Gainbridge Fieldhouse Game Day Guide
Indiana Pacers · Indianapolis, IN
Know Before You Go
Essential details checked against official venue information.
- Bag policy
Backpacks, hard-sided bags, and bags larger than 6 x 10 x 2 inches are prohibited.
Applies to: Indiana Pacers games
- A medical-equipment bag may be only as large as needed for the required device. All guests and bags are subject to security screening.
- Bag storage
Oversized bags may be stored for a fee, subject to availability, at the Hyatt Place Indianapolis Downtown valet bell desk across from the Fieldhouse.
Applies to: Indiana Pacers games
- The off-site desk is at 130 S. Pennsylvania Street. Prohibited items found during screening must otherwise be discarded or returned to safe storage away from the venue.
- Gate opening
Pacers door times vary by game; verify the specific event listing or call Gainbridge Fieldhouse at 317-917-2500 before traveling.
Applies to: Indiana Pacers games
- Mobile tickets
Gainbridge Fieldhouse uses mobile tickets displayed on a phone; tickets are not emailed for printing, and screenshots are not accepted.
Applies to: Indiana Pacers games
- Use the Pacers or Ticketmaster app or Ticketmaster mobile web, then add tickets to the phone wallet before arrival. Transfer tickets in advance when a group will enter separately.
- Re-entry
All exits beyond the ticket point are final; guests cannot leave a Pacers game and re-enter.
Applies to: Indiana Pacers games
- Prohibited items
Prohibited items include alcohol and illegal drugs, recording gear and professional cameras, backpacks and oversized or hard-sided bags, projectiles, cans and coolers, offensive clothing, drones, fireworks, lasers, tactical gear, face coverings, noisemakers, view-obstructing objects, outside food or drink, pepper spray, poles, oversized or pole-mounted signs, skates, selfie sticks, and weapons.
Applies to: Indiana Pacers games
- Management may reject other items and may change the list for a specific event.
- First aid
The primary First Aid station is on the Main Concourse near Section 7, with additional stations staffed for some events.
Applies to: Indiana Pacers games
- Every arena level has an AED. Report an emergency to the nearest usher, security officer, Guest Services representative, or staff member.
- Nursing and lactation
Mothers Rooms are on the Main Concourse at Section 2 and on the Krieg DeVault Level at Section 119 beside Guest Services.
Applies to: Indiana Pacers games
- Family restrooms
Gender-neutral restrooms are near KeyBank Suite 1, Main Concourse Section 2, Krieg DeVault Section 109, and Balcony Sections 204 and 216.
Applies to: Indiana Pacers games
- Changing tables are in accessible stalls of men's and women's restrooms on every level and in gender-neutral restrooms.
- Tickets for children
A child needs a Pacers ticket once the child reaches 24 months old; a ticket is also required for any child who will use a separate seat.
Applies to: Indiana Pacers games
- Guest services
Guest Services desks are in the Entry Pavilion at the Delaware Street entrance, Main Concourse Section 2, Krieg DeVault Section 119, and across from Balcony Sections 206/207.
Applies to: Indiana Pacers games
- For a discreet in-game report, text the issue to 707-TIMEOUT (707-846-3688).
- Service animals
Individually trained service dogs are welcome and must remain under the handler's control and within the guest's seating area.
Applies to: Indiana Pacers games
- A dog may be removed if it is uncontrolled or not housebroken. Contact GuestServices@Pacers.com for accommodation questions.
- Smoking and vaping
Gainbridge Fieldhouse is smoke-free, including pipes, e-cigarettes, and vaporizers, and smoking is prohibited within eight feet of entrances and exits.
Applies to: Indiana Pacers games
- Designated outdoor smoking terraces remain inside the ticket point, just outside the southwest stairwells on the KeyBank Level.
Game Day Timeline
What the day looks like at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, hour by hour.
Arrive downtown
Park in a nearby garage (connected via skywalk) or walk from a downtown hotel. Explore the canal walk or South Meridian restaurants.
Pregame dining
Kilroy's, Yard House, or St. Elmo Steak House are popular pregame spots. Georgia Street has casual bar options.
Doors open
Enter Gainbridge Fieldhouse and watch warm-ups. Check out the Pacers heritage displays and team store.
Find your seat
Settle in. The arena has a compact, intimate feel for 17,923 seats.
Game time
Indiana basketball fans are knowledgeable and passionate. The crowd knows the game. Games run about 2-2.5 hours.
Halftime break
Hit the concourse for pork tenderloin sandwiches and Sun King beers.
Post-game scene
Walk to Georgia Street or South Meridian for postgame drinks. Use the skywalk to your hotel or garage.
Tips & Fan Reports
Be there 30 minutes before doors open if you want a good spot in line. Doors are usually 1.5-2 hours before tip. Go to the far line on the left since it moves faster.
Mass Ave arts district (10 min walk) has the best pregame dining and cocktail bars in Indy.
Indianapolis's enclosed skywalk system connects many downtown hotels directly to Gainbridge Fieldhouse. No need to go outside.
The skywalk system is Indianapolis's secret weapon. Walk from hotel to garage to arena without going outside.
Georgia Street (connected to the arena) becomes a pedestrian promenade on game nights with food and entertainment.
Indiana is a basketball state. The crowd is knowledgeable. They appreciate good basketball from both teams.
Pacers tickets are among the most affordable in the NBA. Great value.
Weather
Gainbridge Fieldhouse is indoor, so these are the conditions for the parking lot and the walk in, not the seats.
Across the NBA season the warmest month is October, with an average high of 65°F, and the coldest is January, when the average low is 19°F. April is the wettest month at 4.5 inches and January the driest at 3.1 inches.
That January low ranks 3rd coldest of the 30 NBA venues, and April here ranks 8th wettest.
October
3.2 inchesDecember
3.3 inchesJanuary
3.1 inchesMarch
3.7 inchesApril
4.5 inchesIndiana Pacers Clear Bag Policy
Most venues require a clear bag. Get an approved one before you travel.
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How We Checked This Page
Every section below names the source it was read from and the day it was read. Where we could not reach a published figure, the page says so rather than presenting an estimate as a checked fact.
- Game day timeline
Official venue page / team game day guide
- Weather
NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals
- Venue policies
Current Gainbridge Fieldhouse A-Z, accessibility, prohibited-items, parking, visitor, and dining guidance reviewed for Indiana Pacers policies.