NBA All-Star Weekend Arrives in Indianapolis: Bigger and Better Than Ever
After years of anticipation and planning, NBA All-Star weekend has finally arrived in downtown Indianapolis. The Circle City is set to host another grand basketball celebration, with organizers aiming to make it even more spectacular than initially envisioned.
The road to this moment has been long and eventful. Back in 2015, Larry Bird, the former NBA player and current Indiana Pacers executive, drove a blue-and-gold IndyCar down New York's Fifth Avenue to personally deliver the city's bid to host the All-Star game. However, due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Indianapolis' scheduled 2021 All-Star game was relocated to Atlanta.
Rather than settling for a scaled-down event, the Indiana Pacers, led by Chief Operating Officer and President Rick Fuson, were determined to showcase the game in true Indy style. Fuson explained, 'We said, 'Hey, we're going to do this thing bigger and better.''
Indianapolis has undergone significant changes since its last hosting of the NBA All-Star game in 1985. At that time, the city was nicknamed 'Indiana-no-place.' Today, it has transformed into a prime location for major sporting events, including the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, Final Fours for both men's and women's basketball, the College Football Playoff title game, Olympic trials, and the iconic Indianapolis 500. The city has earned its reputation for creating welcoming and fan-centric environments, where everyone embraces the festivities.
Visitors to Indianapolis this weekend will find themselves immersed in a basketball wonderland. Images promoting the All-Star game and its related events adorn the city's streets, skywalks, and crowd barricades. Posters featuring the All-Star players cover the Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts and the venue for the All-Star Saturday Night. Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Pacers and WNBA's Indiana Fever, will host Sunday's All-Star Game. Even the JW Marriott hotel showcases a larger-than-life graphic of Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton on its towering glass facade.
In addition to the visual extravaganza, Indianapolis has also prepared several other attractions to enhance the All-Star experience. The recently opened Bicentennial Plaza features local artwork, adding to the city's cultural ambiance. Three IndyCars will be on display throughout the streets, capturing the essence of Indy's racing legacy. And if that's not enough, there's even a possibility of Larry Bird, an Indiana native and basketball legend, making an appearance during the festivities.
The decision to delay the All-Star game to 2024 has turned out to be fortuitous, given the circumstances surrounding mask mandates and social distancing requirements in 2021. The extra time allowed organizers to complete the renovation project at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, create the Bicentennial Plaza, and incorporate additional legacy projects, increasing their number from 21 to 24. The Pacers also acquired rising star Tyrese Haliburton, who will participate as a first-time All-Star starter.
For Herb Simon, the longest-tenured owner in NBA history with 41 years under his belt, and his family, this All-Star weekend represents the fulfillment of their dreams – and so much more. Steve Simon, Herb's oldest son and future team owner, expressed his excitement, saying, 'We're just so thrilled to welcome the world, to do this in partnership with the greatest league in the world, the NBA, and can't wait to host you guys.'
As the spotlight shines on Indianapolis once again, it is clear that this NBA All-Star weekend will be a remarkable celebration of basketball and the vibrant spirit of the city. From the dedicated efforts of the Pacers organization to the city's welcoming atmosphere, all signs point to an unforgettable event that will leave a lasting legacy for years to come.
