Market Square Arena
The downtown Indianapolis arena where the Pacers played from 1974 to 1999, hosting Michael Jordan's first comeback and Elvis Presley's final concert.
Market Square Arena (MSA) was an indoor arena in Indianapolis, best known as the home of the Indiana Pacers of the American Basketball Association and National Basketball Association from 1974 to 1999. Completed in 1974 at a cost of $23 million, it seated 16,530 for basketball. The arena closed down in 1999 and was demolished two years later. The Pacers moved to the new Conseco Fieldhouse, now Gainbridge Fieldhouse, for the 1999–2000 NBA season.
- Notable Resident
- Reggie Miller (franchise all-time leader in three-pointers)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Market Square Arena's history is packed with specific, high-stakes moments. The first Pacers regular-season ABA game in the arena was on October 18, 1974, a double-overtime 129–121 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in front of 7,473 fans. The first victory came on October 23 with a 122–107 win over the Spirits of St. Louis. The 1974–75 season ended with the ABA Finals played at MSA and Freedom Hall, where the Kentucky Colonels defeated the Pacers in five games. The 1975–76 Pacers won their final home ABA game at MSA with a 109–95 victory against the Colonels. After joining the NBA, their first game at the arena as an NBA team was a 129–122 overtime loss to the Boston Celtics on October 21. Michael Jordan's return to the Chicago Bulls after his first retirement took place at MSA in a loss to the Pacers on March 19, 1995, in what was the most-watched NBA game on television in 20 years.
In Their Own Story
The arena's basketball floor remains preserved and housed nearby within the National Institute for Fitness and Sport in White River State Park. The site of the former arena was a parking lot for over a decade. The parking lot held a memorial to Elvis Presley, who played his final concert at MSA on June 26, 1977, in front of 18,000 people. The memorial was designed and built by Alan Clough. In January 2017, Cummins opened its Global Distribution Headquarters on the southern half of the site. A 28-story apartment building named 360 Market Square and containing a 40,000-square-foot Whole Foods Market store opened in March 2018 on the northern half. The Elvis memorial was then placed on the sidewalk adjacent to 360 Market Square. The arena was demolished on July 8, 2001, in a multimillion-dollar implosion performed by Controlled Demolition, Inc., taking only 12 seconds to demolish completely.
Reader's Guide
Market Square Arena was also the home of the Indianapolis Racers of the WHA from 1974 to 1979. The team hosted the first professional sports game in the venue on October 17, 1974, against the Michigan Stags. Seventeen-year-old Wayne Gretzky starred for the Racers in his first professional action before being traded to the Edmonton Oilers after a handful of games. The arena hosted the 1980 NCAA men's basketball Final Four, won by the University of Louisville, and the Midwestern Collegiate Conference men's basketball conference tournament from 1986 to 1988 and again in 1993. In 1987, Indianapolis hosted the Pan American Games, and all of its basketball games were held at Market Square. The gold-medal game pitted Brazil against the United States; Oscar Schmidt led Brazil to a stunning comeback with 46 points as Brazil won 120–115. The arena hosted its first NHL game on November 3, 1992, a matchup between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Washington Capitals, as part of a series of 24 NHL games held in non-league markets during the 1992-93 season.
Did You Know?
- The arena's original center-hung scoreboard was an American Sign & Indicator model with monochrome matrix screens, replaced in time for the 1985 NBA All-Star Game with a color matrix screen model.
- Elvis Presley performed his final live concert at Market Square Arena on June 26, 1977, seven weeks before his death on August 16.
- Michael Jordan's return to the Chicago Bulls after his first retirement took place at Market Square Arena in a loss to the Pacers on March 19, 1995.
- The arena was demolished on July 8, 2001, in a multimillion-dollar implosion that took only 12 seconds.
- Wayne Gretzky first skated out on the ice to start his pro hockey career here with the Indianapolis Racers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Market Square Arena located?
It stood in downtown Indianapolis at the intersection of Washington and Pennsylvania Streets, serving as a central landmark for basketball enthusiasts. This venue replaced the older Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum when the team moved into the modern NBA era.
How long did the Pacers play at Market Square Arena?
The Pacers utilized this intimate indoor facility from 1974 through 1999, covering twenty-five seasons of competitive play. During this quarter-century, the arena acted as the beating heart of Indiana basketball culture.
Why is Market Square Arena considered legendary by fans?
Fans cherish it for cultivating a fierce defensive identity and hosting one of the most hostile environments in professional sports. The loud, cramped setting allowed the team to build a loyal fanbase known for intimidating visiting opponents.
What was the capacity and atmosphere like inside?
With an approximate capacity of 16,000, the distinct red brick exterior housed spectators very close to the action on the court. This proximity amplified the noise and energy, making every game feel personal and intense.
Is Market Square Arena still standing today?
No, the structure was demolished in 2000 after serving as the team's home for nearly a quarter-century. Although the physical building is gone, its legacy endures through stories of sweat, steel, and screaming fans from that era.
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