Pacers — and the rest of the NBA — unveil new home court for in-season tournament games
It's Year 1 for the NBA's in-season tournament and they're helping to draw attention to it by having each team play on a uniform court.
The Pacers will have an alternative home court this season for games that are part of the NBA’s in-season tournament. All 30 teams, in fact, will in an effort to bring attention to this tournament and how something new (and special) is on the line.
The tournament trophy, dubbed the NBA Cup, is largely displayed three times on each court: at center court and in both free throw lanes.
As seen above, the Pacers’ design is primarily aqua blue with yellow. Also notable, the team’s secondary (state) logo is not included on both ends of this home court like it is on their primary design.
(Click here to see all 30 NBA courts)
This court will make its debut on Friday when the Pacers host the Cleveland Cavaliers for their first of four Group Play games. They are in Group Play East A — along with Cavs, 76ers, Hawks and Pistons.
From there, eight teams across the league advance — six group winners and two wildcards — to the knockout round. The 22 teams that do not qualify will each play an additional home and away game on Dec. 6 and 8.
“It’s honestly exciting to me,” guard Andrew Nembhard said of the in-season tournament. “It gives more excitement to the game. I think it makes the games a little bit more competitive early in the season. I think it’s going to be interesting for the fans. I love it. I’m super competitive so something like that adds something to the fire.”
The court’s color palette and the “INDY” logo at center court match the team’s City Edition uniforms (early preview from August), which will officially be announced soon.
Together, the new uniforms and court will be on display for the first time on Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The Pacers are scheduled to wear these uniforms in at least eight games this season, according to the league’s uniform database.
Nov. 3 v Cavs
Nov. 9 v Bucks
Nov. 24 v Pistons
Dec. 2 at Heat
Dec. 20 v Hornets
Dec. 23 v Magic
Dec. 30 v Knicks
Jan. 6 v Celtics
More on the 30 NBA home courts, which all share the following design aspects:
A fully painted court, edge-to-edge with vibrant and bold colors
A larger-than-life NBA Cup at center court, prominently displaying to players and fans the new trophy that will be awarded to the champion
A contrasting wash of color from lane-to-lane, creating a 16-foot wide “runway” across the court
NBA Cup silhouettes in the lanes
Team logos across the NBA Cup at center court and on the baselines
Now, let’s hope the NBA follows suit and brings back the Larry O’Brien Trophy and NBA Finals script for the most important games of the season.