There’s action in and off the court in Indy during the NBA All-Star 2024 Weekend, with activities starting Feb. 14. Whether you’ve got a seat courtside or decide to catch the games in one of the city’s many bars and restaurants, it’s all about the vibe and what the city has to offer. Hey, you don’t even have to watch the game at all to have a great time in Indy during game weekend.
“Indy last hosted the All-Star game in 1985 with iconic players like Michael Jordan and Indiana’s very own Larry Bird,” says my friend Clare Clark. “That year, Indy broke NBA All-Star attendance records and the city is ready to do that again.”
In other words, they’re ready and waiting.
A multi-day experience features marquee events NBA All-Star 2024. Think Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, Panini Rising Stars, State Farm NBA All-Star Saturday Night, HBCU Classic presented by AT&T and more. The grand finale for those watching the game is the 73rd NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 18 at 8 PM ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Indiana Pacers, in downtown Indianapolis.
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Indeed, basketball fever is at such a pitch that even those landing at the city’s airport are greeted with an NBA-sized basketball court in the lobby of the airport which, by the way, is ranked the Number 1 Airport in the country.
Visitors from 47 states and 29 countries are expected to partake in the events. The All-Star Weekend begins with the Tip-Off Ceremony at the new $30 million Bicentennial Unity Plaza outside of Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Tamika Catchings and Mike Epps are the emcees and the program includes performances by a surprise soon-to-be-announced national artist as well as appearances by NBA and Pacers legends, music performed by local artists and fireworks.
Game weekend, the Indiana Convention Center is transformed into an NBA Crossover, a multi-day fan fest that this year is 30 percent bigger than ever with various concerts and entertainment. Performances start on Thursday with a line-up that features Machine Gun Kelly and Shaquille O’Neal (DJ Diesel), Friday: T-Pain and DJ ZEDD (note this is a 21+ concert); Saturday is when Keith Urban and Walker Hayes are on stage and Lil Wayne will be performing on Sunday.
Because Hoosiers are totally into basketball--I know, I’m from Northwest Indiana where we take it very seriously indeed--expect to be overwhelmed. Visitors can view more than 80 public art activations and installations created by both local and national artists. To add to the wow power, two dozen 6-foot basketball sculptures are scattered throughout the city showing Indiana’s basketball history through art.
But wait, that’s not all. Check out the glowing basketball-like orbs at the corner of Maryland and Capitol Streets and the interactive light show featuring a “buzzer beater” countdown at the iconic Monument Circle, located in the epicenter of Indy’s downtown.
Those who have previously attended BUTTER, the annual art fair held each Labor Day, are in for a treat as it will also be taking place on game weekend at Indy’s Home Court with a pop-up art fair and cultural experience in the 19,000-square-foot Indianapolis Artsgarden. Located above Washington and Illinois Streets in the downtown, its soaring glass provides a 360-degree bird’s eye view of its surroundings. The city is also setting up approximately eight sidewalk galleries.
To better showcase local businesses, the Cultural Corridor in Indy’s Home Court on Washington Street is featuring Plaid & Pearls Coffee, a local woman-owned business, The building next door is being transformed into The Suite featuring the Henderson Bar, food from the International Marketplace and music put together by Chreece Presents: Nap City The Basement, comedy by Made Man Improv and retail curated by Cargo Streetwear Boutique.
To help get around the city, transit options like IndyGo and the Pacers Bikeshare program along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail are free all weekend. If the weather is nice, take time to explore the eight-mile Cultural Trail, an urban bike and pedestrian path in the downtown that connects neighborhoods, cultural districts and entertainment amenities.
Other activities taking place during the NBA All-Star 2024 Weekend are:
• Wednesday, Feb. 14: The Players Ball – Hoops & Icons at Hinkle Fieldhouse at Butler University.
• Friday, Feb. 16: Mike Epps All-Star Throwback Concert, Creative Carter Presents All-Star Weekend Featuring Boosie.
• Saturday, Feb. 17: All-Starry Night with George Hill, Creative Carter Presents: 2 Chainz, NBWA Women’s Empowerment Summit.
For those visiting nearby Hamilton County, enroll in the NBA Rewards Program by downloading the NBA app at nbaevents.nba.com/events-app, Then visit participating businesses to earn points that can be used towards rewards. Participating businesses include Pure Green Juice and Smoothie Carmel, Hino Oishi, Juler’s Row, Cretia Cakes and Geist Barber Shop.
For more information: nba.com/pacers/nba-all-star-2024-indianapolis/know-before-you-go
