Released April 13, 2017
State Museum celebrates 50 years of the Pacers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Megan Simpson, 317.234.8146, [email protected]
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Museum proudly joins with the Indiana Pacers to celebrate a major milestone in Hoosier basketball history in the new exhibition, Indiana Pacers 50th Anniversary, 1967-2017. The exhibition, now open in Legacy Theater, runs until June 18, 2017.
With the construction of Market Square Arena, city leaders took a gamble on the franchise, hoping their success would translate into moving Indianapolis from a second-tier city to a major American metropolis. Since then, Indianapolis has come to be known as a major sports destination – something that would not have been possible without the Pacers’ early success playing at the Fairgrounds Coliseum. The team’s rich athletic heritage has served as the cornerstone for downtown Indianapolis development over the past 50 years.
“Pacers Sports & Entertainment is delighted that the 50th season for our Indiana Pacers is being recognized with this exhibit in the Indiana State Museum,” said PS&E President and COO Rick Fuson. “Basketball plays such an integral role in the Hoosier culture and the Pacers are proud to have represented the Indiana game at its highest level for the past five decades.”
From high school to collegiate and professional, Indiana is often referred to as the center of the basketball universe. “From iconic artifacts like an ABA Championship trophy and the jersey of Hall-of-Famer Mel Daniels to the jersey of current Pacers All-Star Paul George, the exhibit includes some of the most recognizable objects in the history of Indiana basketball,” said Dale Ogden, chief curator of cultural history. “The Indiana State Museum takes great pride in helping to celebrate the Indiana Pacers Golden Anniversary.”
The exhibition also looks at the Indiana Fever and their journey to becoming one of the most successful franchises in the WNBA.
Indiana Pacers 50th Anniversary, 1967-2017 is located in the museum’s Legacy Theater and is free to the public during museum hours.
For more information on the exhibition, please call 317.232.1637 or visit indianamuseum.org.
HOURS AND LOCATION
The Indiana State Museum is located at 650 W. Washington Street in Indianapolis. Exhibition gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The first Tuesday of each month (Community Tuesdays) admission is half price. Auxiliary aids and services are available with advance notice. For more information, call the museum at 317.232.1637.
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The Indiana State Museum is located in White River State Park in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. It is Indiana’s museum for science, art and culture, offering a place where you can celebrate, investigate, remember, learn and take pride in Indiana’s story in the context of the broader world. Even the building is a showcase of the best Indiana has to offer in architecture, materials and sculpture. Easy and convenient parking is available in the attached underground garage.
