Basketball is woven into Indiana life, and an Indiana Pacers game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse is the best way to see why. The arena stands on the south side of the Mile Square, a few blocks from Lucas Oil Stadium and the downtown hotels, and on a game night the surrounding streets fill with fans heading to tipoff. The Pacers play in the NBA, whose regular season runs from autumn into the spring months, so a visit between roughly late October and April usually allows a chance to catch a home game, depending on the schedule. The game itself runs about two hours of playing time and a little longer with breaks, and the arena is a compact modern venue where seats feel close to the court. It suits basketball fans, families with older children and groups after an evening out, and it is a more relaxed alternative to a big football weekend. The same arena is the home of the Indiana Fever of the WNBA in the summer months, though this ticket is for the Pacers.
Tickets and price
Tickets start from about $150, rising for high-demand opponents and better seats. The schedule determines which nights have home games, so check the fixture list for your dates before booking, and do not assume a particular evening has a game. Hotel prices can climb on game nights, particularly at hotels within walking distance of the arena.
Getting there
Gainbridge Fieldhouse is within a few blocks of The Alexander and a short walk from the Omni Severin and other downtown hotels, and Monument Circle is about a fifteen-minute walk north. Arrive early to clear security, and check the arena's bag policy before you travel. Parking is available in nearby garages but is costly and slow to leave after the game, so walking from your hotel is the better choice.
Making the most of it
Eat before or after in the restaurants around the Circle, on Mass Ave or in CityWay, and allow time for the pre-game atmosphere. Dress in layers, since you walk to the arena outdoors. If you are visiting in the football season instead, look at a Colts game at Lucas Oil Stadium, and on non-game days a stadium tour is a good alternative for sports fans.
What to expect
The experience
An NBA home game for the Indiana Pacers in a compact downtown arena.
Best time
A home game between autumn and spring, with dinner downtown beforehand.
How long
Two to three hours.
Tips
Check the home schedule first, walk from a nearby hotel and arrive early for security.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Basketball fans and anyone after a lively evening out.
- Families
- Good for older children who follow basketball.
- Couples
- Dinner downtown, then a game.
- Pair with
- A Lucas Oil Stadium tour or a Colts game on another trip.
- Time needed
- An evening.
Good questions
How much are Pacers tickets?+
Tickets start from about $150 and rise for high-demand games and better seats.
When is the Pacers season?+
The NBA regular season runs from autumn into spring, so home games are typically available between roughly late October and April.
Can I walk to Gainbridge Fieldhouse from downtown hotels?+
Yes, several downtown hotels are within a short walk, and The Alexander is a few blocks away.
How long is a Pacers game?+
Expect about two to three hours including breaks.
Do the Pacers play at the same venue as the Fever?+
Yes, Gainbridge Fieldhouse also hosts the Indiana Fever in the summer, but this ticket is for the Pacers.
