Other 2013 news of note: From Pacers to panhandling
A look at some of the runner-up top Indianapolis business stories from 2013.
Pacers
Articles
Pacers-Heat game most-watched ever for NBA TV
The network said the Tuesday night telecast averaged 920,000 viewers, topping out at more than 1 million from 10:15 to 10:30 p.m. EST.
Sales of NBA floor space off to slow start
The Indiana Pacers were the first NBA team to jump on the opportunity to sell advertising on the court. So far, just two other teams have followed suit.
Pacers hire Disney to help upgrade service
The Indiana Pacers recently entered a long-term contract with Walt Disney Co.’s Disney Institute, to polish customer service from top to bottom.
Pacers hire sports writer, exec Bill Benner as senior VP
The Longtime Indianapolis sports journalist and executive has left the Horizon League to join Pacers Sports & Entertainment as senior vice president of corporate, community and public relations.
Pacers land IEDC as court sponsor
The Indiana Pacers have brokered a deal with an unusual sponsor—the Indiana Economic Development Corp.—to become the first of 30 National Basketball Association teams to sell courtside ads emblazoned on the hardwood.
All-star forward George signs extension with Pacers
Team officials have not released details, but the contract is reported to be for five years and worth $80 million-plus.
Hoosier documentary maker turns attention to Leonard
Award-winning filmmaker Ted Green, whose previous documentaries profiled John Wooden, Roger Brown and Indiana war veterans, found Bobby “Slick” Leonard has done basically everything there is to do in basketball.
CIB prepared to give Pacers another $11 million
The Capital Improvement Board of Marion County is prepared to give the Pacers another $11 million to offset losses from operating Bakers Life Fieldhouse as it continues to negotiate a long-term contract with the team.
Former Pacer invents device to increase leg strength
In April, Jonathan Bender launched a company based on a device he invented to help others avoid the knee troubles that put an end to his promising NBA career. Already, he’s brokered a deal with California-based Relax The Back retail chain.
Returning to run franchise, Bird hopes to take ‘another step’
A recharged Larry Bird, 56, will succeed Donnie Walsh, 72, as president of basketball operations for the Indiana Pacers. His return comes almost exactly a year after he stepped down, citing health concerns.
Pacers vs. Knicks almost sold out as ticket demand soars
The team plans to provide gold t-shirts for all in attendance for Saturday’s game, which tips off at 8 p.m. Ticket packages for next season are selling as local enthusiasm builds.
Pacers post solid attendance gains in regular season
Despite the negative noise this year about Pacers home attendance, the team had its second consecutive season increase. Revenue from tickets and sponsorships also rose.
Pacers safe in Boston after bomb attack at marathon
The team was in Boston Monday, preparing for its upcoming game against the Celtics. At least two people were killed and dozens wounded in a bomb attack near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.
BENNER: From the NBA to the Big Ten, putting butts in seats is king
Even watching the game from home on ESPN, a casual observer might have thought Bankers Lie Fieldhouse was a neutral court.
Pacers general manager wrote the book on teamwork
Indiana Pacers General Manager Kevin Pritchard believes character is forged in losing as much as in winning. He’s shared that philosophy in a recent book he co-wrote called “Help the Helper: Building a Culture of Extreme Teamwork.”
BENNER: Bird’s faith in Lance Stephenson now looks well-placed
I guarantee he’s closely watching the team he assembled and has a trained eye on the 22-year-old.
Arrival of NBA jersey ads likely to net Pacers millions
The NBA is on the verge of allowing advertising on player jerseys, a potential source of revenue long resisted by major U.S. sports leagues. The question now is how much money the move will generate for small-market teams like the Indiana Pacers.
Pacers voice recognized in sportscasters Hall of Fame
Twice named Indiana’s Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association, Boyle also has been recognized as the top talk show host in Indianapolis by Indianapolis Monthly magazine.
Colts trying to tackle proposed ticket-tax hike
The Indianapolis Colts are playing defense as city leaders move to hike a ticket tax on downtown events by 67 percent. The team says raising the tax on tickets from 6 percent to 10 percent will harm its bottom line and that of local businesses that rely on Colts fans.