The Pacers-Knicks rivalry has been going strong since the Pacers entered the league in 1976, but the rivalry really heated up from 1993 to 2000 when the Pacers and Knicks met in the playoffs six times. The flames of this rivalry were fueled by the back and forth sparring between the Pacers Reggie Miller and Knicks fan Spike Lee. Even almost two decades later these two teams still hate each other, and there is a lot of bad blood when they get together.
The Pacers and Pistons have been rivals for years and in 2004 things boiled over during what is now known as The Malice in The Palace. The brawl is one of the most infamous moments and ugliest moments in NBA history. Whenever these two Central Division rivals get together there will be plenty of bad blood, so make sure you’re in attendance for these hotly contested matchups.
The close proximity of Indianapolis and Chicago has led to the development of a relatively strong rivalry between these two Central Division foes. The rivalry was at its zenith during the 90s when Michael Jordan would square off against Reggie Miller on a regular basis, but you’ll still find plenty of both fans at the game when these two meet.
Indiana Pacers Stadium Guide
In Game
Indiana is a basketball-mad state, and as a result, you’ll have an incredible time attending a Pacers game. Right, when you walk into Gainbridge Fieldhouse you’ll see numerous tributes to the state’s strong basketball history in the atrium. The memorabilia on display here is a must-see for basketball fans so take a peek around before finding your seats.
Pacers fans and their love for basketball also play a significant role in making the visit to Indy an excellent one. The fans here are not only very knowledgeable about the game, but also some of the friendliest in the NBA. You’ll have no problem making friends with those seated around you and most people you encounter will be more than happy to talk basketball with you.
You’ll also find plenty of delicious food inside and outside of Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Inside the arena, there are several food courts that feature a variety of different types of cuisine as well as two restaurants, meaning you’ll have no trouble finding something to satisfy your appetite. Additionally, Gainbridge Fieldhouse is located in downtown Indianapolis, so there’s no shortage of good bars and restaurants nearby either.
A trip to Gainbridge Fieldhouse is an excellent experience as well as one that won’t break the bank, so stop by a Pacers game during your next trip to Indy.
When eating at The Varsity Club Restaurant you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious buffet and chef-inspired cuisine. The Varsity Club Restaurant is a great place to grab a bite to eat with friends before the game, so make sure to stop by.
The Locker Room Restaurant is open to those seated in the first few rows and offers an impressive variety of pub fare, microbrews, and cocktails. If you have a premium ticket then take a minute to stop by the Locker Room Restaurant.
The Pacers Home Court Gift Shop is the perfect place to grab a souvenir from your trip to Indy. At the gift shop, you’ll find any Pacers gear you could dream of so stop by and pick something up.
The moment you step into Gainbridge Fieldhouse’s atrium your Pacers in game experience will begin. Inside the atrium, you’ll find musical groups, basketball memorabilia, and all sorts of pregame entertainment, which goes a long way in ensuring you have an excellent time at the Fieldhouse.
Boomer is the Pacers lovable mascot and can be seen at every Pacers game. Boomer loves to entertain the crowd by performing a variety of pranks and getting into all kinds of shenanigans, so keep an eye out for him during the game.
The Pacemates are the oldest dance squad in professional sports dating back to 1967. These dancers put on an outstanding show, so don’t miss the original professional dance team during your visit to Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The High Octane Drumline provides great in-game entertainment and helps give Gainbridge Fieldhouse a collegiate style atmosphere. These talented percussions are among the best in the business and will rev you up with their excellent performances.
These high flying dunkers will get you out of your seat and on your feet. Keep your eyes on the court when the Power Pack takes the stage as you won’t want to miss their incredible feats.
The Boom Babies pump up the crowd through a variety of giveaways and fan engagement activities. Get loud when you see the Boom Babies for your chance to win a Pacers t-shirt.
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