Indianapolis is taking women’s sports to the next level. Pacers Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) has announced plans for a $78 million state-of-the-art sports performance center exclusively for the Indiana Fever. Construction is set to begin in August 2025, with the facility ready to welcome players just in time for the 2027 WNBA season.
Nestled in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, this three-story, 108,000-square-foot complex will be a part of the PS&E campus. It will even feature a skybridge connecting it to Gainbridge Fieldhouse and the Virginia Avenue Parking Garage. PS&E owner Herb Simon summed up the significance of the project: “Indianapolis has been a tremendous partner in our mission to elevate our team, players, and community.”
What makes this center special? It’s designed with the specific needs of female athletes in mind. The space will include two full-sized, naturally lit basketball courts, a top-notch strength and conditioning area, and even a yoga and Pilates studio. For recovery, players will have access to hydrotherapy pools, infrared light therapy, saunas, float tanks, and heat studios.
Lifestyle perks are also in the mix. The center will boast a spa-like retreat, a salon, childcare spaces, and even a podcast studio. Add to that a private courtyard and mental performance spaces, and you’ve got a facility built to enhance every aspect of an athlete’s life. PS&E CEO Mel Raines put it best: “This isn’t just a training center-it’s a game changer.”
The new center is part of a bigger vision: turning Indianapolis into the epicenter of women’s sports. Mayor Joe Hogsett highlighted the project’s impact, saying, “This investment from PS&E drives further momentum in women’s basketball and elevates Indianapolis as a major league sports city.”
How Indianapolis and PS&E are transforming women’s sports
The facility will sit on the west half of the former Marion County Jail site, an area being transformed through collaboration between the city and PS&E. Once the operating agreement ends, the Capitol Improvement Board of Marion County will take ownership of the facility, ensuring its long-term role in supporting women’s sports.
Beyond its benefits to the Fever players, the center will be a hub for community engagement. A Fever team store and spaces for exclusive fan experiences will bring the team closer to their supporters. “This is a reflection of our commitment to giving our players the resources to succeed while also connecting with our fans,” said Fever President Kelly Krauskopf.
Designed by Populous, a global leader in innovative sports architecture, the center aims to set a benchmark for facilities in women’s sports. “This facility will attract top talent and support the team’s success for years to come,” said Adam Stover, senior principal at Populous.
With construction led by Shiel Sexton, this training facility isn’t just about building a space-it’s about building a legacy.
Indianapolis is betting big on women’s sports, and with the Indiana Fever leading the charge, the city is proving it’s more than ready to deliver.