Mar 3, 2021 / 02:39 PM EST
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) The sports arena is often seen as a man’s domain, but the Executive Vice President for Corporation Communications, Community Engagement and Facilities Operations of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, Mel Raines, proves it’s just as much a woman’s world.
Over the last few years, she has played a major role in some of Indy’s biggest sporting events. Raines comes from a long background in politics. From the Super Bowl to March Madness and helping Indianapolis win the bid for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, Indiana can compete, she says.
“I mean we are known as being a great event host, and I think (what) we are about to embark on in the month of March is just another example of that,” Raines said. “No other city has hosted every game of the NCAA tournament, and we are excited to be a big part of it here. We’re probably gonna have 16 games between the first and second round and the Sweet 16.”
By: Don Muret / VenuesNow
The Bankers Life Fieldhouse artist lounge, part of the ILA Star Compound.Irving Azoff’s victory lap is in full swing a few months after he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Pacers Sports & Entertainment has named the new backstage production space at Bankers Life Fieldhouse after the music industry kingpin.
The ILA Star Compound, the official title, uses Azoff’s initials. The 5,000-square-foot space encompasses six dressing rooms, an artist lounge and three event offices. It’s part of the first phase completed for an overall $360 million renovation of the Indianapolis arena.
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The most obvious upgrade for fans attending games is the new scoreboard, which actually was not originally included in Phase 1, but was a late addition. A partnership with experience design company ANC, the new LED center-hung scoreboard features more than 3,350 square feet of video area, two LED rings, and underbelly rings so fans sitting closer to the court can still see the scoreboard.
The other obvious update is the installation of new dark gray seats in the main bowl, which replace the original green seats that have been in place since the building opened in 1999. The green seats remain in the Krieg DeVault and Balcony levels for now, but will be replaced in future phases of the renovation.
Bankers Life Fieldhouse Welcomes Back Fans With Renovations
Taylor Bennett/WFYI
The first phase of renovations to Bankers Life Fieldhouse stayed on schedule despite some disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Executive Vice-President for Corporate Communication, Community Engagement and Facility Operations, Mel Raines said fans headed back to the Fieldhouse will notice big changes.
“The first thing they are going to see is the new scoreboard. It’s really impactful. We’ve added all new screens, two LED’s, one on the top, one on the bottom, a new underbelly screen for those sitting down closer to the court,” Raines said. “ It will blow you away when you enter the entry pavilion.”