INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Museum proudly joins the Indiana Fever to celebrate their journey to becoming one of the most successful franchises in the WNBA.
In addition, the new exhibit, Indiana Pacers 50th Anniversary, 1967-2017, features the Indiana Pacers celebrating a major milestone in Hoosier basketball history. The exhibition, now open in Legacy Theater, runs until June 18, 2017.
With the construction of Market Square Arena, city leaders took a gamble on the franchise, hoping their success would translate into moving Indianapolis from a second-tier city to a major American metropolis. Since then, Indianapolis has come to be known as a major sports destination – something that would not have been possible without the Pacers’ early success playing at the Fairgrounds Coliseum. The team’s rich athletic heritage has served as the cornerstone for downtown Indianapolis development over the past 50 years.
“Pacers Sports & Entertainment is delighted that the 50th season for our Indiana Pacers is being recognized with this exhibit in the Indiana State Museum,” said PS&E President and COO Rick Fuson. “Basketball plays such an integral role in the Hoosier culture and the Pacers are proud to have represented the Indiana game at its highest level for the past five decades.”
From high school to collegiate and professional, Indiana is often referred to as the center of the basketball universe. “From iconic artifacts like an ABA Championship trophy and the jersey of Hall-of-Famer Mel Daniels to the jersey of current Pacers All-Star Paul George, the exhibit includes some of the most recognizable objects in the history of Indiana basketball,” said Dale Ogden, chief curator of cultural history. “The Indiana State Museum takes great pride in helping to celebrate the Indiana Pacers Golden Anniversary.”
Indiana Pacers 50th Anniversary, 1967-2017 is located in the museum’s Legacy Theater and is free to the public during museum hours.