Area 55 still going strong in its 5th season
By TYLER SMITH
ISL Editor
Years ago, Pacers center Roy Hibbert wanted to help bring fan excitement back to the Indiana Pacers. The city was still in a long recovery process after the brawl in Detroit, and years of losing basketball. The Pacers were barely noticed for many years in the shadow of the Indianapolis Colts. Winning is the ultimate cure for getting fans back in the seats, but several people also give Area 55 some credit.
If you haven’t heard by now, this is how the fan section Area 55 works: The loudest and craziest Pacer fans submit videos and then audition in front of Roy Hibbert before each season. Hibbert then chooses the 55 fans he wants to represent the fan section for the year, and purchases their season tickets. Whether the Pacers are clawing for a playoff spot like in season one, or fighting for an Eastern Conference championship like the last few years, this section is loud and proud at each and every game.
I had a chance to speak with several members of Area 55 recently, and I asked each one what their favorite part of the section was.
Blake Ayers (@favrey94) is enjoying his first season as a member of Area 55: “I love the passion and I love making great memories. It’s kind of like a student section but for the NBA. By the time the game is over, I’m drenched because I’m jumping and screaming so much. I even came here in a sling after shoulder surgery and still screamed my heart out. I would do anything for that team.”
Ray Lucas (@cjray84) has been a member of Area 55 for four seasons. For him, it hasn’t been just about basketball: “I’ve met people here that will be friends for life.” Ray also proposed to his wife at an Area 55 mid-season award ceremony, with the help of Roy Hibbert. “Roy helped me surprise my wife with my engagement. At our award ceremony, he gave a gift to my wife which had the ring in it. Roy truly cares about the fans and is a great guy. That’s one of my main takeaways from this experience.”
Pacers fan known as “Blue Thang” (@goldswagger55) also chimed in: “We get to know each other better than other sections. I’ve been to some away games this year and there’s nothing like this section in other stadiums. Roy is my favorite player so I love being a part of this.”
Ben Howell (@pacerhowell317) has spent lots of time in Area 55 over the years as well and had this to say: “It’s a fun atmosphere. And honestly, if you can’t get loud and crazy at the games you might as well watch them from home!”
After the first season of Area 55, the Pacers introduced a second fan section at Bankers Life Fieldhouse known as the G2 Zone. Together, these fan sections continue to bring passion and excitement to all Pacer home games, no matter who the opponent is, and no matter where the Pacers currently fall in the standings.
Even if you didn’t win season tickets for these sections, there are still opportunities for you to get the experience. You can win or purchase tickets in these sections for select games. Follow @PacersArea55 and @PacersG2 for more information.
Despite a disappointing season this year for the Pacers, the fan excitement is still much higher than it was 5+ years ago. The birth of Area 55 is one of the reasons why.
Follow Tyler on Twitter: @TylerSmith_ISL
