Pacers fans flock to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for NBA Finals watch party

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Game 2 of the NBA Finals tips off tonight in Oklahoma City. Back here Indiana, the Pacers are hosting a watch party at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. 

Official watch party tickets sold out within 30 minutes of being released. But you can still attend the watch party according to Ticketmaster, verified resale tickets are available for resale. 

Gates for the watch party open at 7 p.m., with the game tipping off at 8 p.m. 

Concessions are open and the jumbotron is lowered. Inside the arena, fans will also be able to check out the massive Larry O’Brien trophy.  

This evening will also feature  in game giveaways, the Pacers Entertainment Team and Concourse Entertainment. 

“I think the Pacers will be ready to go. Rick will have it ready to go. But here, it’s a watch party again. I’m looking forward to it,” play-by-play announcer for the Pacers Chris Denari said. “I’ve helped host two of them. I was in Oklahoma City for Game 1, but I’ll be right here tonight with all the great Pacers fans at the Fieldhouse.”

With Game 2 tipping off this evening, we asked Denari about the keys to the Pacers winning and going up 2-0.

“Well they’ll hopefully get off to a little bit better start than they did in Game 1. We know this team is capable of a comeback — but get off to a better start, take care of the ball,” he said. “… Don’t get behind so early, but if they do, don’t go away. Because you’ll never want to go away from this Pacers team.”

Denari says he can feel the energy from all of Indianapolis and the state.

“It’s something special to go around town seeing people with their Pacers gear on. You go in the neighborhoods, people are flying Pacers flags. This is just a chance to bring people together, right?” Denari said.