May 14, 2024

Indiana State Fair unveils basketball programming

2023 fair will be a slam dunk

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Fair will be packed with 18 days of basketball-themed entertainment.

Fairgoers can learn how agriculture and basketball are connected at the 6th Man Exhibit in the Normandy Barn, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

At the exhibit, you can check out “Tree to Tip-off” — a display showing how trees are utilized to create a basketball court.

Other features at the fair, to be held be held July 28 to Aug. 20, closed Mondays and Tuesdays, include:

• HOOPFEST Outdoor Amusement Park, including a full-size regulation court with tournaments, kids camps, coach chats and more.

• Pacers Sports and Entertainment Immersive Exhibit.

• Land of Legends: Indiana’s Basketball Legacy, in partnership with Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.

• Space Ham: An Augmented Reality Space Experience.

• 1951 Chevy, Gene Hackman’s car from the movie, “Hoosiers,” on display.

• 18 basketball stories curated for the 18 days of the Indiana State Fair.

• The Evolution of the Game Exhibit.

• Hoosier Hardwood Photo Project: A Journey to Indiana’s Historical High School Gyms.

• Chuck Taylor and Indiana Basketball Exhibit with the Indiana Historical Society.

• Cultural art installations celebrating basketball, including sneakers and a custom Backboard Art installation.

“Indiana is truly the state that grew the game, and we are excited to celebrate our unmatched basketball history with Hoosiers this summer at our beloved State Fair,” said Rick Fuson, CEO of Pacers Sports and Entertainment.

The Indiana State Fairgrounds opened in 1892 — the same year basketball was introduced in Indiana. Both Hoosier traditions have stood the test of time.

Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/2he6tbke.

Erica Quinlan

Erica Quinlan

Field Editor