INDIANAPOLIS (January 16, 2025) – Major news for sports fans in Indiana! Pacers Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) has just announced exciting plans to break ground on a breathtaking $78 million sports performance center specifically designed for the Indiana Fever, located right in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. This monumental project marks a significant step forward for women's sports in the region.

Construction of this impressive three-story, 108,000-square-foot facility is set to begin in August 2025, with the grand opening aimed before the start of the 2027 WNBA season. The Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center will be part of the expansive PS&E campus, seamlessly connected via a skybridge to the Virginia Avenue Parking Garage and the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

PS&E Owner Herb Simon expressed excitement about the collaboration with Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, highlighting how crucial this partnership is in finding the perfect location for the new center. "The city of Indianapolis continues to be a tremendous partner as we elevate our team, players, and community," Simon stated.

What’s truly groundbreaking about this center is its commitment to addressing the unique needs of female athletes competing at the highest level. From cutting-edge performance and conditioning areas to recovery and rehabilitation facilities, the new center promises to focus on mental health, wellness, and lifestyle support for its athletes.

The performance center will be outfitted with top-notch amenities, including two regulation-sized courts drenched in natural light, state-of-the-art strength training equipment, and designated areas for yoga and Pilates. To help athletes unwind and recuperate, plans include luxurious spa-like facilities featuring massage rooms, infrared light therapy, saunas, steam rooms, and hydrotherapy pools. Additionally, a private outdoor courtyard and mental performance spaces will enhance the training experience.

Adding further brilliance to the project, the facility will also include a hair and nail salon, childcare services, and spaces dedicated to podcasting and content creation—all tailored to support the busy lifestyles of players.

"With the goal of making Indianapolis the epicenter of women's sports, this world-class sports performance center will be a premier destination for players to excel and pursue their ambitions," said PS&E CEO Mel Raines. "It's truly a game changer, providing an unrivaled experience that our team deserves."

Raines also indicated that the center will offer exclusive fan experiences, including a Fever team store featuring unique merchandise. The facility is expected to serve as a pivotal hub for expanding community outreach and engagement, solidifying the Fever's commitment to their fans.

Currently, the Indiana Fever’s training court and practice area, renovated in 2020, are housed within the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. That said, Indiana Fever President of Basketball and Business Operations Kelly Krauskopf believes that this new facility will set the team apart and elevate the overall experience for both players and fans.

"This elite training center not only reflects our commitment to providing our players with the very best but also solidifies our focus on creating a first-class experience exclusively for women athletes," Krauskopf remarked.

The center will be constructed on half of the former Marion County Jail site, strategically located at the busy intersection of Alabama and Maryland streets. The city of Indianapolis plans to proceed with an intergovernmental land transfer to the Capitol Improvement Board of Marion County, which will then forge an operating agreement with the PS&E affiliate that’s developing the project.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett noted, “Last year, we experienced an unprecedented boom in interest and attention on women's sports around the world, led in large part by the Indiana Fever. This significant investment from Pacers Sports & Entertainment will drive further momentum in women’s basketball here in our city.”

Shiel Sexton will lead the construction, with Populous, a global design firm like no other, responsible for bringing this innovative project to life. “Our team is honored to work alongside the Indiana Fever and Pacers Sports & Entertainment to establish a top-tier training facility for one of the premier teams in the WNBA,” said Adam Stover, senior principal at Populous. “This facility is going to be foundational for the team's future success.”

As the countdown begins, the Indiana Fever, under the guidance of coach Stephanie White, looks set to tip-off the 2025 WNBA season on May 17 against the Chicago Sky. Additionally, Indianapolis will host the highly-anticipated AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 18 and 19, marking a historic milestone for the city. Make sure to stay tuned for ticket sales starting this spring!

Get ready for a new era in women's sports in Indianapolis—this is a project you won't want to miss!