Oct 11, 2022

New Indiana Pacers Courtside Club Opens at Indy Airport

New Pacers-themed restaurant brings hometown-team flavor, experience to Indy food scene

INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 11, 2022) – As the Indiana Pacers approach the 2022-2023 NBA season, the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) celebrates the opening of the new Indiana Pacers Courtside Club restaurant in Civic Plaza. Today officials from the Indianapolis Airport Authority, Pacers Sports & Entertainment, and restaurant representatives from HMSHost and Diversified Concessions Group cut the “net” on the new Pacers landmark that will offer a lounge and full-menu, sit-down dining before TSA security checkpoints – making the Pacers-branded experience available to all airport guests.

Following welcoming remarks from IAA Board President Barbara Glass at the event, IAA Executive Director Mario Rodriguez 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.”

Today’s event signifies one of the Indy airport’s most anticipated new food-and-beverage concessions since a complete renovation and upgrade of all stores and restaurants began shortly before the start of the pandemic.

“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,” said Quinn Buckner, Pacers Sports & Entertainment vice president for communications.

The Indiana Pacers Courtside Club menu features basketball- and Pacer-themed food, including breakfast, and offers a wide selection of tap beer, cocktails and classic American fare – like the Boomer Burger, named after the Pacers’ mascot. Fans can also enjoy a pop-a-shot basketball game, while surrounded by historic memorabilia of the Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever and the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.

“It’s exciting to represent Indianapolis’ NBA team at a major gateway to the city,” said HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Bryan Loden. “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 & Entertainment, and our partner Diversified Concessions to bring a piece of Indiana sports culture to travelers at IND.”

The Indiana Pacers Courtside Club is operated by global restaurateur HMSHost and their airport joint-venture partner Diversified Concessions Group.

"Diversified Concessions is thrilled to partner with IND, Pacers Sports & Entertainment, and HMSHost to create an immersive dining and entertainment experience for the traveling public and energetic fans of the Indiana Pacers,” said Diversified Concessions Group Chief Executive Officer Alicia Ivey.

The Indiana Pacers Courtside Club has been highly anticipated, and is expected to become one of the most popular choices for full-service dining at IND, joining Sun King Brewery and Tinker Coffee Company Café as new options for travelers seeking full-service, sit-down dining. Additionally, coming soon will be renovations to Harry & Izzy’s and the much-anticipated opening of Shake Shack.

MEDIA MATERIALS: For media images and b-roll, click here.

About Indianapolis International Airport

The Indianapolis Airport Authority owns and operates Indiana’s largest airport system in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. In addition to the Indianapolis International Airport (IND), its facilities include the Downtown Heliport, Eagle Creek Airpark, Hendricks County Airport-Gordon Graham Field, Indianapolis Regional Airport and Metropolitan Airport. IND generates a $5.4 billion total annual economic impact for Central Indiana – without relying on state or local taxes to fund operations. More than 10,000 people work at the airport each day, and 22,600 area jobs have a connection to the airport. In 2021, IND served more than 7.1 million business and leisure travelers. IND is consistently ranked, year after year, as the best airport in North America and the nation, based on ease of use, passenger amenities, customer service, local retail offerings and public art.

About Pacers Sports & Entertainment

Pacers Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) is the corporate identity exemplified by the Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever, Fort Wayne Mad Ants, Pacers Gaming, Pacers Foundation, Inc., and Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Its team of inspired and dedicated employees promises to deliver quality entertainment and unparalleled service.

About HMSHost

Global restaurateur HMSHost is a world leader in creating dining for travel venues. HMSHost operates locations all over North America, and is part of Autogrill Group, the world’s leading provider of food & beverage services for people on the move. Visit HMSHost.com for more information.

About Diversified Concessions

Founded by noted businesswoman Alicia M. Ivey, Diversified Concessions is an innovative company specializing in airport concessions with an emphasis on food, beverage and retail services for airports. Diversified Concessions is a certified ACDBE and 100% woman-owned company that believes in bringing unmatched spirit of outstanding professionalism to our partners. By partnering for progress with innovative brands, it is Diversified Concessions mission to redefine the airport travel experience.