Hinkle Fieldhouse to Host Indiana Fever Next 2+ Seasons
The project also won the Cook Cup for Outstanding Restoration from Indiana Landmarks.
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowHistoric Hinkle Fieldhouse at Butler University will serve as the Indiana Fever’s home court for at least the next two seasons while Bankers Life Fieldhouse undergoes major renovations. The Fever says it will play on the Butler campus for the 2020, 2021 and for part of the 2022 WNBA seasons.
“As we temporarily move from one fieldhouse to another, we could not be happier to have this great relationship with Butler University,” said Fever President Dr. Allison Barber. “We will do everything in our power to make sure this change of venues runs as smoothly as possible for our fans, our players, our staff and all friends and supporters of the Fever."
The Fever are being relocated due to a multi-year, $360 million, upgrade to Bankers Life. The construction process will occur primarily in the summer months, during the regular WNBA season, and following the Indiana Pacers’ 2019-20, 2020-2021 and 2021-22 seasons.
“On behalf of our entire organization, we are extremely thankful to have such a great community partner in Butler University,” commented Pacers Sports & Entertainment President Rick Fuson. “We look forward to bringing the best of women’s professional basketball to Hinkle Fieldhouse – which is an incredible venue to showcase our state’s beloved game.”
The upgrades are being funded through a combination of sources, including the city of Indianapolis, the Capital Improvement Board, the state legislature, and the Pacers organization itself. The upgrades are part of a deal to keep the Pacers in Indianapolis for at least the next 25 years.
Hinkle Fieldhouse was constructed in 1928. It was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 and declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987. “The game of basketball is so important to Hoosiers and we are excited to bring the WNBA back to Hinkle Fieldhouse after playing a preseason game there in 2004,” Barber said.
Fever sponsors and season ticket holders will soon receive information regarding ticket renewal options, seat locations, parking and in-game experience changes.