Indiana didn't see any major championships like nearby cities in 2016, but we did get a great Indy 500, coaching drama and a sweet airplane race.
These are the top sports stories of 2016.
Alexander Rossi wins the 100th Indianapolis 500
Rookie Alexander Rossi won the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on an empty gas tank, making the race one for the history books.
Rookie Alexander Rossi wins the 100th Indianapolis 500 on an empty gas tank
Alexander Rossi earns $2.5 million for Indy 500 win
For the first time in more than 60 years, the local Indianapolis blackout was lifted, meaning people in central Indiana could watch the race on TV live. An estimated 350,000 people showed up to Indianapolis Motor Speedway to watch the race, leaving behind trash to clean up, but making memories to stay with them forever.
Blackout lifted: RTV6 to show Indianapolis 500 LIVE on race day
So, why was the Indy 500 blacked out at all?
Indiana Fever's Tamika Catchings retires
Tamika Catchings, one of the WNBA’s most prolific players, played her last game with the Indiana Fever in 2016. She played her entire 15-year career with the Fever.
WATCH: Tamika Catchings is preparing for final regular season games with Indiana Fever, WNBA
READ: Tamika Catchings' tribute to Pat Summitt
Many WNBA stars and NBA stars sent tributes to Catchings’ career.
Fans send best wishes, congratulate Tamika Catchings on retirement
Chuck Pagano, Ryan Grigson return to the Indianapolis Colts
After reports from Indianapolis to ESPN saying the relationship between Chuck Pagano and the Indianapolis Colts was over, the coach re-signed with the team for a new contract.
Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano agrees to 4-year extension
Colts owner Jim Irsay announced the contract in a late press conference, with Pagano saying he and Grigson “agree to disagree.” After a disappointing 2016 season, Colts fans are wondering if Irsay may have made the wrong decision.
COLUMN: Pagano's 'connected' extension wasn't Grigson's favorite idea
Chuck Pagano by the numbers: Looking at his 4 seasons in Indy
Frank Vogel out as Pacers' head coach
After more than five years leading the Indiana Pacers, team president Larry Bird decided to not retain Frank Vogel for the 2016-17 season.
"I've decided it's time for a new voice around here," Bird said. "Sometimes my job really sucks. ... This is one of the toughest things I've done."
Vogel won't return as Pacers' coach
Pacers' season is over: What's next?
Bird said Vogel tried to talk him out of it.
"He kept bringing it up, saying 'Can we delay the news conference and start all over again?'" Bird said.
He ended up promoting assistant Nate McMillan for the job. Vogel is currently the head coach of the Orlando Magic.
Report: Frank Vogel to join the Orlando Magic
Colts' Antonio Cromartie, Indiana Fever kneel for national anthem
One of the biggest national sports stories was athletes kneeling during the national anthem to protest police shootings and racial inequality across the country. Those protests hit home when Colts cornerback Antonio Cromartie and the entire Indiana Fever team kneeled during the anthem.
Colts' Antonio Cromartie kneels during national anthem
Colts release cornerback Antonio Cromartie
Colts' Cromartie explains decision to kneel during anthem: 'I'm a black man first.'
Antonio Cromartie's wife says team released him because of national anthem protest
“The bigger disrespect to this country and those who fight for it is staying silent on these issues that plague African-Americans and people of color,” Fever player Marissa Coleman wrote.
Indiana Fever player explains team kneel during National Anthem
Airplanes fly over Indianapolis Motor Speedway
For the first time ever, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosted the Red Bull Air Race in 2016.
Fourteen pilots navigated air pylons around the speedway, trying to get the fastest time without being penalized.
IMS announces air race coming to Indianapolis
PHOTOS: Planes arrive for Red Bull Air Race
How does Red Bull Air Race work?
The event was successful enough for IMS, as it is returning in 2017.
Air race returning to Indianapolis in 2017
Indianapolis Indians take a swim at Victory Field
In August, some parts of Indianapolis flooded due to heavy rain. One of those parts was Victory Field.
As luck would have it, the Indianapolis Indians were supposed to play against the Louisville Bats that night. Obviously, the game was delayed.
The players made the most of the rain delay, pulling out inflatable rafts and floating around in the dugout.
LOOK: Indianapolis Indians go swimming in dugouts during rain delay
Former Butler standout Andrew Smith dies
After a standout career playing basketball at Butler, Andrew Smith died following his second battle with cancer. Smith beat the disease once in 2014, after his heart gave out and he was technically dead for 22 minutes.
Andrew Smith dies following battle with cancer
PROJECT 44: Andrew Smith's wife: I know I'll see him again
His cancer returned in 2015. Smith's wife Samantha has tried to spread the word about bone marrow transplants, since Andrew needed one during his fight.
Bone marrow drive held in former Bulldog Andrew Smith's honor
Racing community mourns death of Bryan Clauson
One of central Indiana's own, Bryan Clauson, had his race car driving career cut short by a dirt track crash in August in Kansas. Clauson's death produced an outpouring of support in the community with many drivers and IndyCar personalities showing their support on social media.
IndyCar driver and Noblesville resident Bryan Clauson dies from injuries sustained in crash
A snapshot of a prodigy's career cut too short: Bryan Clauson aimed to be the best
"He was one of the good ones," Danica Patrick said on twitter. "He was kind, funny, and a damn good driver."
Clauson's story does have some good news: He was an organ donor.
His organs went to five patients in need.
"All of us have felt Bryan’s generosity throughout his life," his family said. "The gift of life is the most amazing gesture and Bryan will live on not only through us and all the people he touched along the way, but from the lucky individuals that will benefit from Bryan making a decision to be a donor."
IndyCar driver Bryan Clauson's family says his organs went to five patients
Racing community mourns the loss of one of its finest, Bryan Clauson
Pacers trade Indiana native George Hill
The biggest move the Indiana Pacers made in the offseason was trading away point guard George Hill for Jeff Teague. Hill, who played at IUPUI, went to the Utah Jazz as part of the deal.
REPORT: George Hill traded in exchange for Jeff Teague in 3-way deal
Hill, the “Hometown Hero,” said he was surprised he was traded. He found out when he listened to a voicemail from Larry Bird, telling him he’d been traded.
