INDIANAPOLIS (Jan. 16, 2025) – Big news for basketball fans! The Pacers Sports & Entertainment is set to build a new, $78 million sports performance center for the Indiana Fever in downtown Indianapolis. This exciting project marks a major step forward for women’s sports in the city.
The center will be three stories tall and cover 108,000 square feet. Construction will kick off in August 2025, with plans to open before the 2027 WNBA season. The facility will connect to the Virginia Avenue Parking Garage and Gainbridge Fieldhouse via a skybridge. This location is perfect for supporting the Fever and their fans.
Owner Herb Simon expressed his excitement, stating that the partnership with the city is crucial as they work to enhance the team and the community. The new center will focus on female athletes, offering them specialized performance and recovery spaces. It will also include features that promote mental wellness and support their lifestyle.
Inside, the center will boast top-notch amenities like:
- Two regulation-sized basketball courts flooded with natural light
- Modern strength and conditioning facilities
- Yoga and Pilates areas
- A hydration station and a full-service kitchen
- A spa-like recovery area with massage, infrared therapy, and multiple hydrotherapy pools
- A private outdoor courtyard and mental performance spaces
- A hair and nail salon and childcare options
- A studio for podcasting and content creation
CEO Mel Raines believes this center will elevate the training and recovery experience for players. It aims to position Indianapolis as a leader in women’s sports, creating an environment where athletes can thrive.
In addition to serving the athletes, the performance center will provide fan experiences and feature a team store with exclusive merchandise. It will be a hub for community outreach and engagement.
Currently, the Fever practices in facilities at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, which were recently updated and are among the league’s best. But this new, standalone facility represents a significant commitment to the players. President Kelly Krauskopf highlighted its importance in ensuring the athletes have access to the highest quality resources.
The center will be built on part of the land that was previously home to the Marion County Jail, located at Alabama and Maryland streets. An affiliate of Pacers Sports & Entertainment will handle construction. Once completed, the facility will be transferred to the Capitol Improvement Board of Marion County.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett shared his enthusiasm for this project, noting the growing interest in women’s sports and how this investment will bolster the Fever’s efforts in the community. The construction will be managed by Shiel Sexton, with design work done by Populous, a firm known for its innovative facilities focused on women’s professional sports.
Looking ahead, the Indiana Fever is preparing for its 2025 WNBA season kickoff on May 17 against the Chicago Sky. Fans can check out feverbasketball.com for ticket information. Plus, Indianapolis will host the AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 18 and July 19, with tickets anticipated to go on sale in the spring.
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