Populous partnered with the Marion County Capital Improvement Board and Pacers Sports & Entertainment on a three-phase transformation of Gainbridge Fieldhouse to create a more personalized, upscale experience that allows fans and visitors to choose their own adventure. The new design makes Gainbridge Fieldhouse, already one of the best places to watch an NBA game, better aligned to the experiences evolving and sophisticated sports fans have come to expect.
Populous designed a number of new social spaces both inside and outside the structure, from premium spaces that offer the newest and best in hospitality to a show-stopping outdoor plaza to engage downtown visitors and residents alike for year-round activities.
In addition to the new club offerings on the Event Level, suites and premium amenities are reimagined throughout the building. The lower suite level rose in suite count from 28 to 38 traditional suites and also added two new corner loge box landings. The renovated lower suite level added two new VIP entrances, providing opportunities for high-end conferencing and hospitality lounges in addition to the new premium ticketed areas. The club level features new suite concepts, flexible suites, an expanded Lexus Loft with new loge seating and landings, upgraded food service areas, party decks and communal lounges.
The redeveloped suite spaces give the Pacers a leg up in the arena landscape, allowing the organization an updated source for revenue generation. The interior design story focuses on the rich basketball history native to the state of Indiana. The suite design employs high-end materials while promoting a warm and comfortable feel. The glazed black brick walls are a nod to the existing red brick throughout the arena, while the use of a wood veneer surround at the walls and ceiling serves to zone the areas and improve acoustics. To further connect to the rest of the arena, a color-changing light feature is incorporated on the bowl side of the wood element, syncing with the scoreboard and ribbon boards, or staying static, to create energy in the bowl.
Altogether, the design of the suite spaces create a unique and memorable fan experience, allowing the Pacers brand and vision to be infused throughout each detail.
