the Caitlin Clark That influence has paid off in a big way for the Indiana Fever and women’s basketball.
Pacers Sports and Entertainment unveiled its $78 million plan to build a “world-class” performance center in downtown Indianapolis exclusively for its fans. WNBA Team, Which is expected to open before the start of the 2027 season.
Indiana Fever guard Kaitlin Clark (22) talks with Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) during the first half of Game 2 of the first round of the 2024 WNBA playoffs at Mohegan Sun Arena on Sept. 25, 2024. (Paul Rutherford/Imagine Images)
“We are excited to partner with Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett to identify the ideal location for the Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center,” PS&E owner Herb Simon said in a statement. “The City of Indianapolis continues to be a tremendous partner as we work to elevate our team, players and community.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
The 108,000-square-foot training center will be connected to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where both Fever and Indiana Pacers Play, construction is expected to begin in August 2025.
According to a press release from the team, the center’s design will be geared toward “the specific needs of female athletes competing at the highest level, including performance, conditioning, recovery, rehabilitation, mental health, wellness, and lifestyle support.”
“This elite training center is a reflection of our organization’s ongoing commitment to ensuring our players have the highest level of resources to succeed,” Kelly Krauskopf, president of basketball and business operations for the Indiana Fever, said in a statement provided by the team.
Indiana Fever guard Kaitlin Clark (22) shoots as Dallas Wings’ Jesse Sheldon (4) and Natasha Howard, right, defend in the first half of a WNBA game on Sept. 1, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
“As we look to the future, a focus on creating a top-tier player experience designed exclusively for female athletes will set us apart.”
The new center will feature two regulation courts, a full-service kitchen, and designated areas for yoga and Pilates. Additionally, the team said other features incorporated into the design include “a hair and nail salon, a childcare space, and a content and podcast production studio to support players’ lifestyles.”
The Fever have their own independent training center at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, which was last renovated in 2020.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Clark’s historic rookie season set WNBA records, both in viewership and attendance. The league announced for the first time in the league’s history Full time charter flights for all its teams in May, which was expected to cost about $25 million annually for the next two seasons.
Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever reacts after making a 3-pointer during the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on August 16, 2024 in Indianapolis. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Las Vegas, Seattle and Phoenix have all opened new training centers in the past few years, and Chicago also has one under construction.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital Sports coverage on Xand subscribe to Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
https://static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/08/Caitlin-Clark2.jpg
Source link