA is University of Cal Los Angeles, a branch of U Cal, just like IU-Indy is an off branch of IU. UCLA isn't thought of like that to average Americans though because of the notoriety it has with its sports programs and culture. It seems like its own powerhouse school, not UTSA to UT, or IUPUI to IU. But UCLA and IU-Indy share 1 thing in common. They both are in bigger cities than their primary school.

Of course Bloomington is a much better college town and will always be, but Indianapolis is a much bigger city and will always be. The opportunities, especially in sports, in the city are endless and a huge draw for athletes coming to school there. They can gain experience working at some of the biggest sporting events in the country, while playing division 1 sports. Something that is very unique and many other schools can't offer.

Purdue was holding IU-Indy back. Indiana has better athletics than Purdue and now that Purdue is out of the picture with the school it might finally be time for IU-Indy to take off. IU will care about their athletics at IU Indy now that they are in total control not sharing with PU.

They got their own tennis courts on campus. Who cares I know. But that was the first step. Now they are building their own indoor basketball and volleyball stadium. A major upgrade from the jungle where they currently play, which is basically a high school gym. Actually much worse than most Indiana high school gyms. And before that they were off campus. There's no football but lot of good sports schools don't, like Creighton. Their basketball team is still in the works but at least they are absolutely electric to watch play this year which is certainly different from when I was there.

USA Track and Field will have offices in the new basketball stadium, so now IU-Indy's T&F program will probably be on the rise. Their soccer stadium has always been the one big recruiting attraction, I thought. Well at least compared to West Indy.

So is it finally time that IU Indy becomes the major city school it should and becomes the UCLA of the east. You heard of Vegas of the east referred to as Nashville. Well Jags are the UCLA of the east. And just as I predicted a new stadium since IU will want the athletics to be good, just wait, the next prediction is a new mascot. Out with the Jags (0 reference to Indiana) and in with the Metros or Bison.

With the Jim... IU Indy 🆙