Rick Fuson is a great advocate for Indianapolis and its sports scene.
Rick Fuson is an Indianapolis man through and through. He ventured south to Bloomington for college, and then found a career he was passionate about with Pacers Sports & Entertainment. He’s been there over 30 years now, and last week was promoted to president.
Fuson, 61, has a long list of accomplishments. He’s responsible for helping to bring key events, such as the Big Ten Basketball Tournament, World Swimming Championships, World Basketball Championships, and many more to Bankers Life Fieldhouse, a building for which he oversaw construction. He most recently served as a co-chair for the 2012 Super Bowl Village Committee.
He also serves on the board of directors for Indianapolis Downtown, Inc., Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Indianapolis Urban League and Visit Indy.
Fuson, along with the Pacers, have generously made their venue available when the community needs help, like after the Indiana State Fair stage collapse in 2011, and the death of local service members.
VigilantSports.com spoke with Fuson on Wednesday. Read his comments below.
In regards to your title change, was it something that had been in the works for a while?
Jim Morris (the outgoing President), it was really his idea. Jim has worked with so many things in this city. He’s a pillar in this community. Jim comes to work everyday and he’s going to continue to come to work everyday. But he thought maybe it was time to be able to work on a lot of projects he works on and be able to, at the same time, be with us to help us in any way that he can. It was his idea; I’ve been around a long time so he gave me the opportunity. I’ve known him for 40 years — most of my life — and he’s such a great guy and will help me, and help Herb [Simon], and help the franchises in any way that he can on an absolute daily basis. We’ve talked about it for a little while and then he just decided OK, let’s make the deal happen, and he did, and I’m very grateful to he and Herb both.
Made official last week: Rick Fuson, an employee since 1984, is now the President of Pacers Sports & Entertainment.
Over these 30 years with the organization, is there one thing that you had your hand in on that you’re most proud of?
There’s been so many things. Being part of the Fever title (in 2012), being part of the Pacers in the Finals (in 2000), being able to run Market Square Arena and then help build this building, which is as good of place as there is. The people’s building, a great basketball facility.
We’ve had so many great events. To be able to go help put on the World Swimming Championships (2004) together, to have the World Basketball Championships (2002), to be able to work outside the arena and help produce shows like we did in the Pan Am Games in ’87, and in the World Police & Fire Games (2001), and the World Gymnastics (1991). I’ve had such a varied opportunity, it’s been great.
One other little thing that happened within the last year: my father took my sister and me to the Beatles 50 years ago this last summer. I’ve been able to not only attend, but also work every show that [Paul] McCartney ever did in Indianapolis. So, over a 50-year span, that’s kind of a different and fun thing.
Is there anything we can expect of you as far as putting your stamp on the job or little changes that may be in store?
Having been together for so long, I think from person to person to person, I worked for Bob Salyers first, I worked for Donnie Walsh, and then I worked for Jim Morris. Herb’s been the constant throughout. I don’t think the basis changes at all. We’re about winning championships and serving the community. That’s what we’ve spent our careers doing, and so why would you want to change that? I think we have the greatest people here and we work well with our partners. We have great sponsors — it’s tremendous. So, I don’t think there’s anything to tweak other than just keeping doing what we’ve been taught. Make sure we’ve got the best entertainment, the best daily marketing and all the things we do to stay on top of it.
With you, there’s consistency and now with Frank Vogel’s contract being extended, there’s more consistency for the foreseeable future. Stability is vital, no?
Coach Vogel is tremendous. Herb, in my situation the other day, he talked about this is not about change, this is about continuity. And I think it’s tremendous to have this young coach Vogel whose done so tremendously well. He’s so well-liked; he works so hard in the community, works so hard with the basketball team and on the court. I personally couldn’t be happier. I’ve been with a lot of coaches, we’ve had many many great coaches, but this young man makes a huge difference for us.
Years ago you talked about the NBA All-Star game and how it’s really not a good thing to host because it can upset season-ticket holders. Have you guys reconsidered hosting it?
We’ve looked at it and we’ll continue to look at it. If the right time comes along, we hope to be part of it again. It just hasn’t been the right time yet, but you never know what might happen in the future.