Why this Indianapolis arena was built specifically for basketball fans

History · Published 7 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Most modern sports arenas are multipurpose giants, but Gainbridge Fieldhouse was designed with a singular focus. By mimicking the architecture of Indiana's classic high school gyms, the venue creates an intimate atmosphere that places spectators closer to the action than almost anywhere else in the NBA.

Designed by Ellerbe Becket, the arena features a distinctive brick and glass facade intended to evoke the feeling of traditional Indiana high school and college fieldhouses. This architectural choice supports a specialized layout: unlike many North American arenas designed for multi-sport versatility, this facility was built primarily for basketball. The design brings the corners of the seating way out toward the baseline, a feature that sportswriter Bill Simmons has noted makes the fans feel as though they are sitting right on top of the court.

While the venue can accommodate an NHL-sized rink, the configuration is asymmetrical and reduces the capacity to 12,500. The arena has undergone several identity shifts, moving from Conseco Fieldhouse to Bankers Life Fieldhouse, before becoming Gainbridge Fieldhouse in 2021 following a new naming rights partnership. It has served as the home for the Indiana Pacers and the Indiana Fever, and has even hosted massive, non-traditional events like the 2004 FINA Short Course World Swimming Championships, which required the temporary installation of massive competition and warm-up pools.

The venue's prestige was recognized globally in the mid-2000s; in 2005 and 2006, it was ranked the top NBA venue by the Sports Business Journal, and in 2006, it was named the 'best of the best' across all four major sports leagues by The Ultimate Sports Road Trip. A massive $360 million renovation, completed in late 2022, further modernized the space with a new outdoor entry plaza and interior enhancements, ensuring the Pacers remain in downtown Indianapolis for at least another 25 years.

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