Looking for section numbers and the best seats by level? See the Gainbridge Fieldhouse Seating Chart.
It is home to the Indiana Pacers.
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the former Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Gainbridge Fieldhouse is the downtown Indianapolis home of the Indiana Pacers of the NBA and the Indiana Fever of the WNBA, and the regular host of Big Ten tournaments, NCAA games and Indiana high school state finals. It was built primarily for basketball, and it shows: the bowl hugs the court. For a Pacers or Fever game, the best seats are the lower-level midcourt sections, 5 and 16, and the club-level sections just above them, 104–106 and 115–117. The best value is the center of the Balcony Level, sections 208, 209, 224 and 225.
The building opened on November 6, 1999, as Conseco Fieldhouse, became Bankers Life Fieldhouse in December 2011 and took the Gainbridge name on September 27, 2021, after the Indianapolis-based financial company signed a multi-year deal. All three names refer to the same arena on Pennsylvania Street, and Ellerbe Becket's brick and glass design is meant to recall the classic Indiana high school and college field houses.
Gainbridge Fieldhouse capacity
Gainbridge Fieldhouse holds about 17,274 for basketball, according to Wikipedia's infobox (its capacity table says 17,294; both reflect the post-renovation layout since 2021). Capacity has crept down over the years as premium spaces were added: 18,345 at opening, 18,165 from 2006 and 17,923 from 2016.
- Concerts: about 18,274, the attendance record set by Metallica on March 11, 2019.
- Hockey: roughly 11,651 to 12,500 in an asymmetrical layout, because the building was not designed around a rink.
Lower level, club level and Balcony: the numbering
The arena uses three number series, which is the first thing to learn. Section ranges here come from RateYourSeats, with row and seat details from TickPick.
Lower level: sections 1–20
The lower bowl wraps the court in sections numbered 1 through 20. Sections 4, 5 and 6 on one sideline and 15, 16 and 17 on the other are sold as the Sideline Club. Courtside seats in front of them are lettered Courtside A through L.
Club (Mezzanine) level: sections 101–107 and 114–120
The 100s are an elevated tier above the lower bowl along the sidelines and corners, reached from the Krieg DeVault Club Level. RateYourSeats places section 105 about 20 to 25 rows above the floor, with 11 rows of its own. TickPick treats every 100-level seat as a club seat, with center sections holding just eight seats per row in two groups of four.
Balcony Level: sections 201–232
The upper ring circles the whole building. Center sections 208, 209, 224 and 225 hold about 24 seats per row, and section 227 runs to row 19. A TickPick reviewer notes the upper levels do not feel steep, a point in the Balcony's favor. Suites are on the KeyBank Suite Level.
Best seats for Pacers and Fever games
According to TickPick, the Pacers bench is in front of section 4 and the visitors' bench is in front of section 6, with the scorer's table between them in front of section 5. That makes 4–6 the bench side and 15–17 the side facing the benches.
- Best overall: sections 5 and 16, with 4, 6, 15 and 17 just behind in desirability. These are club seats, so expect a premium.
- Club value: 104–106 and 115–117. You sit higher than the lower bowl, but the sightline across the floor is excellent and the club amenities, including the Varsity Club for dining, come with the ticket.
- Balcony value: 208–209 and 224–225 at center court. Stay in the lower half of the section if you can.
Seats to think twice about
- Low rows behind the baskets in the lower-level end sections, where the stanchion and players block the far end.
- Balcony end sections, high rows: the longest look at the court. Fine for the atmosphere, poor for following plays.
Demand tends to run highest for weekend dates, playoff games and visits from long-time rivals such as the Knicks, whose 1990s playoff series with Reggie Miller's Pacers are part of franchise lore.
Concert seating and other events
For end-stage concerts, the floor is divided into numbered floor sections, and the lower sideline sections nearest the stage give the best mix of height and closeness. The center club sections 104–106 and 115–117 work well for shows too, since they sit high enough to see over the floor crowd. Sections directly beside the stage can lose the video screens, and the far-end Balcony sections are the most distant, though they see the full stage head on.
The Fieldhouse also hosts the Big Ten basketball tournaments in many seasons, NCAA tournament rounds, IHSAA state finals in basketball and wrestling, WWE events and Professional Bull Riders. For a tournament session, a sideline seat in the lower or club level is worth it, since you will watch several games from the same spot.
Parking near Gainbridge Fieldhouse and getting there
The closest parking is the Virginia Avenue Garage at the arena's northeast corner, which connects to the Fieldhouse from its third floor; the entrance is off Maryland Street. Denison Parking manages several other downtown garages within walking distance, and as of the 2026–27 season the arena sells individual parking passes in advance through ParkWhiz. Buying ahead is the simplest plan for a sellout.
- IndyGo: city buses serve the Fieldhouse; check routes at IndyGo.
- Drop-off: rideshare drivers can drop off on several surrounding streets. A designated drop-off for guests with limited mobility is on Pennsylvania Street in front of the building (one-way southbound).
- Bikes: racks are under the Virginia Avenue Garage near Maryland Street.
Rates and options change by event; check the Fieldhouse A–Z guide before you go.
Gainbridge Fieldhouse bag policy and entry
As of the 2026–27 season, Gainbridge Fieldhouse does not allow backpacks, hard-sided bags or any bag larger than 6 by 10 by 2 inches. That is stricter than many arenas, so a small clutch or wallet is the practical choice. Medical equipment is allowed in a bag no larger than necessary. Oversized bags can be stored for a fee at the Hyatt Place Indianapolis Downtown valet desk, subject to availability.
- Doors: 90 minutes before Fever games; Pacers and concert times vary, so check the event.
- Re-entry: none. All exits past the ticket point are final.
- Children: a ticket is required from 24 months for Pacers and Fever games.
- Smoking: smoke-free, with designated outdoor smoking terraces inside the ticket point.
Check the venue's current policy before you go.
History: Conseco to Gainbridge
The Fieldhouse replaced Market Square Arena and opened with the Pacers' home opener against Boston on November 6, 1999. That first season ended in the 2000 NBA Finals against the Lakers, with Games 3, 4 and 5 played here. The Fever won the 2012 WNBA title after playing Finals games here in 2009 and 2012. The building hosted the 2002 FIBA World Championship final, the 2011 NCAA Women's Final Four and the 2024 NBA All-Star Game.
A 360-million-dollar renovation, approved in 2019 and finished in late 2022, added a new outdoor entry plaza and indoor gathering spaces. In 2025 the Pacers clinched the Eastern Conference title on this floor and hosted Games 3, 4 and 6 of the NBA Finals, which they lost to Oklahoma City in seven games. More history is on the Fieldhouse's Wikipedia page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capacity of Gainbridge Fieldhouse?
Gainbridge Fieldhouse seats about 17,274 for basketball. Concert crowds have reached 18,274, and hockey capacity is roughly 12,000 in an asymmetrical setup.
What is the bag policy at Gainbridge Fieldhouse?
As of 2026–27, backpacks, hard-sided bags and bags larger than 6 by 10 by 2 inches are not allowed. Medical bags are an exception, and paid storage is available nearby at Hyatt Place.
Where should I park for a Pacers game?
The Virginia Avenue Garage connects directly to the Fieldhouse from its third floor, with its entrance off Maryland Street. Passes for it and other garages can be bought in advance through ParkWhiz.
Is Gainbridge Fieldhouse the same as Bankers Life Fieldhouse?
Yes. It opened as Conseco Fieldhouse in 1999, became Bankers Life Fieldhouse in 2011 and was renamed Gainbridge Fieldhouse on September 27, 2021.
Where is the Pacers bench?
According to TickPick, the Pacers bench is in front of section 4 and the visitors' bench is in front of section 6.
Can I leave and come back into Gainbridge Fieldhouse?
No. The arena's guide says all exits past the ticket point are final, so there is no re-entry.