Gainbridge Fieldhouse, located in downtown Indianapolis, is a prominent sports and entertainment venue in Indiana. Opened on November 6, 1999, it replaced the Market Square Arena and has since become the home of the Indiana Pacers (NBA) and the Indiana Fever (WNBA). But is it the biggest arena in Indiana? While Gainbridge Fieldhouse is a significant venue, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway holds the title for largest arena in Indiana because of overall event capacity. However, when discussing the largest indoor arena in the state, Gainbridge Fieldhouse is a strong contender.

Seating Capacity

Gainbridge Fieldhouse has seen a few changes to its seating capacity over the years. Originally, it could seat 18,345 fans from 1999 to 2006. This was slightly reduced to 18,165 from 2006 to 2016, and then to 17,923. The current seating capacity for basketball games is approximately 17,923, though some sources state it has increased to 20,000. For ice hockey, the capacity is reduced to around 12,500 due to the asymmetrical configuration required for an NHL-sized rink. The United Center in Chicago, the largest NBA arena, holds just under 21,000 fans. The capacity of Gainbridge Fieldhouse can also vary depending on the event. The arena can accommodate up to 5,000 guests for events like meetings and social celebrations.

A Nod to History

The architectural firm Ellerbe Becket designed Gainbridge Fieldhouse to reflect Indiana's rich basketball heritage, drawing inspiration from classic high school gymnasiums and fieldhouses. The exterior is made of red brick and Indiana limestone, blending with the surrounding downtown architecture. The interior features exposed steel beams and arched windows, creating an intimate atmosphere that keeps fans close to the action. This design was a deliberate departure from the more sterile and corporate feel of many late-1990s sports arenas.

Renovations and Modernization

Gainbridge Fieldhouse has undergone significant renovations to modernize the facility and enhance the fan experience. A three-phase renovation project, with a target completion date in early 2023 but ultimately finishing in late August 2023 due to COVID-related delays, included interior renovations, improvements to visitor locker rooms, and updates to club areas and suites. The renovations also introduced new event-level clubs and updated conference rooms and media workrooms. The Bicentennial Unity Plaza, the final piece of the $400 million renovation, features sculptures, art, and a basketball court that transforms into an ice skating rink during the winter.

More Than Just Basketball

While primarily designed for basketball, Gainbridge Fieldhouse hosts a variety of events, including college basketball games, concerts, and ice hockey. It has been the venue for the Big Ten Conference tournaments, NCAA Women's Final Fours, and the NBA All-Star Game (delayed to 2024 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). The arena has also hosted wrestling shows, auto racing events, and arena football games. Numerous artists and bands have performed at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and Metallica once set an attendance record at the venue with 18,274 fans.

Gainbridge Fieldhouse is more than just a sports arena; it's a symbol of Indiana's passion for basketball and a centerpiece of downtown Indianapolis.