Helena Frye
Indianapolis, Indiana, is home to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, a basketball arena located in the heart of downtown. The indoor arena, which opened in 1999, is the home of the Indiana Pacers (NBA) and the Indiana Fever (WNBA). It was designed primarily for basketball and has a seating capacity of 18,345. Gainbridge Fieldhouse has also hosted several notable basketball tournaments, including the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament and the NBA All-Star Game. Previously, basketball games in Indianapolis were held at the Market Square Arena, completed in 1974 with a seating capacity of 16,530 for basketball. Market Square Arena was demolished in 2001.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the basketball arena in Indianapolis | Gainbridge Fieldhouse |
| Year of opening | November 1999 |
| Previous names | Conseco Fieldhouse, Bankers Life Fieldhouse |
| Owner | Indianapolis' Capital Improvement Board |
| Seating capacity | 18,345 (69 luxury suites and 2,400 club suites) |
| Seating capacity for ice hockey | 11,651 |
| Other sports played | Ice hockey |
| Teams | Indiana Pacers (NBA), Indiana Fever (WNBA), Indiana Firebirds (AFL), Indianapolis Ice (CHL) |
| Events hosted | NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, NBA All-Star Game, WWE Raw, WWE SmackDown, WCW Sin, The Great American Bash, SummerSlam, Survivor Series, Clash of Champions, Fastlane, Big Ten Conference men's and women's basketball tournaments |
| Location | Downtown Indianapolis |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Gainbridge Fieldhouse: the primary basketball arena in Indianapolis
- Market Square Arena: former home of the Indiana Pacers, demolished in 2001
- NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament: hosted in Indianapolis in 2021
- NBA All-Star Game: hosted in Indianapolis in 1985 and 2024
- WNBA Indiana Fever: the women's basketball team that calls Gainbridge Fieldhouse home
Gainbridge Fieldhouse: the primary basketball arena in Indianapolis
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, originally named Conseco Fieldhouse, is an indoor arena located in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. It opened in November 1999 to replace Market Square Arena. The venue was designed primarily for basketball and is the home of the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Indiana Fever of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). The Pacers have committed to remaining in the city for at least another 25 years.
The arena has a seating capacity of 18,345, including 69 luxury suites and 2,400 club suites. The Founders Level is regarded as having the best seats, with 16 rows radiating from the court into the arena. The Fieldhouse also has an Entry Pavilion, which is the main gathering place for fans before and after games, and a Grand Staircase leading to the different levels of the arena. Unlike most other North American sports arenas, the building was designed to evoke an Indiana high school and college field house, with a brick and glass façade that blends in with the surrounding buildings.
Gainbridge Fieldhouse has hosted numerous notable basketball games, including the 2000 NBA Finals, games 3, 4, and 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals, and the 2021 NBA All-Star Game. It has also hosted first and second-round games of the men's NCAA tournaments in 2017, 2022, and 2024, as well as the first, second, and regional semifinal (Sweet 16) round games of the 2021 men's tournament. In addition, the arena has hosted several professional wrestling events, including WWE Raw and SmackDown, and PPV events such as SummerSlam and Survivor Series.
The venue has undergone several name changes throughout its history. It was originally named Conseco Fieldhouse after the financial firm Conseco. In December 2011, it was renamed Bankers Life Fieldhouse after one of CNO Financial Group's subsidiaries. Finally, in September 2021, it became known as Gainbridge Fieldhouse through a partnership with the Indianapolis-based financial platform Gainbridge.
Will Ferrell's Basketball Ref Antics: Hilarious or Outrageous?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Market Square Arena: former home of the Indiana Pacers, demolished in 2001
Market Square Arena (MSA) was an indoor arena in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. Completed in 1974, it seated 16,530 for basketball and 15,993 for ice hockey. The arena was built using a $16 million contribution from the city of Indianapolis, costing a total of $23 million. Market Square Arena was the home of the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1974 until 1999. The Pacers played their final game at the arena on October 22, 1999, before moving to the new Conseco Fieldhouse, now Gainbridge Fieldhouse, for the 1999–2000 NBA season.
Market Square Arena hosted several notable basketball games during its time. The Pacers won their final home ABA game at the arena in 1976 with a victory against the Colonels. The team then joined the NBA, playing their first game at the arena as an NBA team against the Boston Celtics on October 21. On March 19, 1995, Michael Jordan made his return to the Chicago Bulls at Market Square Arena after his first retirement, with the Pacers defeating the Bulls in overtime in a highly-watched game.
The arena also hosted other sporting events and entertainment shows. It was home to the Indianapolis Racers of the WHA from 1974 to 1979, with a young Wayne Gretzky starring for the team. Market Square Arena was also the primary concert venue for national and international musical acts visiting Indiana until its demolition, hosting artists such as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Eric Clapton, and Metallica.
Market Square Arena was demolished on July 8, 2001, in a multimillion-dollar implosion. The site was replaced with a high-rise residential tower, a Whole Foods grocery store, and Cummins' Indianapolis headquarters. Despite the arena's demolition, the Pacers' old court is still in use at the National Institute for Fitness and Sport near IU-Indianapolis, preserving the memories of the team's time at Market Square Arena.
Forwards: Basketball's Dynamic Offensive and Defensive Duo
You may want to see also
Explore related products
NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament: hosted in Indianapolis in 2021
Indianapolis is home to the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, an indoor arena located in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. The Gainbridge Fieldhouse has a seating capacity of 18,345, including 69 luxury suites and 2,400 club suites. The arena, which opened in November 1999, was originally named the Conseco Fieldhouse after the financial firm Conseco. It was later renamed the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in December 2011 when CNO Financial purchased Conseco. In 2021, the naming rights were acquired by Gainbridge, an online financial services platform based in Indianapolis.
The Gainbridge Fieldhouse is the home of the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Indiana Fever of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). The Indiana Firebirds of the Arena Football League played at the fieldhouse from 2001 to 2004, and the Indianapolis Ice of the Central Hockey League called it home from 1999 to 2004. The venue also frequently hosts the Big Ten women's basketball tournament and has hosted select games for the Indiana Ice of the United States Hockey League.
The Gainbridge Fieldhouse was the site of the 2021 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament. The arena hosted the first, second, and regional semifinal (Sweet 16) round games of the tournament. The 2021 tournament was notable due to conflicts with the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the NBA announced that Indianapolis would host the 2024 NBA All-Star Game instead of the 2021 game.
The Gainbridge Fieldhouse was designed to evoke the style of an Indiana high school and college field house. Unlike most other North American sports arenas, it was built primarily for basketball. The design of the arena includes a brick and glass façade, congruent with the surrounding buildings in downtown Indianapolis. The interior continues the nostalgic look, with fans entering through the Entry Pavilion and proceeding to their seats via the Grand Staircase.
Hoodie Basketball: Nice Guys Finish Where?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
NBA All-Star Game: hosted in Indianapolis in 1985 and 2024
Indianapolis, Indiana, is known for its basketball culture and has hosted the NBA All-Star Game twice, in 1985 and 2024. The city is home to the Indiana Pacers of the NBA and the Indiana Fever of the WNBA, with both teams playing their home games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, an indoor arena located in downtown Indianapolis.
The 1985 NBA All-Star Game was a memorable event for basketball fans in Indianapolis. It was the 35th edition of the game, and it featured some of the biggest stars of the era. The West defeated the East 140-129 in a high-scoring contest. This was also a notable year for popular culture, with the movie "Beverly Hills Cop" starring Eddie Murphy topping the box office charts, and the music of Wham! and George Michael dominating the airwaves.
The 2024 NBA All-Star Game, the 73rd edition, was hosted at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, which was originally named Conseco Fieldhouse when it opened in 1999. The arena was designed primarily for basketball and is known for its unique architecture, providing an intimate atmosphere for fans. The game featured a range of activities and performances, including the Slam Dunk Contest, the 3-Point Contest, and the Kia Skills Challenge. The NBA also showcased its commitment to social impact by partnering with local organisations such as the Special Olympics of Indiana and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis.
Indianapolis has a rich basketball history and a passionate fan base. The city has hosted other significant basketball events, including NCAA tournaments and Big Ten Conference tournaments. The Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with its design tailored for basketball, has contributed to the city's reputation as a premier basketball destination. The arena has been praised by sportswriters like Bill Simmons, who highlighted its distinct design and the feeling of fans being "on top of the court."
Basketball Wives: Jennifer Williams' Legacy and Impact
You may want to see also
Explore related products
WNBA Indiana Fever: the women's basketball team that calls Gainbridge Fieldhouse home
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, located in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, is a basketball arena that stands out for being specifically designed for the sport. It is the home of the Indiana Fever of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Indiana Firebirds of the Arena Football League and the Indianapolis Ice of the Central Hockey League have also called this venue home.
The Indiana Fever, a professional women's basketball team, has proudly represented the state in the WNBA since its inception in 2000. The team has a strong following and a rich history, with many notable achievements on the court. They have a passionate fan base, not just in Indiana but across the country, and their games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse are always a thrilling experience.
The arena, which opened in November 1999, was originally named Conseco Fieldhouse after the financial firm Conseco. With a seating capacity of 18,345, including 69 luxury suites and 2,400 club suites, it is an impressive venue. The Founders Level offers the best seats, with 16 rows radiating from the court. In December 2011, the arena was renamed Bankers Life Fieldhouse, and in 2021, it became Gainbridge Fieldhouse when the online financial services platform Gainbridge acquired the naming rights.
The unique design of Gainbridge Fieldhouse sets it apart from other NBA arenas. Its retro-style architecture, with a brick and glass façade, blends seamlessly with the surrounding downtown Indianapolis buildings. The interior continues the nostalgic feel, with fans entering through the Entry Pavilion and ascending to different levels via the Grand Staircase. The Fieldhouse is also known for its excellent acoustics, enhancing the energetic atmosphere during games.
In addition to being the home of the Indiana Fever, Gainbridge Fieldhouse has hosted numerous notable basketball events. It has been the site of the Big Ten Conference men's and women's basketball tournaments and NCAA men's basketball tournament games. The arena has also hosted professional wrestling events and other sporting competitions, concerts, and community activities, making it a versatile and beloved venue in Indianapolis.
High School Basketball's National Championship: Does it Exist?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There is currently one major basketball arena in Indianapolis—the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Gainbridge Fieldhouse is an indoor arena located in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. It is primarily used for basketball games and is the home of the Indiana Pacers (NBA) and Indiana Fever (WNBA).
The Gainbridge Fieldhouse opened in November 1999, replacing the Market Square Arena.
The previous arena was called the Market Square Arena. It was completed in 1974 and served as the home of the Indiana Pacers from 1974 until its demolition in 2001.
The Gainbridge Fieldhouse was designed primarily for basketball, unlike most other North American sports arenas. It is known for its nostalgic and retro style, resembling a classic basketball fieldhouse.
