Friday, March 29, 2024

Basketball court at Indianapolis airport promotes NBA All-Star Game

Travelers at Indianapolis International Airport are getting a taste of the upcoming NBA All-Star Game without any additional cost. Over the past week, those passing through the main terminal have encountered a full-sized replica basketball court complete with two baskets, boundary lines, and the All-Star logo.

While fans can’t engage in shooting free throws or jump shots on the concourse, the installation has captured attention and many are making the most of this unique experience. Airport officials plan to enhance the basketball-themed atmosphere by adding more features as the city prepares for its first All-Star Game since 1985 on Feb. 18.

“It’s quite innovative,” expressed Kevin Hammill, a resident of the San Francisco Bay area who found the airport’s basketball court installation to be a novel and attention-grabbing promotion. He remarked, “It caught my eye when I was coming down from Chicago. I thought it’s really a good promotion.”

Indianapolis airport officials are known for embellishing the facility during major sporting events like the Super Bowl, the Final Four, or the CFP championship game. The addition of an expansive basketball court, featuring two hoops, boundary lines, and the All-Star logo, stands out as a particularly creative and fitting attraction for passengers accustomed to airport delays. Originally scheduled for 2021, the NBA All-Star Game was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting organizers to explore unique promotional strategies.

The basketball court, placed in Civic Plaza, spans 50 feet in width and 94 feet in length, with a pressure-sensitive vinyl, non-slip floor. It took 10 hours to print the decal court, installed over three nights on top of the airport’s primary floor. Despite the prohibition on shooting and the absence of basketballs, travelers can’t resist pretending to take shots, contributing to the concept’s popularity.

Stefan Simeunovic, a Purdue tennis player from Canada and a big NBA fan, shared, “I think it’s fascinating. I’m a big NBA fan, so it’s pretty cool.” The realism of the installation extends to details like a shot clock above one basket and a large window reminiscent of Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, adding to the anticipation of All-Star weekend’s festivities.

Adjacent to the replica court, the Indiana Pacers Courtside Club, a family-friendly sports bar, offers a convenient spot for travelers to soak in the basketball-themed ambiance. While the current setup lacks banners or tributes to Indiana’s famous basketball figures like Bob Knight, Oscar Robertson, Larry Bird, Reggie Miller, and Tamika Catchings, there’s speculation that these elements might be added in the future.

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