Personally, I think the hundreds of millions that Indianapolis and other cities spend on supporting sports teams are resources that have better uses. That said, the sports system in the United States is one of the primary reasons our military is unmatched worldwide. Having an improvised class of people (because of the dedication it takes to try and the sheer numbers that CANNOT make it in professional sports) who spend their entire childhoods focused on nothing but physical fitness serves the military industrial complex very well.
My personal politics aside, as far as sports centers go, Gainbridge Fieldhouse is a beauty. Well designed to serve multiple purposes and unlike its predecessors, it is not an eyesore. Here is the low down on it and the teams that play there.
Overview and Location:
Gainbridge Fieldhouse is a prominent indoor arena located in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. Situated at 125 South Pennsylvania Street, the arena is an integral part of the city’s sports and entertainment landscape. It is well-known for hosting a variety of events, including professional basketball games, concerts, conventions, and other major events.
Construction and Design:
- Construction: The arena, originally named Conseco Fieldhouse, opened on November 6, 1999. It was built to replace Market Square Arena, which had served as the home of the Indiana Pacers since 1974. The construction of Gainbridge Fieldhouse marked a significant upgrade in terms of facilities, design, and fan experience. The total cost of construction was approximately $183 million.
- Design: Gainbridge Fieldhouse was designed to resemble a classic fieldhouse, with a blend of modern amenities and a nostalgic feel. The architectural firm Ellerbe Becket, known for their work on sports venues, designed the arena. The fieldhouse-style design includes large windows, exposed steel, and a spacious concourse, creating an inviting and fan-friendly atmosphere.
History and Uses:
- Primary Uses: Gainbridge Fieldhouse is primarily known as the home of the NBA’s Indiana Pacers and the WNBA’s Indiana Fever. Beyond basketball, the arena hosts a wide array of events such as concerts, family shows, ice hockey, wrestling events, and conventions. It has also been the venue for several NCAA basketball tournaments and other high-profile sporting events.
- Naming History: The arena has undergone a few name changes since its opening:
- Conseco Fieldhouse: (1999–2011) – The original name, under a sponsorship agreement with Conseco, an insurance company.
- Bankers Life Fieldhouse: (2011–2021) – After Conseco rebranded as CNO Financial Group, the arena was renamed to reflect the company’s Bankers Life subsidiary.
- Gainbridge Fieldhouse: (2021–present) – The current name, under a new sponsorship agreement with Gainbridge, a financial services company.
Teams and Their History:
Indiana Pacers (NBA):
- Founded: 1967, as a charter member of the American Basketball Association (ABA).
- Previous Venues:
- Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum: (1967–1974) – The Pacers’ original home during their early ABA years.
- Market Square Arena: (1974–1999) – The Pacers moved to this downtown Indianapolis venue in 1974. Market Square Arena was known for its intimate setting and was the site of many significant moments in Pacers history, including their transition from the ABA to the NBA in 1976.
- Move to Gainbridge Fieldhouse: The Pacers relocated to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in 1999, marking a new era for the team. The arena has since hosted numerous playoff games, including the team’s runs to the Eastern Conference Finals and the 2000 NBA Finals.
- Notable Moments: Gainbridge Fieldhouse has been the site of many memorable moments, including Reggie Miller’s final seasons and the team’s playoff battles in the 2000s and 2010s.
Indiana Fever (WNBA):
- Founded: 2000, as a WNBA expansion team.
- Home Arena: The Fever have played their entire existence at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, making it their first and only home.
- Championship Success: The Fever won their first WNBA Championship in 2012, with the decisive Game 4 of the Finals being held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Legacy and Impact:
Gainbridge Fieldhouse is more than just a sports venue; it is a cultural landmark in Indianapolis. It has played a crucial role in the revitalization of downtown Indianapolis and continues to be a hub for entertainment and community events. The fieldhouse is celebrated for its fan-friendly environment, excellent sightlines, and the ability to host a wide range of events, making it a cornerstone of Indianapolis’s vibrant sports and entertainment scene.
In addition to hosting the Pacers and Fever, Gainbridge Fieldhouse has also been a key venue for major basketball tournaments, including the Big Ten Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments, and the first rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The arena’s flexible design and modern amenities ensure that it remains a top destination for sports and entertainment in the Midwest.
