A recent study funded by the Indiana Sports Corporation, the NCAA, Butler University and the Horizon League indicates that the NCAA's relocation of its national office to Indianapolis in 1999 is having an estimated annual $63.3 million impact on the local and state economy.

The study, conducted by KPMG LLP Economic Consulting Services, also reveals more than $4 million in annual cost-savings for the NCAA and more than $100 million in direct spending by visitors attending NCAA championships, Conventions and meetings from 2000 to 2006.

The study shows that the presence of the NCAA has led to the creation of 857 jobs. Those are either with the national office staff or with sport organizations that have chosen to make Indianapolis their home as a result of the NCAA's presence, such as the National Federation of State High School Associations, the National Youth Sports Corporation and the Black Coaches Association.

In addition, the NCAA has become a community partner by instituting a number of local outreach initiatives, including the Stay in Bounds sportsmanship program that has been presented to more than 55,000 central Indiana children at 300 area schools. The NCAA Hall of Champions also has hosted a number of exhibits and programs, several of which have celebrated the roles of women and minorities in sport.

"One of the goals of the Association over the last four years has been to make the NCAA an integral part of Central Indiana," said NCAA President Myles Brand. "We want to contribute to the future of Indianapolis and Indiana through education, commerce, tourism and other important areas. The Association can and has made a difference through community partnerships and by offering our time and other resources."

"We believe these figures continue to more than justify the investment in bringing the NCAA here," said Dale Neuburger, president of the Indiana Sports Corporation. "The NCAA's presence has solidified Indianapolis' stature as the nation's amateur sports capital."

The NCAA relocated its national office to Indianapolis in July 1999. Before that, the national office was located in Overland Park, Kansas. Indianapolis was chosen from an initial list of 52 cities that was narrowed down to Indianapolis, Denver, Dallas, and Kansas City, Missouri.

Contributions from more than 100 businesses, foundations and individuals, a matching grant from Lilly Endowment and funding from the State of Indiana amounted to a $50 million investment in the construction of the national office and the Hall of Champions in White River State Park.

Of the $63.3 million generated annually in the state through direct, indirect or induced spending, $40.4 million of that is in Marion County (where Indianapolis is located), according to the study. Another $2.7 million is realized through payroll taxes.

The study also found that for every one dollar spent by the NCAA to Indiana vendors and workers, another 93 cents is spent in the economy.

The NCAA also is saving money by being in Indianapolis, the study showed. In comparison with projected costs had the NCAA remained in Overland Park, the NCAA is annually saving $180,000 in travel costs, $1.5 million in payroll costs, and about $2.4 million for office and warehouse space. The total annual savings amounts to $4.08 million.

The NCAA also conducts at least 50 percent of its annual meetings at the national office. In addition, the 2000 NCAA Convention was in Indianapolis and that event will return to the city in 2006, the NCAA's centennial year.