Experience
DAVID LETTERMAN
From Muncie, the greatest city in the world!
Late night TV icons are just like the rest of us… they put on their worldwide pants one leg at a time.
Muncie is proud to be home to the alma mater of one of pop culture’s greats: David Letterman. Dave got his start manning the mic at Ball State’s on-campus radio station in the ’60s before going on to take late night entertainment by storm, hosting popular—if not eccentric—talk shows on national television for over three decades. Dave has remained connected to his old stomping grounds that he affectionately refers to as the “Harvard of Muncie” through student scholarships, immersive learning projects, a distinguished lecture series, and more.
The fiercest robin-sized bird in the animal kingdom
Dave has always been proud to be a Ball State Cardinal. On campus, media students learn in a state-of-the-art facility named in his honor. Dave regularly returns to campus bringing top personalities in media and pop culture with him. Guests of his lecture series have included Caitlin Clark, David Arquette, Rachel Maddow, and Oprah Winfrey. Following the donation of over 1,000 items from his storied late night career, graduate students in the David Letterman Learning Experience have created several immersive storytelling experiences inspired by the collection. Dave’s IndyCar team—Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing—has partnered with Ball State eSports, providing scholarships for members of the varsity team.
Late Night Connection
Dave’s Alley, in the 200 block of south Walnut Street and named in Dave’s honor over 20 years ago, serves both as a connection to the downtown district and with the senses. Midnight Palace, a light installation designed by Chicago-based architecture practice Future Firm and installed by MuncieArts, shines up the alley at night. The artists created the piece to recognize occupants of the “midnight city,” those who live during the noctural hours: third-shift workers, restaurant workers, truckers, parents of newborns, and yes, even late night TV hosts. Much like Dave lit up the homes of America each night for over thirty years, Midnight Palace in Dave’s Alley shines bright for those taking in DWNTWN’s vibrant nightlife.
Dave’s Alley and Midnight Palace are in the heart of the bustling downtown district’s many one-of-a-kind restaurants, bars, shops, and arts & culture. Annual events draw crowds from around the region to experience the city’s unique charm. Time spent in Muncie is not complete without experiencing DWNTWN.
And now, it's time for
Small Town News
No Top Ten List of Muncie experiences is complete without a trip to The Village, Muncie’s own small-town-within-a-town. The unique shopping, dining, and nightlife district is just steps off Ball State’s campus and is the perfect place to experience the quintessential college town culture. Watch for exciting changes coming to The Village as a new performing arts center, boutique hotel, and innovation center join the blend of restaurants, bars, shops, and venues that give the district its unique flavor.