Indiana Pacers will reportedly host the 2021 NBA All-Star Game
As the Indiana Pacers try to find the support to renovate their arena, ESPN reports that they will host the 2021 NBA All-Star Game.
On Wednesday morning, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Twitter that the Indiana Pacers will host the NBA All-Star Game in February 2021.
Nate Taylor of the Indy Star reported earlier this year that Pacers’ owner Herb Simon is looking to improve Bankers’ Life Fieldhouse, the team’s 18-year-old arena. Sports leagues often reward teams that make an effort to improve their facility in the form of All-Star or offseason events. Perhaps the NBA expects the 2021 event in a refurbished Fieldhouse.
The Pacers started this season 16-11 after trading Paul George in June. They have refocused their lineup around former No. 2 overall pick Victor Oladipo, who they acquired in the George trade. Indiana is expected to make the playoffs for the seventh time in eight years.
The Indiana Pacers will host the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 13, 2017
The 2018 event is scheduled for the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, and after losing the game in due to a legislative battle over the state’s “bathroom bill” in 2016, Charlotte is expected to host the event in 2019. Reports say Chicago will host All-Star Weekend 2020.
New Orleans has hosted three of the last 10 games, having replaced Charlotte as host last season. The Pelicans reportedly are not scheduled to host another in the near future.
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In recent seasons, host cities like Toronto and New Orleans have used the All-Star game to boost their stars’ popularity. The Pacers will hope to be competitive and marketable when the league descends upon Indianapolis in 2021 for All-Star Weekend.