On this episode of the Fieldhouse Files, Mel Raines, president and & chief operating officer of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, makes her first appearance on the show. We discussed the significant improvements made to and around Gainbridge Fieldhouse, what the new setup is like and what to expect.

“It’s very much a new building that people will be coming back into this fall,” she said.

Among the items discussed on this episode:

• Oct. 4, 2022 being 500 days out from the 2024 NBA All-Star Game.
• Notable change at training camp and two names I hear repeatedly.
• How the Pacers will treat the preseason and a few things I’ll be watching for.
• Then … Mel provides a throughout update on Phase 3 of renovations. (11:30)
• Dates when certain areas will be completed, including the new Kroger SkyDeck.
• How the plaza could be utilized — sunrise yoga, happy hour concerts, farmers market, etc.
• Her path from IU to politics to sports — and now having a significant role.

The Details

• Total of $360 million spent on upgrades, plus another $18 million in capital expenditures or necessary upgrades.
• First event back: Oct. 2, Post Malone
• Team Store reopens: Oct. 3, plus a new store on the balcony level at games
• Kroger SkyDeck: Targeting the end of November to open
• Bicentennial unity plaza: Projecting to be done May 2023
• Entertainment complex building: End of 2023; restaurant, speakeasy and an entertainment space just east of the plaza.

-----

Follow Scott on Twitter and Instagram, and read his work on fieldhousefiles.com.