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Axios
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Axios
Indy readies for dual WNBA All-Star, Indiana Black Expo celebration
Regardless of the forecast, mid-July is poised to be the hottest stretch of summer in Indianapolis. Why it matters: Indiana Black Expo's Summer Celebration and WNBA All-Star 2025 sharing calendar and venue space means the city will need to accommodate two marquee events and countless community-focused initiatives all at once. What they're saying: Mel Raines, CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, said the first call she made after being contacted by the league about All-Star hosting duties was IBE president and CEO Alice Watson. "We wanted to be sure that that was something that Alice and the organization thought would be complementary to what they were doing, and that we could sort of coexist in downtown together. And she quickly got back to me and said, 'I think this is a great opportunity and I think we could work together in a really cool way.' And so we've been off to the races since then," Raines said. "This is really the most exciting time not only for Indiana Black Expo or PS&E, but for the city of Indianapolis," Watson said. "None of us will be sleeping. We'll just keep going and going and going." Catch up quick: Summer Celebration starts July 11 with the Ecumenical Service at New Direction Church and ends July 20 with the IBE's Gospel Explosion at the Indiana Convention Center. All proceeds generated by the event support IBE's year-round initiatives related to education, business development, community learning, performing arts, college scholarships and more. WNBA All-Star tips off July 18, featuring the inaugural Fever Fest concert at White River State Park and culminating in the sold-out game the next day. A skills challenge and three-point shootout are among the on-court highlights, while off-court action includes the return of "Indy's Home Court," a downtown takeover of arts and culture events first seen during last year's NBA All-Star game. State of play: Four Indiana nonprofits have received $1 million in grants to create a lasting legacy around the All-Star event. Here's what they're working on. Fletcher Place Community Center: Enhancements to early learning facilities and community spaces. The Parks Alliance of Indianapolis: Renovation of the basketball court at Al E. Polin Park. Marion County Commission on Youth: Facility renovations and the launch of a student ambassador program for 25 female high school students. Marvella Foundation: Development of a "Championship Arena" at its Fair Oaks Farms campus in Newton County. Zoom in: Other community engagement plans include an effort to help women entrepreneurs obtain women-owned business enterprise certification and free Zumba sessions held across Indy in partnership with Centers of Wellness for Urban Women. Meanwhile, donors and volunteers are still needed for All-Star Cure on July 12-13. The event is a partnership between the host committee and the Susan G. Komen Tissue Bank that invites up to 500 women to donate healthy breast tissue in support of cancer research. What's next: More announcements, including celebrity guests to be added to Summer Celebration's guest list for the education conference on July 17, and the Style Zone July 18-20.
Indianapolis Star
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
WNBA All-Star game 2025 tickets for July 18-19 will be available at 2 p.m. Tuesday
INDIANAPOLIS -- Tickets for the WNBA All-Star 2025 weekend on July 18-19 will be available online at 2 p.m. Tuesday. On Friday, July 18, Indianapolis will host the 3-point contest and the Skills Challenge. The WNBA All-Star game will be on Saturday, July 19. Go to to buy tickets for both events. 'We are excited to showcase our community and our state's love of basketball with fans here at home and all over the world,' said Mel Raines, WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee founding chair and Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO. 'It's going to be a weekend jampacked with fan-focused experiences from the best in women's basketball to music, fashion and more. You won't want to miss this.' Fans can also sign up to receive more information about the weekend, including Fever Fest, at Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. What is the WNBA All-Star game 2025 schedule? Friday, July 18: 3-point contest and Skills Challenge Saturday, July 19: WNBA All-Star game
Indianapolis Star
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
See the winners of the Indiana High School Sports Awards
HIGH SCHOOL Grace Smith Greenfield-Central's Braylon Mullins (center) poses with Pacers Sports & Entertainment media personality Eddie White (left) and IndyStar sports reporter Kyle Neddenriep (right) after Mullins is named IndyStar's Mr. Basketball during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White speaks during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Greenfield-Central's Braylon Mullins (left) shakes hands with Pacers Sports & Entertainment media personality Eddie White after Mullins is named IndyStar's Mr. Basketball during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Homestead's Jillian Creager (left) reacts as she is announced as the winner of the Girl's Gymnast of the Year award during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Noblesville's Meredith Tippner (left) walks the stage after being awarded Girl's Athlete of the Year during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran's Mallory Weller (left) poses with IndyStar sports reporter Charlotte Varnes after Weller is awarded Girl's Cross Country Runner of the Year during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Award nominees wait for winners to be announced during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Christine Tannous/IndyStar Zionsville's Taylor Snively (left) poses with IndyStar sports reporter Brian Haenchen after Snively is awarded Girl's Golfer of the Year during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Homestead's Jillian Creager (left) poses with IndyStar sports reporter Brian Haenchen after Creager is awarded Girl's Gymnast of the Year during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Family and friend watch during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Noblesville's Meredith Tippner (left) poses with IndyStar sports reporter Brian Haenchen after Tippner is awarded Girl's Soccer Player of the Year during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Christine Tannous/IndyStar Award nominees stand during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Oak Hill's Grant Cates (left) walks the stage after being announced as the winner of the Boy's Swimming and Diving Athlete of the Year award during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Oak Hill's Grant Cates (left) poses with IndyStar sports reporter Charlotte Varnes after Cates is awarded Boy's Swimming and Diving Athlete of the Year during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Columbus North's Hank Lin (left) poses with IndyStar sports reporter Charlotte Varnes after Lin is awarded Boy's Tennis Player of the Year during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Audience members watch during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar New Haven's Julianna Ocampo (left) walks the stage as she is awarded Girl's Wrestler of the Year during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Christine Tannous/IndyStar Orleans Jr./Sr. High School cheerleaders and marching band members perform during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Pokey, the Portillo's mascot, waves to the crowd during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White waves to the crowd during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White speaks during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White speaks during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White speaks during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White is asked questions by Pacers Sports & Entertainment media personality Eddie White during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Christine Tannous/IndyStar Danville Community's Addison Davis (center) poses with Lt. Col. Ryan Collins (left) and Command Sgt. Maj. Emmanuel Bryant (right) after she is awarded the Courage Award during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Judi Warren (left) walks the stage after being awarded the USA TODAY Studio IX Trailblazer Award during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Judi Warren (left) hugs Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White after Warren is awarded the USA TODAY Studio IX Trailblazer Award during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Judi Warren (left) poses with Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White after Warren is awarded the USA TODAY Studio IX Trailblazer Award during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Noblesville's Meredith Tippner (left) poses with IndyStar sports reporter Brian Haenchen after Tippner is awarded Girl's Athlete of the Year during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Fishers' JonAnthony Hall (left) shakes hands with IndyStar sports reporter Charlotte Varnes after Hall is awarded Boy's Athlete of the Year during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Fishers' JonAnthony Hall (left) poses with IndyStar sports reporter Kyle Neddenriep after Hall is awarded Boy's Athlete of the Year during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White speaks during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Hamilton Southeastern's Maya Makalusky (left) shakes hands with Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White after Makalusky is named IndyStar's Miss Basketball during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Hamilton Southeastern's Maya Makalusky (left) poses with Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White after Makalusky is named IndyStar's Miss Basketball during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Pacers Sports & Entertainment media personality Eddie White speaks during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Decatur Central's head high school football coach Kyle Enright (left) poses withIndyStar sports reporter Kyle Neddenriep after Enright's team is awarded the Boy's Team of the Year award during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Athletes arrive during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White speaks during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White speaks during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Noblesville High School soccer players pose after being awarded the Girl's Team of the Year award during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Award recipients pose following the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar IndyStar executive editor Eric Larsen speaks during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar IndyStar sports reporter Kyle Neddenriep speaks during the Indiana High School Sports Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Girls cross country runner of the year Mallory Weller of Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran poses for a photo with Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White on Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Girls cross country runner of the year Mallory Weller of Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran poses for a photo Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Girls golfer of the year Taylor Snively of Zionsville Community High School poses for a photo with Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White on Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Girls golfer of the year Taylor Snively of Zionsville Community High School poses for a photo Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Girls gymnast of the year Jillian Creager of Homestead High School poses for a photo with Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White on Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Girls gymnast of the year Jillian Creager of Homestead High School poses for a photo Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Girls soccer player of the year Meredith Tippner of Noblesville High School poses for a photo with Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White on Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Girls soccer player of the year Meredith Tippner of Noblesville High School poses for a photo Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Boys swimming and diving athlete of the year Grant Cates of Oak Hill High School poses for a photo with Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White on Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Boys swimming and diving athlete of the year Grant Cates of Oak Hill High School poses for a photo Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Boys tennis player of the year Hank Lin of Columbus North High School poses for a photo with Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White on Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Boys tennis player of the year Hank Lin of Columbus North High School poses for a photo Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Girls wrestler of the year Julianna Ocampo of New Haven High School poses for a photo with Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White on Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Girls wrestler of the year Julianna Ocampo of New Haven High School poses for a photo Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Members of the Orleans High School Marching Band pose for a photo with Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White on Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Members of the Orleans High School Marching Band and Orleans senior cheerleaders pose for a photo with Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White on Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Orleans High School poses for a photo Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Courage Award recipient Addison Davis of Danville poses for a photo with Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White on Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Courage Award recipient Addison Davis of Danville poses for a photo Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Courage Award recipient Addison Davis of Danville poses for a photo with service members and Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White on Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar USA Today Studio IX Trailblazer Award recipient Judi Warren poses for a photo with Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White on Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar USA Today Studio IX Trailblazer Award recipient Judi Warren poses for a photo Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Girls Athlete of the Year Meredith Tipper of Noblesville High School poses for a photo with Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White on Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Girls Athlete of the Year Meredith Tipper of Noblesville High School poses for a photo Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Boys Athlete of the Year JonAnthony Hall of Fishers High School poses for a photo with Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White on Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Boys Athlete of the Year JonAnthony Hall of Fishers High School poses for a photo Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar IndyStar Miss Basketball Award recipient Maya Makalusky of Hamilton Southeastern High School poses for a photo with Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White on Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar IndyStar Miss Basketball Award recipient Maya Makalusky of Hamilton Southeastern High School poses for a photo Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar IndyStar Miss Basketball Award recipient Maya Makalusky of Hamilton Southeastern High School answers a question Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar IndyStar Mr. Basketball Award recipient Braylon Mullins of Greenfield-Central High School poses for a photo with Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White on Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar IndyStar Mr. Basketball Award recipient Braylon Mullins of Greenfield-Central High School poses for a photo Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar IndyStar Mr. Basketball Award recipient Braylon Mullins of Greenfield-Central High School poses for a photo Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar IndyStar Mr. Basketball Award recipient Braylon Mullins of Greenfield-Central High School answers a question Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Girls Team of the Year recipient Noblesville girls soccer poses for a photo with Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White on Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Decatur Central High School football head coach Kyle Enright, who accepted the Boys Team of the Year award, poses for a photo with Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White on Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar Decatur Central High School football head coach Kyle Enright, who accepted the Boys Team of the Year award, poses for a photo Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar IndyStar Executive Editor Eric Larsen speaks to guests Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar USA Today Ventures team members pose for a photo with Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White on Sunday, April 27, 2025, during the Indiana High School Sports Awards at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. Grace Smith/IndyStar
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pacers award $100,000 grant for new court at Herz-Rose Park
The Indiana Pacers Foundation, through its State of Play initiative, has awarded Terre Haute's Herz-Rose Park a $100,000 grant to renovate its community basketball court. The park is the second State of Play grant recipient since the foundation launched the program late last year. Advertisement Herz-Rose Park_Basketball This photo shows the current conditions of the basketball court. The initiative is part of the Pacers Foundation's decade-long, multimillion dollar investment to transform community courts and help improve the mental and physical health of children across Indiana. 'This investment in Terre Haute is part of our commitment to community building throughout the state,' Pacers Foundation Chair Rachel Simon said. Located in the Ryves neighborhood at 1515 Locust Street, the Herz-Rose Park is undergoing a significant renovation and redesign including a new playground area, splash pad and community center. Advertisement However, Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun said without the investment from the Pacers Foundation, the city could not complete the planned basketball court renovation project. 'We're grateful to the Pacers Foundation for this generous investment,' Sakbun said. 'This project will enhance our community's recreational facilities and provide a better space for residents to stay active and engage in sports.' The city will work alongside the Pacers Foundation and Pacers Sports & Entertainment to design a court that matches the character of the neighborhood and community. Groundbreaking will be announced and completion is estimated for fall of this year. City parks and recreation will work alongside the Terre Haute Boys & Girls Club on community programming for the court. Advertisement 'Herz-Rose Park, located near Benjamin Franklin Elementary School and Ryves Youth Center, is set to become a vibrant destination park for the community. Just a short drive from downtown Terre Haute and the Terre Haute Boys and Girls Club, the court will offer a great balance of structured programs and ample open play for everyone to enjoy,' said Kilie Smith, assistant superintendent of Terre Haute parks and recreation. This is the second major initiative the Pacers Foundation has rolled out in Terre Haute in less than a year. The foundation previously launched Drive & Dish, a program to help address local food insecurity by providing nutritious food and fresh produce to families in need, in collaboration with Catholic Charities and Gleaners Food Bank.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
WNBA free agency superlatives: Brittney Griner, Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Mitchell and more headline busy offseason so far
With WNBA free agency going strong, we've seen players make shocking moves, and in one case, a shocking stay. Let's take a look at the biggest moments so far in 2025 free agency, and the impact those moves will make on the upcoming season. In 2024, the Fever made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Alongside young stars like Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell made it to the WNBA All-Star Game for the second time. She tied with Clark in leading the team with 19.2 points per game. That effectiveness is exactly why Mitchell was a coveted free agent. Instead of testing out the waters, though, Mitchell decided to stay in Indiana for her eighth season and play for the Fever's new coach Stephanie White. Mitchell was drafted second overall by the Fever in 2018. The team didn't disclose the terms of the deal, but ESPN reported Mitchell signed a one-year, supermax deal worth $249,244. Mitchell was welcomed back to Gainbridge Fieldhouse this week by cheering Pacers Sports & Entertainment employees, as well as Clark. "Indy is a second home," Mitchell said. "I thought I'd give this thing a go. Let's figure out where this program's going, what we're trying to accomplish. And based on the way in which I like to see myself playing, I could do that with people like Caitlin, people like AB, people like Lyss. The list goes on with Lexie Hull, Grace Berger, so I'm excited about the group we have." Pacers Sports & Entertainment employees lined the Ascension St. Vincent Entry Pavilion to welcome Kelsey Mitchell back after she re-signed today🔥 plus, her backcourt partner Caitlin Clark was there to greet her ❤️ — Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) January 29, 2025 Courtney Vandersloot was drafted by Chicago third overall in 2011 and helped the franchise win its first championship in 2021 before heading to New York. Now that she won a ring with the Liberty this past season, Vandersloot is reportedly back with the Sky on a one-year deal to help the young team find its identity. Vandersloot came off the bench in New York last season, averaging 6.4 points and 4.8 assists per game. She's currently playing in 3x3 league Unrivaled alongside former Liberty teammate Breanna Stewart. Led by Angel Reese and Kamila Cardoso, who are both just going into their second seasons, the Sky have a new coach in Tyler Marsh and a ton of talent. They'll be looking to improve upon their 13-27 record last season. With Vandersloot, nicknamed the General, the Sky will have a floor leader who can take charge on the court. As early as December, Jewell Loyd was asking for a trade out of Seattle. She had spent her whole career and won two championships there, but so much about the franchise has changed since that title in 2020. Before requesting the trade, Loyd had made bullying and harassment allegations in a complaint against the Storm coaching staff, and an investigation found no violations. The 2024 Las Vegas Aces failed to win a third straight title, despite having a team full of superstars, including three-time MVP A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum. It was hard to pinpoint the exact reason the Aces lost to the Liberty in the semifinals. They just looked like a team who was tired, and not as strong as they once were. The three-team trade that sent Loyd to Las Vegas, Plum to Los Angeles and multiple draft picks to Seattle gives every team a little bit of what they needed. For the Sparks, Plum is a dynamic playmaker and an experienced winner who can be a good influence on a youthful team that includes 2024 No. 2 pick Cameron Brink, who is set to return from a torn ACL. The Sparks have a new coach in Lynne Roberts and will look to improve upon their league-worst finish in 2024, when they won just eight games. Loyd will bring fresh energy to the Aces, who still have an outstanding core. Seattle, meanwhile, gets the draft picks they need (including the No. 2 pick in the 2025 draft) to help bolster the team. The 2024 Phoenix Mercury's defense was not among the best in the league, to put it mildly. They ranked ninth in defensive rating, last in defensive rating, and last in opponents getting second-chance points. While they had plenty of players who could score (Kahleah Copper, Brittney Griner, Diana Taurasi), they struggled to stop opponents from doing the same on the other end of the floor. Something had to change to help Phoenix back to the top of the league. Alyssa Thomas is the exact player who can make that difference, and she'll head to the desert in a trade with the Sun. She finished third in a tight MVP race last season in large part because of what a great defender she is. Thomas doesn't just get rebounds (she averaged 8.4 per game in 2024). Her presence forces teams to not want to play inside against her at all. Thomas is a five-time All-Star who's spent her entire career in Connecticut, which has made at least the semifinals of the playoffs the last six seasons, but has not won a championship. In return, the Mercury will reportedly send the Sun Natasha Cloud, Rebecca Allen and the No. 12 pick in the draft, while Ty Harris will join Thomas in Phoenix. As a Chicagoan, I tend to pretend that Michael Jordan's career ended with that perfect shot over Bryon Russell in Utah. Still to this day, I'm weirded out by seeing pictures of Jordan playing for the Wizards, and Phoenix fans have to be in the same boat about the idea of Brittney Griner playing for Atlanta. Griner played 11 seasons with the Mercury after they drafted her No. 1 overall in 2013, and is a 10-time All-Star. On paper, the move on a one-year deal makes sense. With the Thomas trade and Taurasi possibly leaning toward retirement, the Mercury will have a new look. In Atlanta, Griner can be the center of a young team in need of a veteran presence and a terrifying player in the paint. The Dream have a new coach in Karl Smesko, and continue to add, with three-time All-Star Brionna Jones also reportedly signing with Atlanta.
