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Indianapolis Star

I took on the Indy Hoops Pass challenge. Here's what I discovered about basketball in Indy

Coming from Texas and Chicago, I never knew how core basketball is to Indy. But then I found myself in Indianapolis this summer when the city is hosting the WNBA All-Star Game. This weekend felt like the perfect time to learn everything I can about Indianapolis and basketball, so I signed up for the Indy Hoops Pass, a self-guided tour through hoops history that runs through All-Star weekend. My pass took me from iconic courts to hidden basketball-themed art installations throughout Indy, and it's safe to say: in Indy, basketball is more than a sport. The idea behind the Hoops pass is simple: visit basketball-themed locations around Indianapolis, scan the QR codes on the ground, and rack up points for prizes (each location is worth 100 points). But finding those codes? Not as easy as it I embarked on a crash course on Indy basketball, learning about the game one stop at a time. I visited one of the oldest college basketball arenas still in use, Butler's Hinkle Fieldhouse. I checked the bust of longtime Butler coach Tony Hinkle, then peered into the building that's hosted buzzer-beaters, milestone games — including Butler's 1929 title — and the final scenes of iconic sports film 'Hoosiers.' Fittingly dubbed 'Indiana's Basketball Cathedral,' Hinkle felt sacred. Next up: the 'Free Basket' installation at the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park at Newfields. This funky collection of sculptural hoops blends art and play in unexpected ways — a perfect example of basketball as both science and expression. Hoops meet sculpture. Art meets game. But I almost did not find the well-hidden QR code here. I had to wander a while before finally spotting it. Almost missed it entirely. Downtown Indy was buzzing. Crews were hanging banners, the Nike pop-up across the Morris Bicentennial Plaza was coming together, and even the sidewalks were decked out in orange — carpet included. I had to check out Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Pacers and Fever. All around the area were larger-than-life murals of Caitlin Clark, some tucked into alleyways, others wrapped around full buildings like one big love letter to basketball. All along, I kept my eyes peeled for those QR codes. Pro tip: slow down and look twice. I stopped by The Sports Legend Experience at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, where one towering dinosaur wore a whistle and another posed mid-dribble with an orange basketball, ready to sub in. In Indy, basketball and the Hoops Pass, is for everyone to enjoy, it seems, from toddlers to T. rexes. One of the more powerful moments came at the downtown statue that honors Indiana native and coach John Wooden. More than a photo op, Wooden's Legacy provides a reminder of how basketball's roots in Indy go far beyond the action. Values like discipline and humility were passed down through coaches like Wooden; he didn't just coach basketball, he coached character. The Indy Hoops Pass isn't just about basketball. It's about art, history, and the little discoveries you'll make along the way. It challenged me to slow down and explore new corners of the city. This wasn't just about prizes (although everyone loves free stuff); my pass showed me a side of Indianapolis I hadn't fully appreciated. Basketball here isn't just a sport, it's a reason to paint a wall or build a museum exhibit or lace up your shoes and try something new.