Fans show up for Indiana Pacers’ first home court NBA Finals game in 25 years

Indiana Pacers fans gather outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse before Game 3 of the NBA Finals, June 11, 2025. (IBJ photo/Mickey Shuey)

Downtown Indianapolis was flooded with Indiana Pacers fans Wednesday night as the NBA Finals made its way to the Circle City.

The streets outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse buzzed as fans in blue and gold made their way to the arena ahead of Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Supporters waved flags and chatted about the game. A steady line streamed into the team store, fans eager to snag last-minute gear.

With the NBA Finals tied 1-1, fans were bracing for a night that could tilt the series—or test their faith.

After a Game 1 victory of 111-110, ending with a buzzer-beater from Tyrese Haliburton, one might think the Pacers were building momentum as they headed into Game 2. However, the team fell flat against the Thunder with a 123-107 loss.

Steve Smolinske, 62, traveled from Auburn, Indiana—just over two hours—to watch Wednesday’s game. He said that the Pacers were lucky to be even in the series.

“That first game was nowhere near what they’re capable of,” he said. “They got lucky in the last few seconds, but they can do better than that.”

Shawn Thorne, a 52-year-old Indianapolis native who attended the Pacers’ last NBA Finals appearance 25 years ago, says one thing hasn’t changed: the community’s bond.

“It’s sad that it took 25 years to get back here, but I’m really happy we’re here now,” he said. “I think we’re really gonna bounce back tonight. It’s going to be fun in there, and we’re going to get it done.”

Thorne said it feels like many Indianapolis residents are devoted supporters, and the fanbase is a tight-knit group. Thorne’s wife, Nicole Thorne, 45, agreed.

“Like everyone says, this is Indiana,” she said. “I feel like (the Pacers) want to do well, not only for themselves, but also for their city.”

As part of the pre-game festivities, ESPN partnered with anonymous content creator Mr. Flower Fantastic to showcase a 7-foot-tall flower sculpture in the shape of the Pacers logo. He did the same for the Thunder ahead of Game 1 in Oklahoma City.

The New York-based floral artist makes arrangements using various flower types and colors. He told Florists Review that his desire to remain anonymous is to leave focus on the “powerful universal gift of flowers to humanity.”

In the hours before tipoff, fans lined up to have their photo taken with the sculpture, composed of more than 10,000 blooms including Indiana’s state flower, the peony, along with daffodils, roses, carnations, lilies, smilax and ivy in shades of blue and gold.

Curtis Friends, vice president of sports marketing for ESPN, said he’s a neutral fan who “roots for a good game,” but acknowledged the Pacers’ competitive spirit.

“Win or lose, the Pacers are smart contenders,” he said. “There’s nothing like a win, but a loss would turn them into an even more rabid team, and they will put up a bigger fight.”

The Pacers have played 18 games during playoffs with a 13-5 record, seven of which have been played at home. In home games alone, they have a record of 5-2, with both being narrow defeats: both differentials were by a minimal 6 points.

“If they play good ball—boy, they need to play ball—they’ll win it,” Smolinske said. “If they get their transition game going, I think they’ll do more than OK.”