A Phoenix risen from the ashes...
Written: Mar 30 '01 (Updated Mar 30 '01)
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Pros: Good location, excellent sightlines, more than just a game.
Cons: Not as loud as MSA
The Bottom Line: Why didn't they think of this sooner? And to think, I thought I would miss Market Square!
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| mr_indiana's Full Review: Conseco Fieldhouse |
When the Pacers announced that they would be replacing MSA with a newer, more modern arena, I failed to see the need. I had been to MSA many times and knew first-hand of the problems with the facility. However, I still enjoyed attending events at MSA. It was very intimate (I know everyone says that) but my favorite part was the crowd. The first time I went to a Pacers game I was amazed. I have NEVER been to anything like it since. When the construction of Conseco, at that time the Indiana Fieldhouse, was announced, I was very sorry to see MSA go.
I visited the website for Conseco almost everyday to learn about updates and get facts about the building. I was hoping that they would be building this huge 20,000 seat arena that would look like something from the future. Instead I saw images of a building that would seat just over 18,000, still one of the smallest in the NBA, and it looked as if it was lifted right out of the past. I was a little disappointed, but I didn't want to pass judgement until I got to see the building in person. It was quite a wait.
Moving away to college has prevented me from attending any Pacers games at Conseco. But I did get to go to an Indianapolis Ice game not long after the structure opened. I was very impressed. As I walked into the ticket lobby, I was almost speechless (and that was just the beginning.) This wide open area serves as the ticketing lobby and meeting area. There is a huge escalator and walking bridge from the adjacent parking garage that brings people right into this area, as well as a huge exterior plaza with heated sidewalks to prevent ice from forming during those freak Indiana ice storms. One side of the lobby features windows that allow you to look down onto the Pacers' practice court.
The Grand Staircase takes visitors up to the main concourse and gives you a sneak peak of the main seating bowl. As I walked around the concourse I could barely keep my mouth closed. (I was that amazed!) There are views from the concourse down into the Home Court Gift Shop where you can see the two ton basketball suspended over the shop. What you can't see once you leave the Grand Staircase is the seating bowl. The building was designed this way to increase the "Wow" factor once you're ready to go to your seat.
The concourses feature what are called "sponsor pavilions". These are areas that feature games, food, and tables. They also feature information about local companies on murals suspended above the concession stands. Along the brick walls of the concourses there are painted advertisements for other local companies and display cases featuring artifacts that honor Indiana basketball.
When I finally made it to my seat, I was treated to a spectacular view. All of the seats have excellent sightlines. But since I was attending a hockey game, one whole end of the arena was blocked off because people sitting in those sections would not have been able to see the goal. This building was specifically designed for basketball, so when the building is configured for certain types of events, the seating is lowered quite a bit.
One of the nicest things about Conseco was the experience that awaited me when I was exiting the building. There are HUGE stairwells that exit directly to the street. If you ever attended an event at MSA, you know what a pain it was to wait in line for the few elevators or to pack yourselves into the tiny stairwells. This is much different.
The Fieldhouse is spectacular. The wasn't a single detail overlooked in its design or construction. It is completely themed. When attending events at Conseco, you are treated to more than just a game, the building is an event in itself.
Recommended:
Yes
Parking Availability: Very Light Traffic
Seat Location: Mid Level
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Epinions.com ID:
mr_indiana
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Location: Evansville, IN
Reviews written: 20
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
Currently a student, I'm a sucker for sports, travel, and all things electronic.
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