The Pacers moved into a new practice facility, the St. Vincent Center, over the summer. It has everything a team needs … and then some.
Two practice courts with 24-7 availability, cold and hot tubs, a resting area, a barber shop, and the return of a player’s lounge.
The Pacers made it easy for players to look forward to going to work, and not want to leave.
The only problem: Home games are played across Delaware Street at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, and the setup is considerably different this season.
I’ve already documented the change to LED lighting after their 19-year-old system needed to be upgraded. The focus during games is solely on the floor with the theatrical lighting setup. In addition to new uniforms, the playing court has a fresh coat of paint with a much lighter tint.
These are factors come game night, like when the Pacers usher in a new season Wednesday night against the Brooklyn Nets (7:00 pm).
“There is a (difference),” said coach Nate McMillan, “with the bowl pretty much being dark and the floor having the lights. It’s a little different. It’s always good to shoot in your building as much as possible.”
The players will have practiced on the main court four straight days before tipping off the season. FanJam was successful on Sunday, followed by two practices and then shootaround Wednesday morning.
“With the different lighting, we wanted to get our guys shots over here,” McMillan added.
With just one home game, the players — albeit just six returning players — have not had significant time to shoot in the arena.
“We’ve got a beautiful practice facility and been there pretty much been all summer, all of training camp,” said Myles Turner, the longest-tenured Pacer. “So we needed to get over here in familiar territory. Lighting is a little different this year so just getting used to everything.”
