Bankers Life Fieldhouse
The Indiana Pacers' home from 2011 to 2019, named for a Chicago-based health insurer.
Bankers Life Fieldhouse was the home arena of the Indiana Pacers NBA team from December 13, 2011, until June 30, 2019. The naming rights were transferred to Bankers Life in 2011 by its parent company, CNO Financial Group, which had previously named the arena Conseco Fieldhouse. On September 27, 2021, the arena was renamed Gainbridge Fieldhouse after CNO Financial Group opted not to renew its naming sponsorship in March 2018, with the sponsorship expiring on June 30, 2019.
- Location
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Primary Tenant
- Indiana Pacers (NBA)
- Predecessor Venue
- Market Square Arena
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The naming of the arena as Bankers Life Fieldhouse began in 2011 when CNO Financial Group transferred the naming rights from Conseco Fieldhouse to its subsidiary, Bankers Life. This change reflected the company's rebranding, as Conseco had become CNO Financial Group in 2010. During the Bankers Life era, the Pacers continued to build on their franchise history, with the venue hosting playoff games and regular-season contests. The naming rights deal lasted until June 30, 2019, when CNO Financial Group chose not to renew the sponsorship. The arena then operated without a naming sponsor until September 27, 2021, when it became Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
In Their Own Story
On December 13, 2011, the Indiana Pacers' home arena officially became Bankers Life Fieldhouse, a name it would carry for nearly eight years. The change came as CNO Financial Group, the parent company of Bankers Life, shifted the naming rights from its former corporate identity, Conseco. For fans, the building remained the same—the same steep seats, the same echoing roar during defensive stands—but the name on the marquee now belonged to a health insurance company headquartered in Chicago. The arena hosted countless games during this period, including the rise of the Pacers' 2010s defensive identity. When the naming rights expired on June 30, 2019, the building briefly lost its sponsored name, leaving a quiet gap until Gainbridge stepped in on September 27, 2021.
Reader's Guide
The steep seating design kept the crowd close to the court, amplifying the noise that made the venue a difficult place for visiting teams. The concourses featured team memorabilia and concessions, while the ushers—many of whom had worked there since opening night—provided a familiar face. The arena's location in downtown Indianapolis made it accessible, and the pre-game atmosphere built around the team's warm-ups and the national anthem. The crowd's energy peaked during defensive stands, with fans rising to their feet for key stops. The Bankers Life name on the building served as a reminder of the corporate partnerships that keep professional sports running, but the heart of the experience remained the basketball itself.
Did You Know?
- Bankers Life Fieldhouse was originally named Conseco Fieldhouse before being renamed on December 13, 2011.
- The naming rights were transferred to Bankers Life by its parent company, CNO Financial Group, which had previously named the arena after its former identity, Conseco.
- CNO Financial Group opted not to renew the naming sponsorship in March 2018, and the Bankers Life name expired on June 30, 2019.
- The arena was renamed Gainbridge Fieldhouse on September 27, 2021, with the financial platform Gainbridge becoming the new naming partner.
- Bankers Life is a health insurance company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and a subsidiary of CNO Financial Group since 1992.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Bankers Life Fieldhouse first open?
The arena officially opened its doors in 1999, replacing the older Market Square Arena as the team's home base in downtown Indianapolis. It marked a new modern era for Pacers basketball with state-of-the-art facilities designed to enhance fan experience.
What was the stadium called before Bankers Life Fieldhouse?
Before its current name, the venue was originally known as Conseco Fieldhouse when it first debuted in the late 1990s. Naming rights have shifted over time, but the physical structure remains the same iconic home for the franchise.
Where is Bankers Life Fieldhouse located?
This basketball fortress sits right in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, making it easily accessible for local supporters and visiting teams alike. Its central location has helped solidify its role as a community staple since construction began.
How many fans can fit inside during a game?
The arena holds approximately 18,000 spectators for basketball games, creating an electric atmosphere that rivals any venue in the league. This capacity ensures that playoff runs and regular-season battles feel intensely packed with energy.
Why is this arena significant to Pacers history?
It serves as the modern fortress where the team's identity as a defensive powerhouse was solidified during the late 1990s and 2000s. Legends were forged on this court, making it more than just a building but a central stage for franchise memories.
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