Indianapolis International Airport in Indiana has opened an Indiana Pacers bar paying homage to the local NBA team. The restaurant comes after the pandemic had halted renovations at the airport right before Covid had begun to shut down the United States.
New developments
The Pacers restaurant sits outside of TSA security checkpoints which would allow all guests of the airport to experience some pride for the home team. The restaurant will be decked out with Pacers memorabilia, themed food, breakfast, and a wide selection of draft beers, cocktails, and even a burger named after the Pacers mascot “Boomer Burger.” There’s also a fun pop-a-shot basketball game and merchandise from Indiana’s other teams, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants and the Fever.
Combining cuisine and sports
Mario Rodriguez, executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority, said, “The new Pacers Courtside Club gives all who visit IND a new location to experience that Pacer spirit and hometown team excitement and another option where they can gather for good food, friends and sports entertainment in Indy. We see it as a slam dunk addition to the Indianapolis food and beverage scene.”
“Basketball is a global game and we are Indiana’s team, so we are proud to share the Pacers experience with travelers from around the world at North America’s very best airport,” stated Quinn Buckner, vice president of communications for Pacers Sports and Entertainment.
What’s to come
Vice president of business development at HMSHost, Bryan Loden said, “It’s exciting to represent Indianapolis’ NBA team at a major gateway to the city. Whether arriving or departing, we are engaging the traveling public with food and entertainment unique to Indy. HMSHost is honored to work alongside the airport, Pacers Sports and Entertainment, and our partner Diversified Concessions to bring a piece of Indiana sports culture to travelers at IND.”
There are more updates expected at the IND airport for next year, including Sun King Brewery, TInker Coffee Company, Harry & Izzy’s, as well as the highly anticipated Shake Shack.
