Indianapolis, IN — The Indiana State Fair has announced Basketball will be the 2023 theme, and title partnership with Pacers Sports & Entertainment.
The theme will be activated through multiple interactive experiences, including All-Star Court (a Basketball Amusement Park), the Pacers Sports & Entertainment Court, exhibits paying homage to Indiana’s rich basketball legacy, and daily storytelling moments – 18 of Indiana’s greatest basketball stories told through the 18 days of the Fair, team player meet-and-greets, and so much more.
The 2023 Indiana State Fair runs from July 28 through August 20.
“The Indiana State Fair is an annual celebration of agriculture, entertainment, and what it means to be a Hoosier,” Governor Eric Holcomb said. “Perhaps the only other Hoosier tradition that brings together as many fans, as much nostalgia, and that sense of hometown pride is the love of basketball that’s swept our state for more than a century, which makes it the perfect theme for this year’s fair.”
“The Indiana State Fair is an annual backdrop for celebrating our State’s rich history and being the state that grew the game, Basketball is the perfect theme!” said Anna Whelchel, chief marketing and sales officer at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center. “We unveil this theme as we tip off an incredible year of celebration for the 166th Indiana State Fair returning next summer with our great partners at Pacers Sports & Entertainment.”
“The Indiana Pacers and the Indiana State Fair are both quintessentially Hoosier brands, and the Coliseum and Fairgrounds are, in the minds of so many fans, so closely linked to the Pacers’ ABA championship teams and players,” said Rick Fuson, Chief Executive Officer of Pacers Sports and Entertainment. “We are thrilled that this partnership will celebrate the game of basketball, the birthright of every Hoosier and such an important part of our state heritage.”
Basketball also has a rich history at the Fairgrounds where the iconic Indiana Farmers Coliseum has played host to high school championships, the ABA Pacers, All-Star Games, and more.