INDIANA FEVER ANNOUNCE BUTLER UNIVERSITY’S HINKLE FIELDHOUSE AS HOME VENUE FOR 2020, 2021 AND PART OF 2022 WNBA SEASONS
The Fever are relocating due to a previously announced multi-year project to significantly upgrade Bankers Life Fieldhouse
INDIANAPOLIS (September 5, 2019) – The Indiana Fever announced today that Butler University’s historic Hinkle Fieldhouse will serve as the team’s home venue for the 2020, 2021 and part of the 2022 seasons.
Necessitating the Fever’s relocation is the previously announced multi-year project to upgrade and enhance Bankers Life Fieldhouse – ensuring it remains a world-class sports and entertainment facility for generations of fans and guests. The construction process will occur primarily in the summer months following the Indiana Pacers’ 2019-20, 2020-2021 and 2021-22 seasons. Upon completion of the project, the Fever will return to Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
“On behalf of our entire organization, we are extremely thankful to have such a great community partner in Butler University,” commented Pacers Sports & Entertainment President Rick Fuson. “We look forward to bringing the best of women’s professional basketball to Hinkle Fieldhouse – which is an incredible venue to showcase our state’s beloved game.”
“As we temporarily move from one fieldhouse to another, we could not be happier to have this great relationship with Butler University,” said Fever President Dr. Allison Barber. “We will do everything in our power to make sure this change of venues runs as smoothly as possible for our fans, our players, our staff and all friends and supporters of the Fever. The game of basketball is so important to Hoosiers and we are excited to bring the WNBA back to Hinkle Fieldhouse after playing a preseason game there in 2004.”
“Butler University is proud to partner with Pacers Sports & Entertainment and the Indiana Fever to welcome their great fans to the Butler campus and historic Hinkle Fieldhouse over the next several seasons,” said Butler President James M. Danko. “Hinkle Fieldhouse has long been considered one of the nation’s best venues to enjoy basketball, and hosting the Fever is a significant addition to Hinkle’s rich history.”
“With nearly $50 million invested in Hinkle Fieldhouse over the last few years, Butler has been able to preserve the charm of our national historic landmark while also adding new amenities for our fans,” said Butler Vice President/Director of Athletics Barry Collier. “This investment has provided Butler with the opportunity to host a great franchise in the Indiana Fever over the next few seasons. PS&E is a partner that Butler has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with, and I am confident that our university and Hinkle Fieldhouse will continue to deliver a tremendous experience for the basketball fans of our community.”
Hinkle Fieldhouse has reigned as one of the nation’s great sports arenas for more than eight decades. The facility was constructed in 1928 and has stood up to the test of time, maintaining the splendor, character and atmosphere that make it a classic basketball arena. Butler University has continuously invested in preserving Hinkle’s historic nature, while enhancing the facility for the competitive realities of today and to further improve the guest experience.
Major renovations to Hinkle have included a new videoboard, LED lighting, air conditioning, wider concourses, added restrooms, improved and expanded concessions, new chairback seating and an elevator for public use and ADA accessibility. Hinkle Fieldhouse was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 and declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
Fever sponsors and season ticket holders will soon receive information regarding ticket renewals options, seat locations, parking and in-game experience changes. The Fever’s schedule will be announced in accordance with the WNBA releasing the league schedule at a date prior to the start of each season.