Your Guide to Professional Sports in Indianapolis

Indianapolis is a sports-mad city with 11 pro sports teams and three NCAA teams. Residents love nothing more than cheering on their home teams at local venues and sports bars. Take a closer look at some of the teams proudly representing Indiana. 

Indianapolis Colts: Football Heroes 

If you’re not a Colts fan, can you really be from Indianapolis? It’s rare to find a resident who isn’t right behind the city’s football team. The celebrated NFL team is part of the AFC South division. It’s hard to remember a time that locals didn’t root for the Colts. However, they only arrived in 1984 after relocating from Baltimore. 

The Colts struggled with poor form for years. However, their fortunes changed when they recruited superstar Peyton Manning in 1998. Since then they’ve made the playoffs 10 times in the last 12 years. Fans will never forget 2006, when they beat the Chicago Bears to claim the Super Bowl. Two years later, the Colts got a new home. Lucas Oil Stadium replaced the RCA Dome, ushering in a new era for the Colts. 

Indiana Pacers: Basketball Superstars 

The Indiana Pacers originated in 1967 as part of the American Basketball Association. They won three ABA championships: in 1970, 1972, and again in 1973. When that competition folded in 1976, the Pacers, like many ABA teams, joined the NBA. They haven’t exactly set the NBA alight. However, Reggie Miller helped the Pacers make the playoffs 14 times during his 17-season career. 

Despite making the finals in 1999, NBA glory has always eluded them. However, fans are forever confident that the next season will see the Pacers take the title. This unshakable optimism sees fans attending every home game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. 

Indianapolis Indians: Minor League Marvels 

The Indianapolis Indians might be a minor league baseball team, but they’re also a local institution. The team dates back to 1902, making them the second oldest team in the minor leagues. They currently play their International League home games on Victory Field. Baseball America called it the best minor league park in the country. 

The Minor League Baseball website put the 1902 and 1948 teams on their 100 greatest minor leaguers list. However, many fans remember the 1980s more fondly. Between 1984 and 1989, the team won four division titles, four consecutive league titles, and two Triple-A Classic playoffs. The Indians most recently won a division title in 2017. 

Indiana Fever: Women’s Heavy Hitters 

Men’s sports may be big business, but Indianapolis also has some stellar women’s teams. Indiana Fever is part of the Women’s National Basketball Association, and they’re also based in Indianapolis. They represent the state in the Eastern Conference and play home games at Hinkle Fieldhouse. 

The Fever won their first WNBA title in 2012, beating the Minnesota Lynx. The season’s most valuable player title went to Tamika Catchings. She now serves as the Fever’s general manager. 

No matter what your sporting interest, Indianapolis has a team for you to get behind. Wear your colors with pride and cheer them on! 

Image courtesy of pixabay.com

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