It was not just the start of a new basketball season for IU Indianapolis on Monday. It was also the beginning of a new era, with a new home.
Welcome to The Jim — James T. Morris Arena.
IU Indy officially opened its new $110 million multipurpose arena on Monday. The facility, with seating for 4,200, is home to the men’s and women’s basketball teams, volleyball and USA Track & Field.
Several volleyball matches were played there last month, but the men’s basketball team opened its season against Miami-Middletown at 11 a.m. Monday.
The Jim was named in honor of longtime civic leader and connector Jim Morris, who passed away more than two years ago.
Construction got underway in February 2025, so the project took about 20 months to complete. It was finished on time and on budget.
IU Indy was expected to contribute $21 million toward the project , with the other $89 million coming from state appropriations as part of the budget for construction of an amateur sports facility.
Ben Howlett enters his second season as coach of the men’s team.
Kate Bruce, who was hired in 2022, begins her fifth season leading the women’s program. Her team opens the season Monday evening at Purdue before hosting SIU-Edwardsville on Thursday. (Note: I’ll have the broadcast on ESPN+)
They play in the Horizon League Conference.
The arena filled up nicely for the season tip-off as the Jaguars hosted more than 3,000 kids from area schools like Indianapolis Public Schools.
Before the tip, the crowd started with a slow clap — perhaps the beginning of a new tradition at The Jim.
The students then watched Howlett’s team open the season 1-0 with a 113-76 victory.
If you missed it, watch my hard hat tour of the facility below:
And enjoy a photo gallery from Monday’s season opener at The Jim.
