Ersal Ozdemir
Chairman of Keystone Group and Owner of Indy Eleven
From pursuing an engineering degree to transforming the city through construction and soccer, Ersal’s remarkable journey and his vision for the future are bringing the world to Indianapolis.
Ersal Ozdemir grew up in Turkey, surrounded by his father’s construction business and he always knew being in construction was what he wanted to do for a living. As a young adult, he left his childhood home and came to the United States to pursue an Engineering Degree.
That pursuit brought Ozdemir to the world-renown Purdue University where he would earn his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. “At first, all I knew of Indiana was Purdue and the Pacers,” said Ozdemir. “But after commuting to Indianapolis for an internship, I saw the potential and opportunity of making a life as a Hoosier.”
In 1998, Ersal Ozdemir settled down in Indianapolis and started his business, Keystone Group. The company started as a construction company, but over the years expanded and diversified into a construction, real estate development, property management and investments company. Over twenty years later, Keystone Group is an undisputed leader in transformational developments, always striving to do good for both their employees and their communities.
But outside of the construction and development world, Ozdemir always dreamed of bringing soccer to Indianapolis. A lifelong soccer fan, he watched how the internet and social media helped cultivate an American audience for “the beautiful game.” At the time, Indianapolis was one of the largest cities in the United States without a professional team, which made it a prime opportunity for growth.
Ersal Ozdemir founded the Indy Eleven soccer team in 2012—with their inaugural game on April 12, 2014, at IUPUI Carroll Stadium. The Indy Eleven first signed German goalkeeper Kristian Nicht, followed by several international players including Brazilian World Cup Champion, Jose Kleberson. With thousands of fans filling the stands, Ozdemir successfully brought the world’s game to Indianapolis.
“I wanted to do what I had seen others do—and give back to the community that helped grow our business {the business of sports},” said Ozdemir. “As you’re able to do more, as you have more resources, you give more. It’s just what you do.”
Ozdemir attributes this mindset to his parents, whose love and support gave him the courage to do what he loved. He was also inspired by dedicated local leaders who devoted their time and financial resources to their community.
Now, Ersal Ozdemir is a naturalized Hoosier who lives and is raising his four children here in Indiana. Over the past 30 years, he’s been committed to building and expanding Indiana’s local amenities and global reputation. Next on his agenda is Eleven Park—a transformational riverfront neighborhood development in downtown Indianapolis anchored by a 20,000-seat soccer stadium. The 20-acre site will also include a large public green plaza, over 600 residential units, retail, restaurants, office space, hotels, public parking and a 4,000-seat music venue.
“We are here to stay,” said Ozdemir. “I want to continue to promote the city and state—to tell the story of why Indianapolis is so great, so more people will want to live and work here and help us become an exceptional, global city.”
