Indianapolis - Conseco Fieldhouse turns 10-years-old Friday and while there is a lot to celebrate, the financial future remains uncertain
Over the last ten years Conseco has been more than just the home of the Pacers, it has been a gathering place for the city.
Conseco holds more than 200 public events every year, drawing nearly 2 million visitors. Visitors have come to see the Pacers and the Fever, world swimming, rodeos and just last week the tribute to Myles Brand was held there.
The chief operating officer, Rick Fuson, calls it part of the heart of the city, saying it's a venue that's known worldwide and calls it an economic generator as many of it's visitors spend money at downtown bars, restaurants and hotels ringing up city and state revenue.
At the same time, looking ahead, Conseco is facing financial challenges . The Pacers have announced the organization can no longer afford the $15 million a year it takes to run Conseco Fieldhouse, leaving it up to the CIB which is already strapped for cash, dealing with a $47 million deficit.
"We have had a long great relationship with the Capital Improvement Board and the city of Indianapolis and we know there are challenges for everyone but we are continuing to work with them. Everybody's done a fantastic job working together and we will continue to do that and we are confident we will find solutions to any situation the city comes against," Fuson said.
For their 10th Anniversary Game the Indiana Pacers will take on the Washington Wizards Friday at Conseco Fieldhouse.
Doors open at 6:00pm, the game starts at 7:00pm.
Every fan who comes to the game will receive a 10th anniversary commemorative ticket like they did 10 years ago for the first game Conseco held.
The first 8,000 fans will receive a souvenir poster with pictures of many of the events held at Conseco over the last decade which will be perfect for collecting signatures during the Special autograph session they holding before the game.
Some members of the 1999-2000 Pacers NBA Finals team will be on hand with fans to reminisce
about the first games played on this court along with this year's Fever WNBA Finals team.
Also part of the commemoration, is a pre-game ceremony marking a huge part of the Pacers history with a special tribute.
"Before the game we will tribute to Melvin Simon our great owner with his brother Herb," said Fuson. "He really was the number one Pacers fan and we'll raise a banner to the rafters which is really the highest honor that sports can give."
