The Indiana State Fair touts its many attractions but the fairgrounds has lacked a permanent outdoor basketball court.
Tuesday Caitlin Clark and other members of the Indiana Fever were on hand at the fair to dedicate a new permanent outdoor court. Clark signed No. 22 jerseys and played basketball with kids Tuesday to mark the occasion. While kids shot hoops, the Pacers and Fever mascots ran around giving hugs and pulling pigtails.
“We’ve got livestock barns, we’ve got a covered bridge, we’ve got racing horses, we’ve got arts on display, we have incredible food, we have a brand new splash pad, but nothing says Indiana like a permanent basketball court,” Cindy Hoye, Executive Director of the Indiana State Fair Commission, said in a speech dedicating the fair’s newest amenity.
Is the basketball court open to the public?
The court, which was made possible by a partnership between the fair and the Indiana Pacers is open to the public throughout the fair. The Indy Dunkers, an acrobatic basketball group, will perform there at 7 p.m. daily for the rest of the fair.
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The Indiana State Fair is open through Aug. 18. and tickets can be purchased at the fair website.
Clark said she used to go to the Iowa State Fair every single year and she has yet to see whether Indiana’s will live up to it.
“It’s fun to be out here and see people with their jerseys on get so excited about the Fever and what we’re doing for the community,” Clark said.
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At some point in the future, the new court will be painted with the Fever and Pacers logos.
Gov. Eric Holcomb, speaking at the dedication, said the basketball court provides children with education.
“You learn how to win, you learn how to lose and then you, hopefully, learn how to win again, off those lessons, from those losses in life, and where you’re hooping it up,” Holcomb said.
Where is the Indiana State Fair basketball court?
The court is located near Gate G12 and the Purdue Extension Building.
Alex Haddon is a Pulliam Fellow. You can email her at AHaddon@gannett.com.
