Credited with fielding one of the first football teams in Indiana and hosting many of the earliest games, it also promoted baseball and boxing matches.

The IAC was a founding member of the Amateur Athletic Union of the United States on January 21, 1888.

[3][4] The club had over 2,000 members including governors, mayors, legislators, community leaders, business men, and college, professional and Olympic athletes.

The other athletic facilities included the pool, a full-court basketball gym, racquetball courts, squash courts, weight room, cardiovascular equipment, and steam room.

On February 5, 1992, a fire caused by faulty refrigerator wiring killed one overnight guest and two firemen.