News Summary
Indianapolis has officially broken ground on the Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center, a $78 million investment to enhance local women’s athletics. Spanning 108,000 square feet, this facility will feature state-of-the-art amenities tailored for female athletes, integrating a strong community engagement component. With features such as regulation-sized basketball courts, wellness spaces, and fan engagement areas, the center is set to make a significant impact on women’s sports in Indianapolis, aiming to open before the next WNBA season.
Indianapolis Breaks Ground on New $78 Million Women’s Sports Facility
Indianapolis, Indiana, has taken a significant step forward in supporting women’s professional sports with the ceremonial groundbreaking of the Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center. Held on September 4, 2025, this new facility will provide a dedicated space for female athletes, featuring state-of-the-art amenities tailored specifically for their needs.
Major Investment and Location
The project involves an investment of $78 million and will span 108,000 square feet across three stories. Situated in downtown Indianapolis at the corner of Delaware and Maryland streets, the center occupies a prominent site on the former Marion County Jail property. Its strategic location aims to enhance downtown development and serve as a hub for women’s athletics in the region.
Design and Connectivity
The Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center will be directly connected to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the home of the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever, via a skybridge. This connection ensures seamless access for athletes and personnel, integrating the facility into Indianapolis’ well-established sports infrastructure. The building’s architectural design has been developed by Populous, a firm recognized for its work advancing women’s professional sports arenas and facilities.
Operational Timeline
The center is projected to open before the start of the 2027 WNBA season, offering new opportunities for training and community engagement. Its development aligns with ongoing efforts to elevate women’s sports visibility and infrastructure across the country.
Facility Features and Amenities
The Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center will include numerous amenities aimed at supporting athletes’ physical, mental, and personal well-being:
- Two regulation-sized basketball courts with natural lighting
- Fully equipped strength and conditioning areas
- A dedicated yoga and Pilates zone
- A full-service kitchen and hydration stations
- A spa-like retreat featuring massage therapy, infrared light therapy, sauna, steam rooms, heat studios, and hydrotherapy pools
- A private outdoor courtyard for relaxation and training
- Spaces dedicated to mental performance and wellness
- A hair and nail salon for personal grooming
- Dedicated childcare space to support athletes and staff with family needs
- A podcast and content production studio to facilitate media and fan engagement
Fan Engagement and Community Outreach
The facility will also serve as a venue for exclusive fan experiences within the Hall of Excellence, which will honor the team’s rich history. Additionally, a Fever team store will offer merchandise, fostering community connection and team branding.
Leadership and Strategic Significance
The project is led by Shiel Sexton for construction, with design oversight by Populous. It represents an important milestone as one of only four exclusive practice facilities in the WNBA, joining the Las Vegas Aces, Seattle Storm, and Phoenix Mercury. The development underscores Indianapolis’ commitment to becoming a key destination for women’s sports and advancing gender-specific sports infrastructure.
Partnerships and Land Use
The facility will be constructed on land owned by the Capital Improvement Board of Marion County (CIB). The Indiana Pacers and Indianapolis Colts currently operate their practice facilities on this land, under an agreement that allows the Fever to build and operate the new center. Upon the conclusion of this agreement, the facility will be donated back to the CIB.
Community Impact and Future Outlook
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett emphasized the potential impact of this development on the local sports economy and its role in positioning the city as a leading destination for women’s sports. The project is expected to create new opportunities for athletes, fans, and local businesses, further strengthening Indianapolis’ reputation as a growing hub for diverse sporting events and achievements.
The Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center symbolizes a major investment in female athletes, providing purpose-built resources to support their development on the court and in their personal lives. Its completion will mark a new chapter in Indianapolis’ sports landscape, aligning infrastructure development with broader goals of inclusivity and athletic excellence.
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Additional Resources
- WNBA: Fever Breaks Ground on Sports Performance Center
- Google Search: Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center
- WRTV: Indiana Fever Breaks Ground on $78 Million Center
- Wikipedia: Indiana Fever
- WTHR: Groundbreaking for Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center
- Google News: Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center
- Sports Business Journal: Fever Breaks Ground on Facility
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s Sports
- Axios: Fever Practice Facility Groundbreaking
- Google Search: WNBA
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
