In 2016, Indy welcomed an L.A-based crew of 140 people to transform the north-end of Monument Circle into a grueling obstacle course, fit for a ninja. Brian Richardson, Executive Producer of American Ninja Warrior and Indy-native, was one of the people responsible for bringing the competition to Indianapolis in 2016 for the show’s 8th season, which had over seven million primetime viewers and about $1 million in economic impact to the city. This year, we’re happy to welcome Brian back to his hometown for the production of the 10th season of American Ninja Warrior.
Richardson grew up in Indianapolis and attended Perry Meridian High School before starting his college education at Indiana University. After school, Richardson's career led him to the west coast, where he’s worked for NBCUniversal on popular shows such as Hell’s Kitchen and American Ninja Warrior. Although he’s L.A-based, Richardson always enjoys his travels back to Indianapolis and was determined to bring the show to his hometown.
“Not to be biased,” said Richardson, “but Indianapolis is one of the best cities the show has been to. It’s a city that just works. We loved our experience here and had a great time.”
What makes the city so great? Richardson said it’s a combination of the people and the atmosphere of Monument Circle.
“We love filming at Monument Circle because it feels like the city is moving around with you. It’s like an amphitheater, and it was so fun to have people stop by and watch to see what we were doing. When we go to a place like Indy, it’s just easy for us. The people are great and we always see the ‘Midwest Hospitality.’ Everyone here is so supportive.”
Although Brian couldn’t give away too many details about the new and exciting things coming to American Ninja Warrior for its 10th season, he did say that there are couple things to look out for, including new wrinkles to the course that people will love. We’re excited to invite you back to the Circle City, Brian!
Here’s some relevant information for the 2018 filming of American Ninja Warrior in Indianapolis:
Dates:
The crew arrives in Indianapolis on April 23 and will spend a total of six days setting up the stage and obstacle course. Once the set-up is complete, there are two nights of filming on Sunday, April 28 and Monday, April 29. The filming will go throughout the night and end in the early hours of Tuesday, May 1.
Tickets:
Film Indy and NBC are working with local non-profits to fill the seats for the two nights of filming. 500 bleacher seats are available for fans who will watch the 130ish contestants battle through the obstacle course. Fans must have tickets to attend the filming, and tickets are rewarded through a lottery system which people are encouraged to sign up for here. Filming takes place throughout the night, so fans should expect a time slot between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. on Sunday or Monday. Local Indy businesses on the Circle will remain open throughout the night to provide food and drinks to viewers and spectators.