October 11, 2025

🏀 ESPN CONFIRMED: Pacers Approve $77.5 Million Stadium Renovation in 2025

Pacers Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) has officially green‑lit a $77.5 million (often rounded to $78 million) renovation project aimed at elevating the franchise’s basketball operations with a brand‑new world‑class training facility. Announced in January 2025, this ambitious project will commence construction in August 2025, with a target opening ahead of the 2027 WNBA season


Key Features & Layout

  • Three‑story, ~108,000 sq ft facility connected to the Virginia Avenue Garage and Gainbridge Fieldhouse via a skybridge
  • Two full-size regulation basketball courts for both Indiana Fever and Pacers practice sessions
  • A high-end strength & conditioning wing, with dedicated zones for yoga and Pila
  • Cutting-edge recovery amenities, including sauna, steam rooms, infrared therapy, float tanks, and hydrotherapy pools .
  • Facility includes holistic lifestyle support: hair & nail salon, childcare center, and a podcast/production stud
  • Added value for mental wellness spaces, outdoor courtyard, and a team retail store to enhance fan‑centric experienc

Strategic Vision & Community Impact

PS&E’s CEO, Mel Raines, describes the initiative as a “game‑changer” that positions Indianapolis as a global hub for professional women’s sports Fever President Kelly Krauskopf emphasized the dual benefit—boosting both on‑court performance and off‑court fan engagem

Built on the former Marion County Jail site, the facility will be managed via an intergovernmental land agreement involving Indiana’s Capital Improvement Board and PS&E, ensuring a long‑term community legacy


Timeline & What’s Next

  • January 2025: Project announced and approved.
  • August 2025: Official groundbreaking kicks off.
  • Spring 2027: Doors open just in time for the Indiana Fever’s WNBA season.

This marks Indianapolis’s first WNBA‑specific training center, symbolizing a firm commitment to advancing women’s sports infrastructure


Why It Matters

  1. Elite Facilities for All Teams
    – A premier training hub shared by both Indiana Fever and Pacers strengthens both programs.
  2. Holistic Athlete Support
    – Wellness features—from recovery pools to mental health spaces—showcase modern athletic care.
  3. Fan & Community Booster
    – On‑site retail and content studios foster stronger connections to fans and local media.
  4. Women’s Sports Elevation
    – Investing heavily in WNBA infrastructure signals a shift toward true equality in professional sports.

Final Take

This $77.5 million renovation represents more than bricks and mortar—it signals a paradigm shift in how Indiana invests in professional basketball. The combined focus on athleticism, mental well‑being, fan experience, and operational excellence positions Indianapolis as a trailblazer in sports infrastructure. With an expected completion in spring 2027, the project sets a precedent for how WNBA teams can be elevated to elite status through top-tier training environments.

Let me know if you’d like a breakdown on financing, design partners, or projected economic growth tied to the facility!

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