INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — In 1987, Indianapolis successfully hosted the Tenth Pan-American Games, transforming the city into a hub for international sports.

The games, often dubbed the “Olympics of the Western World,” brought athletes from across the Americas to compete in various sports venues throughout the city. Mayor William Hudnut saw this as an opportunity to establish Indianapolis as the amateur sports capital of the world.

The games featured events at iconic locations such as the Hoosier Dome for gymnastics, Hinkle Fieldhouse for volleyball and Bush Stadium for baseball. The opening ceremony took place at the renowned Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A significant logistical challenge was housing the athletes, which was resolved by accommodating them at Fort Harrison. This solution included providing a village-like environment with entertainment, food and shopping facilities.

The games also marked the first time Cuban athletes competed in the United States since the 1950s, due to Cold War tensions. Despite some controversies involving Cuban athletes and Cuban Americans, the games proceeded successfully. A memorable moment from the event included Jim Abbott, a pitcher with one hand, playing for the USA baseball team. His performance inspired many, including a young boy named David who shared the same birth defect.

The 1987 Pan-American Games were a significant event for Indianapolis, showcasing the city’s ability to host a major international sports competition.

Preparation for the 1987 Pan Am Games in Indianapolis

This video is a compilation of WISH-TV’s coverage of the preparation of the event.

Carl Lewis dominates at Pan Am Games | Canadian sharpshooters’ Pan Am honeymoon

WISH-TV covered the Pan Am Games in 1987, where American athlete Carl Lewis competed in the long jump and 4x100m relay events. In another package, WISH-TV highlighted a newlywed Canadian athletic couple who traveled to Indianapolis for the Pan Am games.