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The Indiana Pacers’ NBA Finals run isn’t just boosting business for restaurants and bars in downtown Indianapolis—it’s also creating a ripple effect across the northern suburbs.
Establishments in Westfield, Carmel and Fishers told IBJ they’ve seen customer traffic surge in the weeks since the Pacers began their championship run. And each of the three cities is capitalizing on the buzz around the team by hosting public watch parties.
Nickel Plate District Amphitheater in Fishers has hosted three watch parties so far, according to city spokesperson Ashley Elrod, drawing around 4,000 fans for each event.
Ale Emporium, located just a few miles east of the amphitheater, has seen a 30% to 40% increase in sales as the playoffs have continued, according to general manager Brian Guillot.
“Last night, we probably did close to $10,000 more in sales than we normally do on a Wednesday,” he said. “We start to fill up our bar, and our patio is pretty much full by 7:00 with an 8:30 tipoff. So it’s been really good for us.”
Guillot also noted that, with a normal weekday closing at 11 p.m., if the Pacers game is on, they won’t close until the game is over.
Fans are also celebrating late into the night at Fork & Ale House in Carmel’s Midtown Plaza, according to the brewery’s general manager, Jeff Blair.
On game days, Blair said seats have been filled with customers by 7:30 p.m., and the environment is high-energy until the game ends—and even after. On Wednesday night, Game 3 ended just past 11:30, but Fork & Ale patrons didn’t leave until 1 a.m.
“The energy has been there for every game,” Blair said. “When I say energetic, I mean they’re shouting ‘offense,’ ‘defense’—and some things that I can’t repeat.”
Carmel requested permission from the NBA to publicly stream the game, according to city spokesperson Katie Lustig. The city’s hope for the free events, she said, was to offer a place for Pacers fans to gather.
Although the city couldn’t offer specific attendance numbers, Blair said the showings drew a bustling crowd to Midtown.
“There were so many people outside,” Blair said. “They were on the stage. You couldn’t see the grass; you couldn’t see an open chair.”
Westfield’s Grand Junction Plaza hosted a free Game 3 watch party on Wednesday that drew a crowd of at least 250 people, according to city spokeswoman Kayla Arnold. The city has been encouraging residents to grab carry-out from local restaurants before settling in for the game.
Something Splendid, a gift shop and wine bar just across the street from Grand Junction Plaza, has also catering to basketball fans throughout the team’s playoff run by offering a Pacers-themed cocktail.
“I’m sure the Indy area is just booming with good business,” co-owner Elyse Haverstock told IBJ.
Haverstock compared the specialty drink, “Pacers Punch,” to an Aperol Spritz with a spin—the drink includes lemon and blueberries, mimicking the team’s signature colors.
Something Splendid’s gift shop area is also currently selling Pacers-themed items, which Haverstock said have also been a hit with patrons during the playoff run. The establishment offers outdoor seating where customers can sit and watch games. While the shop typically closes at 9 p.m., it stays open late on game days.
“Despite the obstacles in the Westfield area, we’re definitely having a breakout year this year, and I definitely think the Finals are contributing to our success,” Haverstock said.
Pacers Game 4 watch parties in Hamilton County
Due to inclement weather, outdoor watch parties previously announced in Fishers and Westfield are canceled.
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