Pacers Sports & Entertainment announced today the completion of Fieldhouse of the Future Phase 1 renovations, showcasing new amenities and spaces fans will begin to see as Bankers Life Fieldhouse gradually welcomes the general public back for live events.
“Since 1999, Bankers Life Fieldhouse has been part of the terrific resurgence of Indianapolis’ downtown as an iconic venue where millions of guests each year have enjoyed a world-class experience in an increasingly global city,” said PS&E President & COO Rick Fuson. “We have now completed the first step in modernizing the Fieldhouse, preserving what has always made it unique while creating experiences for the fans of today and tomorrow.”
While some renovations in the main seating bowl have been visible on television during limited-attendance events, other areas, such as the new Fever locker room, Salesforce court, new Fieldhouse kitchen, sideline and courtside clubs, and lower suites have yet to be shared with the general public. These upgrades, which are part of Phase 1 of the three-year Fieldhouse of the Future project, are important elements that make the NBA’s best arena an even better experience for fans.
In addition to much of the infrastructure needed for subsequent phases of the project, Phase 1 renovations include:
• Center-Hung Scoreboard: Welcoming fans back to the Fieldhouse is the new LED center-hung scoreboard, equipped with more than 3,350 square feet of video area, two LED rings, and underbelly screens. A partnership with experience design company ANC, the scoreboard is part of a digital enhancement to Bankers Life Fieldhouse that also includes more than 600 square feet of 1.5mm fine-pitch LED in the DataBank Courtside and PointsBet Hardwood Clubs.
• New Retractable Seating System and New Seats in the Lower Bowl: The new retractable seating system at the north end of the lower bowl allows for construction of additional suites and loge terraces on the Key Bank level, while the green seats in the lower bowl, original to the building’s opening in 1999, have been replaced with new dark gray seats.
• Fever Locker Room: A new locker room for the Indiana Fever is among the best in the WNBA and includes amenities like a film room, larger weight room and hydro-therapy tubs.
• Salesforce Court: The Salesforce court, which was twenty one years old, boasts a brand new playing surface and was raised to street level, to not only create necessary operational space on the event level but make access to the court for community and youth events easier.
• New Kitchen: This larger kitchen on the event level includes expanded capacity, dedicated dock and storage areas, and state-of-the-art equipment.
• New PointsBet Hardwood Club and ’67 Club and Updated DataBank Courtside Club: Offering unique experiences within the overall game experience, the clubs are a mix of traditional and modern and incorporate design elements reflective of Indiana’s rich basketball tradition.
• New and Updated Key Bank Level Suites: Ten new Key Bank Level suites and two new loge terraces have been added while all the suites on the Key Bank level have been modernized and updated.
• Renovated Visitor Locker Rooms: The visitor locker rooms, also used for teams and groups using the Fieldhouse for other events throughout the year, has been updated with all new fixtures, paint, and carpeting.
“For many fans, this is going to look like a whole new Fieldhouse,” said Mel Raines, Executive Vice President for Corporate Communications, Community Engagement, and Facility Operations. “But it’s the same great Fieldhouse that’s beloved in the NBA, and it’s still the best place to watch a basketball game in the country and the world.”
To learn more about the Fieldhouse of the Future Phase 1 renovations, watch this video and follow us on Twitter at @TheFieldhouse and @PacersSportEnt.
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Source: Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Photo Credit: Pacers Sports & Entertainment
