INDIANAPOLIS — The 2024 NBA All-Star Game is fast approaching and will soon take center stage at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver paid a visit to the city on Wednesday to witness the Pacers’ season opener and provide a sneak peek of what fans can anticipate. A significant revelation from Silver was the return to the classic East vs. West format for the All-Star Game.
This event marks the first time Indianapolis has hosted the All-Star Game since 1985. Silver expressed, “I think when people think of Indiana, one of the first things that comes to mind is basketball, so that’s why we’re so happy to be here.”
Officials from the league likened the All-Star Game and its surrounding festivities to a Super Bowl, featuring events at various venues throughout the city, including Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center.
Tamika Catchings, who co-chaired the organizing committee, remarked, “Young, old, and in between, there is literally going to be something for everybody.” She has been diligently working on this event since 2017, and despite the delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she emphasized that the city is now better prepared than ever.
Mayor Joe Hogsett mentioned that the game is expected to have a significant economic impact of $320 million, with tens of thousands of fans anticipated to travel from out of state.
NBA enthusiasts attending the Pacers game on Wednesday eagerly expressed their anticipation for the forthcoming basketball spectacle.
Austin Cobb stated, “All the biggest stars in the NBA will be here. I think it’ll be nice to be the center of the basketball world for a weekend in February.”
Tickets for the NBA Crossover, the league’s interactive fan experience at the Indiana Convention Center, have already gone on sale, priced at $24 for the first 24 hours following Wednesday’s announcement.
