By Mark Ambrogi
Jeff Belskus never played soccer himself, but he was an interested spectator.
“My children both participated in youth soccer programs in the ZIonsville area,” said Belskus, who has lived in Zionsville in 1988. “So I had some knowledge from that perspective. I’ve been a fan and day by day I’m becoming a more knowledgable fan.”
Belskus, 56, was named as the Indy Eleven president on Jan. 11. Belskus is a former Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and CEO, serving from 2009 to 2013. In October of 2013, he was named president and chief financial officer of Hulman & Co., the Speedway’s parent organization. He retired in early 2015 after 27 years with Hulman & Co.
“This particular opportunity really interested me, and I felt like this is something I can be successful with,” Belskus said. “That’s what motivated me to come out of retirement, if you will. It’s really been energizing. I like what I’m seeing and I feel good about our future.”
Belskus said while racing and soccer are different products, there are similarities in experiences.
“It’s promoting live events and conducting live events,” Belskus said. “It’s selling tickets and doing all the things that go into that from a business perspective. It’s all things we did in motorsports and all things that are applicable here. The skill set transfers really well and I’m excited about the opportunity.”
Belskus said ticket sales and sponsorships will be two high priorities.
“If you ask anybody in the country that runs any sports franchise, they’re probably going to list those as critical important elements,” Belskus said. “Trying to resolve our stadium situation with the quest for a permanent home certainly is a priority as well.”
The Indy Eleven have been playing in Carroll Stadium at IUPUI since its inaugural spring season in the North American Soccer League.
