Just like in Game 3 at The Fieldhouse, all fans will receive a gold t-shirt.
When Pacers fans arrive at their seat for Friday’s first-round playoff game, a gold t-shirt will be there for them. The organization announced Wednesday afternoon in an email that a Pacers Playoff t-shirt would be distributed to every fan in attendance.
“We need Pacers fans to unite and defend our house on Friday when Game 6 comes to Bankers Life Fieldhouse,” it read.
The Pacers originally planned to give out gold rally towels, just like they did in Game 4 — a win. Gold Pacers Playoff t-shirts were last provided for Game 3 last Thursday, a loss.
The organization surprisingly went bold. The Raptors celebrate the slogan “We The North!” so the Pacers used #WeTheGold in this gold t-shirt. (Yes, they are still size XL.)
Patterson doesn't find Pacers' "We the Gold" t-shirts flattering. "They're just trying to find something to get at us", called it obnoxious
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) April 28, 2016
Why #WeTheGold? Here’s what the team had to say:
With 29 NBA teams in the States, in an effort to counter Canadian patriotism, it is very difficult for any one team to position itself as the representative for the entire United States of America. That said, one team – our team – is squarely positioned to inspire the fans of Indiana to stand as a ‘United State of Basketball’ against our friends from the North. While we are often recognized for our Hoosier Hospitality, we are much better known globally for our love of basketball. And it is our hope the gold shirts, and more importantly the larger message, will encourage a fan uprising that will help propel our team to victory, first on Friday and again on Canadian soil for a deciding Game 7.
In addition to the ‘United State of Basketball’ slogan, you will notice the introduction of #WeTheGold. This hashtag is primarily for the remainder of the series and is a good-natured, Pacerized twist on the Raptors rallying cry. Over the past several seasons, starting with Gold Swagger, we established a tradition of Pacers fans wearing gold when it matters most. Therefore, if Raptors fans are ‘We The North’ it only stands to reason Pacers fans are ‘We The Gold.’
The Toronto Raptors lead in the Round 1 best-of-seven series, 3-2. Therefore, the Pacers must win on Friday to force a decisive Game 7.
Doors open at 6:00 pm ET with the game set to tip at 7:30 pm ET. The game will air in Central Indiana on FOX Sports Indiana with the usual crew, and Dave Pasch, Jon Barry, and Heather Cox will be on the call for a national simulcast on ESPNEWS and NBATV.
[ESPNEWS to televise its first live NBA Playoff game Friday: Pacers-Raptors Game 6]