Fever reveal plans for $78 million training center after Caitlin Clark’s historic season
The impact of Caitlin Clark on the Indiana Fever and women’s basketball as a whole cannot be understated. Pacers Sports & Entertainment recently announced a groundbreaking $78 million plan to construct a state-of-the-art performance center in downtown Indianapolis exclusively for the WNBA team. This center is set to open before the 2027 season and is a testament to the growing influence of women’s basketball.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett to pinpoint the ideal location for the Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center,” stated PS&E Owner Herb Simon. “The city of Indianapolis has been an outstanding partner as we strive to elevate our team, players, and community.”
The 108,000-square-foot facility will be connected to the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where both the Fever and the Indiana Pacers play. Construction is slated to commence in August 2025. The design of the center will cater to the specific needs of female athletes competing at the highest level, encompassing performance and conditioning, recovery and rehabilitation, mental health and wellness, and lifestyle support.
“This cutting-edge training center underscores our ongoing commitment to providing our players with top-tier resources for success,” remarked Indiana Fever president of basketball and business operations Kelly Krauskopf.
The new center will feature two regulation courts, a full-service kitchen, and dedicated spaces for yoga and Pilates. Additionally, amenities such as a hair and nail salon, childcare area, and podcast and content production studio will be integrated into the design to support player lifestyles. The Fever currently have their own standalone training center at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, last renovated in 2020.
Caitlin Clark’s exceptional rookie season generated record-breaking numbers for the WNBA in terms of viewership and attendance. As a result, the league announced full-time charter flights for all teams, a historic first that will greatly benefit players.
Several other WNBA teams, including Las Vegas, Seattle, Phoenix, and Chicago, have also recently opened or are in the process of constructing new training facilities. This trend highlights the growing investment and emphasis on women’s basketball.
The Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center is a bold step towards providing female athletes with the resources and support they need to excel at the highest level. It is a clear indication of the profound impact that players like Caitlin Clark are having on the sport and the continued growth of women’s basketball.
