6 days ago
The Noblesville Boom's new arena is bigger than basketball
Despite being the home of the Noblesville Boom, The Arena at Innovation Mile doesn't feel much like a sports venue when you step through its glass doors.
Why it matters: Mayor Chris Jensen considers that a compliment and the key to the $93 million facility driving the success of the 600-acre Innovation Mile development on Noblesville's east side.
The big picture: Introduced during Jensen's 2021 State of the City address, Innovation Mile is expected to be a multipurpose district with the potential to generate $2 billion in revenue over the next 30 years.
The Indiana Orthopedic Institute's $35 million flagship facility opened earlier this year as Innovation Mile's first tenant, and The Arena makes two.
The city also wants to attract companies in the life sciences, health technologies and advanced manufacturing industries, among others.
Zoom in: The event center holds up to 3,500 fans for basketball games and 4,200 for other events, and Jensen wants to make sure the facility is as versatile as the district that houses it.
"G League basketball is going to be home here for 40 days out of the year. But you're also going to see concerts in this space. You're going to see conventions in this space. You're gonna see trade shows and other athletics," Jensen said. "We didn't want to back ourselves into a corner."
The vibe: The LED and glass-wrapped foyer screams luxury-apartment clubhouse louder than it does basketball gym. Think local nonprofits filling the space with high tables for cocktail-hour fundraisers, or wedding anniversary celebrations being held in the facility's VIP lounge.
A trip up the escalator takes visitors to their seats and reveals The Arena's open-air concept, complete with a large window that allows natural light to fill the court.
There are uniquely Noblesville nods, like one of the food stands being named Deer Creek Concessions.
The intrigue: The Arena gives show bookers another option as the Indianapolis area ups its profile as a top destination for events.
Yes, but: The new-arena smell still wafting off of the Fishers Event Center, less than 8 miles away, means The Arena will need to quickly establish its own identity in an increasingly cluttered venue lineup.
Zoom out: The Arena is also the best chance the Boom will have to capture more eyeballs.
The former Indiana Mad Ants have shared space in Gainbridge with the Pacers and the Fever over the past two seasons, forcing many games to be played on weekday afternoons.
Pacers Sports & Entertainment president of business operations Todd Taylor said we can expect to see more prime-time games this year.
Fun fact: Jensen said in addition to the team's name being a tribute to Indiana basketball icon Bobby "Slick" Leonard, it is a reference to Noblesville being founded on a natural gas boom.
