Pacers return to home court: What Indy is doing to keep downtown safe

'Why can't basketball players go on vacation?' joked Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Chief Chris Bailey during a safety briefing outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
'Because they'll get called for traveling.'
The joke encapsulated the excitement felt citywide as public safety officials prepare for thousands to head downtown ahead of the Pacers' first NBA finals home game in 25 years.
"No one in our city will go without police protection despite the festivities going on," Bailey said on June 10.
There will be increased police presence, he said, including officers on horseback and some 'in places that you will not see.' IMPD will also use drones, and Indiana State Police will provide resources as needed.
Fans can opt into safety alerts by texting 'IndyFinals25' to 67283, said Jacob Spence, director of the Metropolitan Emergency Services Agency.
Starting 4:30 p.m. June 11, there will be a soft ticketing checkpoint around the Fieldhouse, said CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, Mel Raines. Guests will be required to show their tickets to access Morris Bicentennial Plaza and the stadium grounds.
Security will be on the plaza outskirts, she said, and bike parking will be available outside the perimeter.
Bailey said guests should expect traffic restrictions on South Pennsylvania Street and Delaware Street. He did not announce any definitive road closures, but said lanes will be open and shut as necessary. Live updates will be posted on IMPD's X account, he said.
Beginning at 5 a.m. June 14, I-65 southbound will be closed through June 16 as part of the first in a series of weekend closures. Traffic can be detoured using I-465 and I-70.
More about Game 3, Pacers vs. Thunder: Wednesday's Pacers game could snarl traffic in downtown Indianapolis. How to get around it.
Residents should expect increased traffic June 11 and June 13 as watch parties will take place outside the soon-to-be-packed stadium. Somewhere between 1,000 and 1,500 watch party tickets will be available for purchase, likely on June 11, Raines said.
Fans will have access to multiple screens, furniture and bars, she said. Watch party guests will not be able to enter the Fieldhouse.

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