INDIANAPOLIS — After months of construction, Bicentennial Unity Plaza is set to officially open Thursday near Gainbridge Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis.
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, along with Indianapolis leaders and Pacers Sports & Entertainment executives, will cut the ribbon Thursday morning ahead of four days of free events at the plaza, which is adjacent to the fieldhouse to the north, at 121 E. Maryland Street.
"This kind of thing is transformative for quality of life and the city and our downtown," said Danny Lopez, with Pacers Sports & Entertainment.
"It's unity of spirit," said Dr. Allison Barber, president and COO of the Indiana Fever. "It's unity of fun. It all comes together here at Gainbridge."
The free events, which last through Sunday, Aug. 27, include:
- Indiana Fever Pre-Game Party with live music, games, and giveaways - Aug. 24, 5-7 p.m.
- Happy Hour on the Plaza featuring free small plates from local chefs and food trucks - Aug. 25, 5-9 p.m.
- Indy Night Market on the Plaza, which will focus on Black-owned businesses, restaurants and food entrepreneurs - Aug. 26, 5-10 p.m.
- JR. HOOPS Mini Clinic, a free basketball clinic for kids ages 6-14 - Aug. 27, 1-3 p.m.
- Love of the Game, an event with basketball-themed face painting, crafts and coloring stations - Aug. 27, 1-5 p.m.
"Come down here at 5 p.m. for the free party and roll right into the Fever game, where we are going to beat the Seattle Storm," Barber said of Friday's pre-game party.
Among the features of the new space are interactive sculptures and large-scale public art, a basketball court that converts into an ice-skating rink and other spaces that can be converted for community events throughout the year.