INDIANAPOLIS — The biggest night in women's basketball is coming to Indianapolis this year. The Indiana Fever is making sure it does not interfere with one of the city's longest-running traditions.
WNBA All-Star Weekend and the Indiana Black Expo's Summer Celebration are scheduled for the same week in July. The All-Star Game is planned for July 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, while the Summer Celebration lasts from July 10 to July 20.
Pacers Sports and Entertainment CEO Mel Raines said she called Indiana Black Expo president Alice Watson immediately after Indianapolis landed the All-Star Game. The two have coordinated the festivities ever since.
"We wanted to make sure this would be something that both events are better because of, and I think we're accomplishing that," Raines said. "Being able to look at her schedule, layer in what we're doing, make sure we're driving traffic to her events and she's driving traffic to ours, it just was a natural fit. We've worked with them for so long, so it was pretty seamless."
"At first, I said, 'Is this going to be a challenge for Indiana Black Expo?'" Watson said. "I thought about it and realized this is great. You have the fan festival on one end of the building, and then on the other end, you have an exhibition hall that has more than 300 exhibitors."
In addition to the convention center crossover, some major events will overlap in a way that visitors can experience both the WNBA and the Summer Celebration.
IBE's Music Heritage Festival Concert featuring Keith Sweat and SWV will start at 6 p.m. at Carroll Stadium on July 18. The WNBA's Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest tips off two hours later at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Additionally, IBE's All-White Affair Party on July 19 will still be going on after the WNBA All-Star Game itself ends.
The Fever is also planning Fever Fest, a concert and fan celebration, the morning of July 18 at Everwise Amphitheatre.
"We're going to raise the bar for every future city, and I don't envy who follows us," Raines said.
-
Vera Bradley pauses Annual Outlet Sale, plans 2027 return
Vera Bradley is sitting out its Annual Outlet Sale in 2026, saying it wants to reimagine the event before bringing it back in 2027
Airfare expected to rise as oil prices climb, due to conflict in the Middle East
Conflict in the Middle East has driven oil prices higher and consumers have already seen the effect at the gas pump. Experts say the impact may soon reach airline ticket prices.
Over 500 gather for community meeting with Indy Action Coalition
Over 500 Indianapolis residents gathered to discuss a new homelessness law and ICE enforcement at a community meeting on Thursday.
Southeast side tenants looking for answers after major flooding in apartment
Residents paid renters' insurance along with their rent each month. So, they thought they were protected. Until property managers told them their renters' insurance went towards the building.
