'We definitely lost a legend': Hundreds gathered to honor the life of David Benner
As the Pacers' director of media relations for 28 seasons, this proud Hoosier had a sizable impact on the franchise and NBA media.
The stage was set and hundreds of chairs were neatly placed into dozens of rows. Music to Dave Matthews Band — his favorite — played as David Benner’s image appeared on many different LED video boards throughout the large gathering space.
“Life Exceedingly Well Lived”
An hour before the program was set to begin, people began to arrive to pay their respects.
Players, past and present.
Coaches, past and present.
Staff members, past and present.
Even writers, past and present.
The entry pavilion to Gainbridge Fieldhouse was the place to be Wednesday morning if you had any connection to the Pacers whatsoever. One week after the passing of Benner, the director of media relations for 28 seasons, the team hosted a public memorial service that made this day anything but ordinary for the franchise.