Indy's homespun charm wins over East Coast fans

By Jim Suhr

Associated Press

Published: Friday, Feb. 3 2012 2:56 p.m. MST

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Bob Plummer drives his truck along Union Street, with a Massachusetts license plate displaying "GIANTS" and an inflated New York Giants character, in Somerset, Mass., on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012. The New York Giants are scheduled to face the New England Patriots in the NFL football Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday, Feb. 5, in Indianapolis.

The Standard-Times, Peter Pereira, Associated Press

Summary

There could have been a culture clash when Northeast fans converged on the Midwest for Super Bowl weekend.

INDIANAPOLIS — There could have been a culture clash when Northeast fans converged on the Midwest for Super Bowl weekend.

But something surprising is happening: Fans are being wowed by Indianapolis' charm.

Indianapolis took a lot of steps to showcase its homespun heritage before the big game. Trainers told taxi drivers, hospitality workers and volunteers to make eye contact and smile with visitors. They also encouraged them to tell people to "have a super day."

Schoolchildren also made homemade cards to put in hotel rooms that showcased what they like about the city.

Fans from New England and New York so far are lauding everything from Indy's friendliness to walkability. And some New Yorkers say they've even found a deli that tastes just like home.

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