Bicentennial Unity Plaza outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse to open on Aug. 24
Details on the grand opening in downtown Indianapolis, what to expect at the space and how it may be used.
The final part of the significant renovations made to and around Gainbridge Fieldhouse will soon be completed, paving the way for the official opening.
We’ve all been eager to see what the outdoor space just to the north of the Pacers’ home will look like once completed. It’s a gathering space and will feature a basketball court when it’s warm and an ice skating rink larger than at Rockefeller Center in New York City in the winter.
It’s what Pacers Sports & Entertainment has named the Bicentennial Unity Plaza — and it officially opens to the public on Thursday, August 24, 2023.
At 10:00 a.m., company executives and city leaders will speak (moved inside to the entry pavilion due to heat). Then, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony outside. All are welcome to attend and free parking is available at the Virginia Avenue Garage.
This has been a long time coming. It was expected to open in May, about the time the Pacers wrapped up the 2022-23 season. Signs outside the plaza for a while now have said it’s opening in the summer.
Now it’s finally set. And more details for opening weekend are expected to be shared soon.
Back in June, I walked around outside and took many photos for a gallery that I published for subscribers.
They envision the plaza being a community asset that is used all the time.
“I anticipate sunrise yoga and concerts — more of a happy hour concert with a singer who also plays an instrument,” PS&E president & COO Mel Raines said on my podcast last fall. “Everything from … some basketball games on the plaza to a farmers market. It’s really flexible space. We hope to activate it as much as possible.”
In addition to the big space, there will be a sculpture called “Together” and The Sphere — which features LED lights when you walk in and plans to show a video telling the story of Indianapolis. They can add additional videos as well. For example, during Future Farmers of America (FFA) Week there could be FFA videos playing, along with Pacers, Fever and other items.
“What we hope when that plaza’s done is that if you come to Indianapolis and you think what do I have to do when I go to Indianapolis, what are the top 5 things? I think people will always think of IMS (Indianapolis Motor Speedway) and they will always think of shrimp cocktail at St. Elmo. I think they’re going to add Bicentennial Unity Plaza to that list.
“We really want that to be the destination in downtown.”
Renovations to The Fieldhouse — $360 million spent on upgrades and enhancements, plus $18 million in capital expenditures on necessary upgrades — first started in the spring of 2020 during the pandemic. The Plaza, which was made possible by a $28.47 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., marks the end of those renovations but NOT construction.
Construction is ongoing for the 30,000-square-foot foot entertainment complex, adjacent to The Plaza, that is being funded by Pacers owner Herb Simon. It will be three levels — a speakeasy, restaurant and event space — for locals and visitors alike to visit and enjoy.
It is all expected to be completed by February, ahead of Indianapolis hosting NBA All-Star Weekend.
Starting Thursday, there are four days full of events planned for the space. Here’s what PS&E passed along:
Thursday, August 24
10-11 a.m.
Ribbon Cutting Celebration
5-7 p.m.
Indiana Fever Pre-Game Party
Live music, games, giveaways, face painters, balloon artists, and more will be available for guests of all ages. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. No ticket is required for entry.
Friday, August 25
5-9 p.m.
Happy Hour on the Plaza
Guests can eat, drink, and dribble with live music from DJ Todd & DJ Space Bunz, games, unique cocktails, and free small plates from Indy’s top chefs and food trucks.
Saturday, August 26
5-10 p.m.
Indy Night Market on the Plaza
Through a collaboration with Be Nimble Foundation, this evening event brings to life Indy’s food, arts, and culture scenes. The night will include farmers, restaurants, chefs, and food entrepreneurs. In celebration of Black Business Month, we will focus on Black-owned businesses, restaurants, and food entrepreneurs, as well as renowned chefs from the Pacers Sports & Entertainment Guests Chef Program.
Sunday, August 27
1-3 p.m.
JR. HOOPS Mini Clinic
This free clinic is open to kids ages 6-14 looking to learn the fundamentals of basketball and enjoy an afternoon playing hoops with special guests.1-5 p.m.
Love of the Game
Guests can enjoy basketball-themed face painting, crafts, and coloring stations, as well as inflatables, a bounce house, photo booths, and giveaways. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.