10 things to know about NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis
The 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend is quickly approaching, and this year the excitement is centered around the vibrant city (and theCityMoms home base!) of Indianapolis. Known for its rich basketball history and love for sports, Indy is rolling out the red carpet to ensure an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages. Whether you're a die-hard basketball enthusiast or a casual fan looking for some family fun, this list should help…
Top 10 Things to Know About NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis
1. The Main Events
All-Star Weekend starts with Tip-Off on Thursday, 2/15. On Friday, 2/16, enjoy the Rising Stars Challenge and Celebrity All-Star Game. Saturday, 2/17, is packed with events like the HBCU Classic, All-Star Practice, and thrilling competitions like the Skills Challenge, Three-Point Contest, and Slam Dunk Contest. The grand finale is the All-Star Game on Sunday, 2/18, featuring the NBA's top players from the Eastern and Western Conferences. See all the dates.
2. Multiple venues are participating
NBA All-Star Weekend is something the entire city is getting in on. While the majority of the more high-profile events will take place between Gainbridge Fieldhouse (where the Indiana Pacers play) and Lucas Oil Stadium (home to the Indianapolis Colts), many different businesses and venues around Indy will host special events.
3. NBA Crossover fan festival will be fun
This All-Star Fan Festival-style experience is an interactive basketball theme park located at the Indiana Convention Center, packed with skills challenges, NBA legend meetups, autograph opportunities, and plenty of basketball-themed fun for all ages. Tickets are required.
4. BUTTER, at Indy’s Home Court is a don’t miss
See a combination of light-based public art installations, sculptures celebrating Indiana’s basketball tradition, large-scale storefront murals, graffiti art, interactive pieces, and the return of Indiana’s equitable fine art fair with BUTTER. In addition to the visual arts installations, fans will be treated to 24 DJs throughout Indy’s Home Court, photo stations, and unique experiences in key fan zones like Georgia Street and Bicentennial Unity Plaza. Tickets are free to attend.
5. If you’re local, there are ways to volunteer
Help pack meals during NBA All-Star Day of Service with your kids ages 6 and up (more here), or something simple like a Love Letter to Basketball, which will be distributed to All-Star hotel guests.
6. Plenty of nearby family-friendly activities
Indianapolis offers a plethora of family-friendly activities during All-Star Weekend. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is a must-visit, providing interactive exhibits and engaging programs for kids of all ages. The Indianapolis Zoo and the Indiana State Museum are also great options to explore with the whole family.
7. There are photo opps galore
ICYMI, Indianapolis International Airport recently installed a full-court basketball floor decal for visitors to get into the All-Star spirit during their travels. Discover the light installations planned near Monument Circle. And don’t forget the mural being prepared on the side of the enormous JW Marriott overlooking downtown.
Make it stand out
8. Keith Urban is coming
All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis offers an array of live music performances, including is Keith Urban who will perform at the Indianapolis Convention Center on Saturday, 2/17 at 3pm. Tickets are required.
9. Download the NBA Events app
The app offers a full schedule, ticket links, venue maps, All-Star voting, and a rewards program. Users can vote daily for their favorites and earn points by checking in at partner venues. These points can be redeemed for merchandise or All-Star experiences.
10. Indulge in a little sports history
Indianapolis has a rich sports history that extends beyond basketball. Take a break from All-Star events and visit the NCAA Hall of Champions, featuring facts and exhibits of NCAA programs, athletes, and sports, or peek the Chuck Taylor exhibit at the Indiana Historical Society.
Transportation Bonus: Free Rides!
For those of you planning to partake in all the awesome festivities downtown, transportation will be super easy! Indy Go announced that it will be offering FREE rides between February 15th-18th, plus extended services on February 16th-18th on high-frequency routes! No need to stress over traffic and parking! Just plan your trip using the trip planner and have fun!
Honorable Mentions: Exciting Events You Don’t Want to Miss!
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis: Take the Court and “Make the Call” with RefReps! Your kiddos will love this interactive sports officiating display! (Also, for added fun, all the dinos out front have been updated with whistles and basketballs!)
Marsha’s Specialty Desserts: Grab some sweet treats at the NBA All-Star HBCU Pregame Party outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse on The Bicentennial Unity Plaza from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 17! Over 2,000 mini treats will be up for grabs, including brownie bites, peach cobbler shooters, Reese’s peanut butter cup cheesecake shooters and assorted cupcakes!
Through2Eyes: Experience the thrill of a free walking tour as local legend and founder Sampson Levingston takes visitors through 24 "Hoosier Historia Moments," delving into the transformation of downtown Indianapolis along Washington Street and the diverse group of athletes and artists who made it happen!
Sidewalk Art: There will be over 80 public art installations and eight sidewalk galleries that will be taking over the city!
All-Starry Night with Amp Harris & NBA Star George Hill: Tip-off NBA All-Star Weekend with a star-studded evening at Newfields. Join NBA star George Hill and friends to dance the night away in THE LUME Indianapolis featuring Van Gogh at All-Starry Night presented by Uncle Nearest!
The Brand New State-of-the-Art LED Court: Be sure to check out a preview of the brand new court being used for the events!
The Indiana Convention Center: Check out the NBA Crossover, a fan experience, from Friday – Sunday! Ticket options here.
A Cultural Corridor in Indy’s Home Court: Talk a walk along Washington Street to see a showcase of local brands, including Plaid & Pearls Coffee, the Henderson Bar, the International Marketplace, and the Cargo Streetwear Boutique!
The Players Ball: Hoops & Icons at Hinkle Fieldhouse at Butler University on Wednesday, Feb. 14.
Mike Epps All-Star Throwback Concert, Creative Carter Presents All-Star Weekend Featuring Boosie on Friday, Feb. 16.
Basketball Fun at IKEA Fishers: For families that want to particpate but don't want to be downtown in the midst of everything, check out the interactive fun at IKEA!
Looking for more fun in the Circle City?
