Entertainment is a big part of a $480 million development proposed for the south side of downtown—plans include a 3,400-seat theater to attract the likes of Bruce Springsteen and first-run tours of Broadway shows such as “Wicked.” The question is whether the city can support another midsize venue, especially since similar theaters already are in the works elsewhere. At least one potential competitor isn’t sold on the idea, but backers are undeterred.

“It’s important because we want to make this district a true cultural destination,” said Ryan Zickler, lead developer of the Legends District-SoDo, an 11-acre development planned for the corner of Pennsylvania and South streets. As proposed, SoDo would include 200 condos, up to three hotels, 175,000 square feet of retail space, and the theater. Zickler is in talks with local entertainment power player Dave Lucas to have his firm, Live-360 LLC, manage the venue.

Lucas founded Sunshine Promotions and developed what is now Verizon Wireless Music Center. Lucas’ office referred questions to the developer. The city’s similar-size venues—including the 2,200-seat Clowes Memorial Hall and The Murat Centre’s 2,400-seat theater and 2,000-person Egyptian Room—are too small to lure some of the first-run Broadway shows, Zickler said.

And some music acts pass over Indianapolis because they can’t fill or don’t like the feel of larger venues like Conseco Fieldhouse. “We’re going after things that aren’t being booked here already,” Zickler said. “We think we’re adding to the mix.” Even so, one venue operator is uncertain about the plans. “Between the Murat theater and the Egyptian Room and Clowes, I don’t think there’s a need for an additional theater,” said Clowes Executive Director Elise Kushigian.