As Caitlin Clark gears up to grace the court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse as a member of the Indiana Fever, she enters a community where the love for the game knows no bounds. From legendary high school rivalries to the soaring success of collegiate programs, Indiana's devotion to women's basketball is as storied as its hardwood history. Amidst the echoes of Hoosier Hysteria and the warm embrace of Hoosier Hospitality, Caitlin will find herself not just playing a game but becoming part of a legacy that celebrates the essence of women's basketball in Indiana. Here are 22 reasons why Caitlin Clark, like many before her, will love calling Indiana home.
On the Court:
1. Indiana Fever
Clark is joining a powerhouse team with an unmatched record. The Fever has won three conference titles (2009, 2012, and 2015) and the WNBA championship in 2012.
2: Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Gainbridge Fieldhouse is an indoor arena located in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. It opened in November 1999 to replace Market Square Arena. The arena is the home of the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association and the Indiana Fever of the Women's National Basketball Association.
See The History:
3. NCAA Hall of Champions
The NCAA Hall of Champions boasts two-levels of interactive exhibits to engage visitors and create a true-to-life understanding of what it takes to make the grade.On the first level, all 24 NCAA sports are represented and include trivia challenges, current team rankings, video highlights, and artifacts donated from colleges around the nation. Play, on the second level, is a fully interactive area to compete virtually and hands-on through sports simulators, a 1930s retro gymnasium, ski simulator and more.
4. Mascot Hall of Fame
Through a one-of-a-kind children’s museum learning environment that is equally rooted in S.T.E.A.M. educational principles and sports mascot entertainment, it is our mission to educate, spark creativity, promote fun and engage in our communities while honoring our Mascot Hall of Fame Inductees. Many NBA and College mascots are featured in the Mascot Hall of Fame.
5: Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame
In Indiana, basketball isn’t simply a game and the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame is an example of that. The 14,000-square-foot museum is full of Indiana Basketball heritage and artifacts dating back to its origins in 1890 to the present. It doesn't just honor male players either; women's basketball, the community, coaches, schools and more have their place in the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.
6: Crispus Attucks Museum
Museum inside a high school documenting 2 centuries of the African-American experience in Indiana. Oscar Robertson and Crispus Attucks Basketball exhibit within the museum.
7: Indianapolis Children's Museum - Avenue of Champions
Avenue of Champions depicts many sports legends from history that were from Indiana. From legendary players to commentators and coaches, Indiana continues to expand its roster of champions and the Avenue of Champions is made to honor them.
8: Hoosier Gymnasium
The Hoosier Gym is a basketball gymnasium, museum, and community center located in Knightstown, Indiana. It is famous for being a filming location for the 1986 basketball movie Hoosiers, starring Gene Hackman and Dennis Hopper. The gym was the home court of the movie's Hickory Huskers.
9: Milan '54 Museum
The long-term goal of this organization is to develop the overall experience of this event with a permanent museum and develop the town of Milan to recreate the feeling and flavor of the times in 1954. In June of 2013 a dream was realized as the Milan ’54 Hoosiers Museum opened its doors in the former State Bank of Milan building on West Carr Street in Milan, Indiana.
10: The Best High School Basketball Gyms
From some of the largest high school basketball arenas in the country to unique venues whose architecture is unmatched, these cathedrals are home to Friday night dramas that draw in entire communities.
The Art of the Game:
11: Bicentennial Unity Plaza
The Bicentennial Unity Plaza is an outdoor plaza in downtown Indianapolis centered on the intersection of Senate Avenue and Robert D. Orr Plaza, just north of Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The plaza — which will have an ice skating rink, community basketball courts, art installations, water features and more — will commemorate Indiana’s 200th anniversary of statehood.
12: Free Basket at Newfields
Free Basket is located outside the boundary of the 100 Acres park on city property. The parking loop surrounding the artwork is situated just south of the Lake and west of the museum. The artwork can be accessed by means of the IWC Canal Greenway (Central Canal Trail).
13: Reggie Miller Mural
Indianapolis has a visual focal point for all of its Reggie Miller love. The career Indiana Pacer star will live forever on the building known as "the Mich". Local artist Pamela Bliss completed the finished painting the 60-foot mural in October 2018.
14: Speedking Garfield
Fairmount, Indiana boasts a couple famous Indiana natives. In addition to its most well-known son, movie-star James Dean, Fairmount is also the hometown of Jim Davis, creator of the comic strip Garfield. And Jim Davis’ and Garfield’s presence continues to be felt from Fairmount, Indiana and the surrounding cities of Marion, Gas City, and Upland, Indiana, as well as throughout east central Indiana with Grant County’s Garfield Trail.
A Roster of Game Changers
15: Larry Bird
A basketball icon known for his sublime skills and fierce competitiveness, Larry Bird's legacy in Indiana transcends the sport, embodying the state's passion for basketball.
16: Tamika Catchings
A revered figure in Indiana basketball, Tamika Catchings' tenacity and leadership both on and off the court have inspired generations, leaving an indelible mark on the game.
17: Aliyah Boston
Emerging as a dominant force, Aliya Boston's talent and dedication reflect the evolving landscape of basketball in Indiana, igniting excitement for the sport's future.
18: John Wooden
Renowned as a coaching legend, John Wooden's teachings and philosophies continue to shape the basketball culture in Indiana, emphasizing the importance of discipline and teamwork.
19: Tom Jernstedt
A visionary administrator whose contributions to college basketball, including the establishment of the NCAA Final Four, have cemented Indiana's status as a mecca for the sport.
20: Reggie Miller
A beloved figure in Indiana basketball lore, Reggie Miller's clutch performances and unwavering loyalty to the Pacers have endeared him to fans, leaving an enduring legacy on the state's hoops scene.
21: Oscar Robertson
A pioneering figure in basketball history, Oscar Robertson's impact on the game transcends Indiana, yet his roots in the Hoosier State symbolize its enduring influence on basketball greatness.
22: Chuck Taylor
As the namesake behind the iconic Converse basketball shoes, Chuck Taylor's innovative designs have not only shaped the game in Indiana but have also become synonymous with basketball culture worldwide.
