Indy’s Heart Beats Again: Pacers Unveil Secret Plan to Rename Arena After Reggie Miller, Igniting Fans for 2026 Revenge!
Indy’s Heart Beats Again: Pacers Unveil Secret Plan to Rename Arena After Reggie Miller, Igniting Fans for 2026 Revenge!
INDIANAPOLIS — June 23, 2025
In a moment that sent shockwaves through the NBA and brought Indiana fans to tears of joy, the Indiana Pacers have revealed their most heartfelt tribute yet: a plan to rename Gainbridge Fieldhouse to “Reggie Miller Arena” in honor of the franchise’s most iconic player. The announcement, made during a surprise fan event on Sunday night, is the centerpiece of a broader campaign to fire up the Pacers’ faithful ahead of what’s being dubbed the “2026 Revenge Tour.”
After decades of being the face of Indiana basketball, Reggie Miller, the Hall of Fame shooting guard who defined an era with his clutch three-pointers and unrelenting competitive spirit, is finally getting the ultimate hometown honor. The move marks the first time in NBA history that a team has renamed its home arena after one of its players—cementing Miller’s legacy not just in Pacers lore, but in league history.
A Long-Overdue Tribute
Team owner Herb Simon and team president Kevin Pritchard took the stage at Gainbridge Fieldhouse to deliver the surprise news in front of thousands of stunned fans.
“This arena was built on moments,” said Pritchard, “and no one gave us more unforgettable moments than Reggie. This building may have changed names over the years, but starting next season, it will finally carry the name that belongs here—Reggie Miller Arena.”
The official name change will take place in the summer of 2026, just in time for the team’s new-look roster to begin what many are calling a revenge campaign for the ages. The renaming coincides with the return of both Miller and Rik Smits to front-office roles, as the Pacers gear up for a full-scale return to championship contention.
The Fans React: A City Reignited
Social media erupted the moment the news broke, with #ReggieMillerArena trending nationwide within minutes. Fans flooded the streets of downtown Indianapolis wearing vintage No. 31 jerseys and holding handmade signs bearing Miller’s legendary quote: “Don’t ever underestimate the heart of Indiana.”
For longtime fan Teresa Holcomb, who watched Miller’s entire career from the nosebleeds of Market Square Arena to the courtside seats at the Fieldhouse, the announcement was deeply emotional.
“I remember crying when Reggie retired,” she said, tears in her eyes. “Tonight, I’m crying again—but this time it’s because he’s finally getting what he deserves. Indy is Reggie’s city.”
The 2026 Revenge Tour: A Bold New Era
The renaming is more than just symbolic—it’s a rallying cry for a city hungry for redemption. After years of falling short in the playoffs, the Pacers are assembling a team that blends young talent with veteran leadership, all guided by the culture Miller and Smits are helping to revive.
Head coach Rick Carlisle, speaking at the event, hinted at a no-nonsense, high-intensity brand of basketball coming in 2026.
“We’re going to defend our house—Reggie’s house—like never before,” said Carlisle. “Every team that steps foot in here is going to feel what Indiana basketball really means.”
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