INDIANAPOLIS — Downtown Indianapolis is gearing up to host one of the biggest weekends in basketball.
The NBA All-Star Weekend will take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Lucas Oil Stadium and the Convention Center. The events will welcome hundreds of thousands of people to experience all things Indianapolis, and of course, that Hoosier hospitality.
Downtown Indy, Inc. wants to make sure residents and businesses feel prepared.
Businesses on Massachusetts Avenue couldn't be more ready.
"If you're looking for the flavor of Indianapolis, there's not a better place to be," said Nick Rassi, general manager of Silver in the City. "We have a lot of our own local flavors, kind of like you see behind me. A lot of local businesses, local, local artists that you just can't find anywhere else."
Businesses and residents are also getting prepared for lots of street closures beginning at noon on Thursday, Feb. 15.
"The bike share will be free throughout the weekend. IndyGo will have free rides throughout the weekend and make it easier to leave your car at home. Both things that make it easier to leave your car at home and still be able to come down an experience a vibrant, exciting weekend," said Taylor Schaffer, with Downtown Indy, Inc.
It'll be a weekend filled with the opportunity for visitors to take in the sights, the food, local shops and more.
Schaffer encourages drivers to be prepared.
"The more that we can do to ensure that people are aware of those changes, that they're planning ahead, that they're communicating that for their deliveries, that we're ensuring that the ride-share services are briefed and know where there going. Those things help to make an easier event for everyone," Schaffer said.
Rassi said businesses are excited to welcome as many people as possible.
"Hopefully, people do make there way up this way to see all that our city has to offer, and specifically, our neighborhood here," Rassi said.
For more information on events, download the NBA Events app for tickets and event information.