BREAKING NEWS: the Indiana pacers have officially confirmed that their brand-new 60,000- Gainbridge Fieldhouse Stadium is on track to open just in time for the 2027 NBA season…………..
Indianapolis, IN – June 11, 2025 — The Indiana Pacers have officially confirmed that their brand-new 60,000-seat Gainbridge Fieldhouse stadium is on track to open just in time for the 2027 NBA season. The monumental announcement was made earlier today during a press conference attended by Pacers executives, Indiana state officials, and NBA representatives, marking a significant milestone in what will become one of the largest and most advanced basketball arenas in the world.
The new Gainbridge Fieldhouse — an ambitious reimagining of the current venue — will dramatically expand seating capacity, modernize fan experiences, and boost downtown Indianapolis’s economic and cultural profile. The original Gainbridge Fieldhouse, which opened in 1999 with a capacity of just under 18,000, has long been regarded as one of the premier arenas in the NBA. However, team officials say the time has come to take a bold leap into the future.
“This project represents the next era of Indiana basketball,” said Pacers owner Herb Simon. “We’re not just building a stadium — we’re building a world-class destination for sports, entertainment, and community engagement.”
According to developers and city planners, the $2.4 billion project has remained on schedule and within budget, a rarity among large-scale sports venue constructions. Groundbreaking for the project began in late 2023, and more than 4,000 workers have been involved in the construction process. The stadium’s cutting-edge design includes a retractable roof, a massive 360-degree scoreboard, luxury suites, interactive fan zones, and sustainability features such as solar panels and rainwater recycling systems.
The expanded capacity of 60,000 seats — triple the current venue’s — will make the new Gainbridge Fieldhouse the largest arena in the NBA by a wide margin, potentially setting the stage for Indianapolis to host major global events, including NBA All-Star Games, NCAA Final Fours, concerts, and international tournaments.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised the project in a recorded message shown during the announcement. “Indianapolis has always been a cornerstone of basketball culture,” Silver said. “This new stadium will further cement the city’s status as one of the great basketball capitals of the world.”
Fans are equally excited about the upgrade. Season ticket holder Marcus Jenkins said, “I’ve been going to games since Reggie Miller’s days, and this feels like something out of a dream. It’s going to change how we experience the game.”
The Pacers organization also emphasized that the stadium will benefit more than just basketball fans. Plans include a public park, retail and dining areas, and year-round access to portions of the facility for community use.
With the opening targeted for fall 2027, construction will continue at a rapid pace over the next 24 months. The team has committed to providing regular updates on the progress and has launched a dedicated website for fans to follow along.
For now, Indiana sports fans can celebrate knowing that a new era is on the horizon — one that promises to elevate not just the Pacers, but the entire city of Indianapolis.
