Pacers Sports & Entertainment has officially approved a $77.5 million renovation project — commonly rounded to $78 million — aimed at constructing a world‑class Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center. Announced in mid-January 2025, the project will break ground in August 2025 and is scheduled to open ahead of the 2027 WNBA season (Sports Venue Business (SVB)).
Key Features & Scope
- Size & Layout
The three‑story facility spans approximately 108,000 sq ft, connected via a skybridge to the Virginia Avenue Garage and Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Sports Venue Business (SVB)). - Training & Recovery Spaces
It will house two regulation-size basketball courts, a strength and conditioning wing, yoga/Pilates zones, and a full-service kitchen/hydration station (Sports Venue Business (SVB)). Recovery amenities include sauna, steam, infrared light therapy, float tanks, hydrotherapy pools, and a spa‑like atmosphere (Sports Venue Business (SVB)). - Lifestyle Support for Athletes
Distinctive features include a hair and nail salon, childcare facilities, and a podcast/content production studio, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing players’ lives off-court (Sports Venue Business (SVB)). - Additional Amenities
A private outdoor courtyard and mental wellness spaces are planned, emphasizing holistic support; the facility will also feature a retail store and fan‑centric experiences (Sports Venue Business (SVB)).
Strategic Impacts
This project underscores PS&E’s strategic mission to position Indianapolis as a global center for women’s sports, “a game‑changer” according to PS&E CEO Mel Raines (Sports Venue Business (SVB)). Fever President Kelly Krauskopf noted the center’s potential to elevate both player performance and the fan experience (Indiana Fever).
The facility occupies the former Marion County Jail site, with intergovernmental land transfers earmarked for long-term management under Indiana’s Capital Improvement Board and PS&E partnerships (Indiana Fever).
Bottom line: With construction starting in August 2025 and opening by spring 2027, this $77.5–78 million renovation will deliver Indianapolis’s first WNBA‑specific training center. Boasting pro‑grade athletic, wellness, lifestyle, and content-production amenities, it reflects a bold investment in women’s sports and a deeper commitment to the Indiana Fever franchise.
Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into financing, architectural firms, or anticipated community impact!
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