The Ultimate Guide for Taking a Kid to a Pacers Game
By TIM FLINT
ISL Contributor
INDIANAPOLIS — Something magical happens when you take your kids to see the Indiana Pacers play. From the moment you buy your tickets to the drive home, there’s an electric buzz of excitement that can’t be matched. It doesn’t even matter if the Pacers win or lose, your kids will still cherish the roar of the crowd after the first bucket, Boomer’s crazy halftime antics, or being able to eat cotton candy well past bedtime. And whether this is their first Pacer game ever or a constant tradition, you’re always glad you came.
But what’s the best way to take kids to a Pacers game? Read our ultimate guide to taking kids to a Pacers game for info regarding getting tickets, picking seats, what to eat, and more. These time-tested tips-and-tricks will help you and your kids have “The Best Game EVER!
Finding Good Ticket Deals
When it comes to finding good ticket deals there are really two places to go grab a ticket, the Pacers box office/website and the secondary market.
*First thing to talk about when buying tickets with kids is that children under 2 get into games for free as long as you are willing to have your child sit in your lap.
For premier games, buying directly from the Pacers is the best place to grab tickets as they will likely be the cheapest. But you may have to act fast to get them. The Pacers also run family night style promotions. These promotions give you a pack of tickets for an extremely affordable price. For example, you may be able to secure a deal that includes 4 tickets in the upper deck, T-shirts for the family, and food.
For most regular nights, and especially for week day games, the best place to get Pacers tickets is the secondary market. Sites like Stubhub or OnlyIndyTickets.com should have an excess of tickets which means the price will be lower per ticket. In many cases, you can pick up a ticket for a non-premium game cheaper than the Pacers own box office.
Your final option is to purchase season tickets. These can be fun for Pacers superfans, but can be tough for families with young children. It can seem like a chore to make it to enough games for a season ticket to make sense — unless you share the tickets amongst friends and family. If you do go to a lot of games, season tickets can be the most affordable way to get the seats you really want every time.
Where To Sit For The Game
Finding the right seating depends upon your budget, the view you want, convenience, and even your child’s age.
Club Level Seating
If you can afford it, the best place to sit with kids is at the Club level. These sections start with 100. The number one reason these are the best seats with kids is the value. They are cheaper than the lower level, but are much safer than the upper level. In general this is the level with the fewest people and the best view of the court. Club level seats are high enough that your kids’ view won’t get blocked by older and taller fans, but still close to the action so you won’t have to wonder who has the ball. This level is well within the range of T-Shirt cannons and other fun activities that will go on the court. And the section isn’t very steep so you will feel safe with the kids. Another bonus- the Pacers sales team is really pushing this as the most family friendly section with super easy to access food and bathroom options.
One thing to know is that at the club level the Pacers have fan zones for the loudest and rowdiest fans near sections 101 and 120. This can be fun for some kids, but you might want to avoid sitting too close to those sections if you have children who can be sensitive to noise,
All in all, the club level is going to make sure you have the easiest time at the games. Tickets in these sections can have a minimum price of $35 for a week night game against less popular opponents. Where against premium opponents or playoff games the minimum price for club level can go up to $200 when teams like the Lakers or Warriors are in town. On most nights you can get tickets to this section for between $50-$85.
The Lower Section
Generally, these have some of the most expensive ticket prices, as the closer you get to the court the more expensive the ticket. For smaller kids it might be harder to see the court the lower you get in the bowl. However, this section can be the most fun as the most in game interactions happen in this section. Giveaways, being spotted on the fan cams, etc. are common occurrences in this section.
Balcony Seating
The balcony section on many nights can often have a get-in price that is cheaper than taking your kids to a movie. Which means it’s an amazing budget option. And if you are in the lower 2-3 rows of the balcony, your view is often similar to the club level. However, when you get too high up in the balcony, you spend more time watching the jumbotron than you do the court.
The biggest concern with the balcony is that kids can feel disoriented and unsafe because of the steep angles. Toddlers have the most problem with the balcony. Older kids and teens don’t seem to have that much of a problem, making the higher balcony seats a great budget option!
What To Bring to a Pacers Game
Your Phone: Bring your phone fully charged as it is your ticket to get in. Also, you are going to want to take pictures.
Diaper Bags: Bags are allowed in the Fieldhouse. This includes bottles, formula, etc. as well. However, if the bag is too large (14”x14”x6” to be exact), they will likely ask you to check it at the Guest Relations desk. So we would recommend slimming your bag down to the essentials for the game.
Strollers: You are allowed to bring strollers. If they are collapsible you can even put them right underneath your assigned seats. If you have larger units that you are bringing with you, you will want to contact Guest Relations or an usher to assist you with finding a location for it.
Credit/Debit Cards: Gainbridge Fieldhouse is now becoming a cashless facility, so the only thing accepted is going to be cards and Apple/Google Pay.
Signs: Go ahead and make a sign to cheer on your favorite player and team. Just make sure the sign is 11”x17” or smaller.
Food: You can bring food for babies and children under 2 that they aren’t going to offer at the game.
Pacers Parking
The best place to park when you have kids is going to be the Pacers garage. It is connected to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, so on a cold, rainy, or snowy night, you can quickly get them out of the elements. However, there are numerous other options within a short walking distance. And you can sometimes even grab on-street parking. If you do park further away you will often have a shorter wait to get out than you would in the Pacers parking garage. Parking downtown for the game is often going to range between $10-$25.
Finding Gainbridge Fieldhouse Food
Food options in the Fieldhouse just keep getting better. It’s not just hotdogs and popcorn, though those are still on the menu. But, you are also likely to find healthier food options, and foods that fit your or your children’s dietary restrictions. Also, the Pacers have partnered with tons of Indy restaurants to give you local choices. For example, you could find food and beverages from the likes of Indy favorites such as:
•Sun King
•Sugarfire
•Mimi Blue Meatballs
•Los Arroyos
•Bru Burger
•The Garden Table for vegetarian options
And so much more.
So you are sure to find something that both you and your children will love.
In Game and Pregame Entertainment
With many children, the best part of the game won’t be the basketball action on the court but all the other stuff that goes on during timeouts, between quarters, and the half-time show. Some of the things they will see could include: the Pacemates, dance teams, competitions, donuts falling from the sky, t-shirt cannons, death defying half-time show entertainment, trampoline dunkers, dance cams, and so much more. And that could all be in one show.
Before the game there are often exciting things to see and do, such as getting to meet the Pacemates, getting Boomer’s autograph, seeing bands, and so much more.
Also, don’t forget during pre-game to head to the Pacers Store to find souvenirs, Pacer’s gear, and all sorts of stuff. There is always a game night special deal of a T-Shirt, hat, or other item to pick up as well.
Boomer & Pacemates
The Pacermates and Boomer are going to be a running theme throughout the night for your kids. Boomer will be roaming the halls signing autographs and causing hijinks in the concourse. He is also super easy to get a picture with at this time with the kids. During the game he is leading chants, causing trouble with contestants, dunking from a trampoline, and rappelling from the top of the Fieldhouse. He is always something to watch out for with your kids. One of the best things is when Boomer teams up with the Pacers Power Pack between the 3rd and 4th quarter for an electric trampoline dunk session.
The Pacemates are also all over the concourses pregame, taking pictures with fans and kids and hyping up the crowd. During the game they are dancing during time outs, handing out t-shirts, helping with contests, and throwing gifts to the crowd. Since they are a large group, there are always times for photo ops with the kids.
Bathrooms and Changing Tables
There are bathrooms with changing tables throughout the Fieldhouse, and there are even gender-neutral bathrooms on every level. This makes it fairly easy to find a place to change your baby or help your potty training child with the restroom. If you are looking for the easiest time to try and take your child to the restroom or to change them, it is going to be while the action is going on. So avoid times between quarters and the halftime show.
If you are nursing, the Pacers also provide a nursing mothers’ room that is located on the Main Concourse at Section 9 near the Planet Fitness Lounge. This can also be used for mothers needing to pump if their child is not with them.
What To Do About Noise
A big concern for children with sensitive ears is dealing with sound. From the music to the crowds to the fireworks it can get loud. To protect your child, do not be afraid to bring ear plugs or over the ear protection for them. Trust us, you won’t be the only one. We see kids and babies every game wearing ear protection.
Handling a Late Night
Let’s face it, for most children a game is going to be putting them well past their bedtime. Most games start around 7:00 pm. And the game is likely going to go until 9:30 or later if it goes into overtime. Add in the walk to the car and the 20-30 minutes it can take to get out of the garage, and depending where around town your home is, you could be home at 10:30.
With children, don’t be afraid to leave early if you need to. Also, try and plan a later nap for your child or let them sleep in the car to help alleviate any late night stress.
Safety & Security
First and foremost, your older kids have a safety plan. Make sure they know where your seats are and set a plan of where to meet up if separated. Also, take a picture of them right before the game so you know what your child is wearing and can share it with security if needed.
Additionally, the Pacers offer a service called Boomer’s Buddies for children and those with special needs. Boomer’s Buddies provides an identification bracelet to write the parent’s/guardian’s seat, location, and phone number. If your child gets separated from you, an usher or security guard can use the ID bracelet to bring the child back to you or contact you on your cell phone. To register visit Guest Relations.
Covid
Of course we can’t talk about a big event in this day in age without talking about Covid-19. As of now, expect the Covid protocols to be “masks are encouraged”, similar to Colts games. As the season gets closer there will be more information about any other restrictions and precautions. So don’t leave the house without reviewing the mask and vaccine requirements as they may change through the season.
Pacers Kids Club:
Finally, if you are interested in going to more games with your kids each season, you are going to want to check out the Pacers Kids Club. The Pacers Kids Club has special perks. It costs $25 per child and includes:
•Pacers T-shirt
•Special Pacers souvenir
•Membership card and lanyard
•Special Kids Club schedule poster
•Pacers team store discount
•Invitation to exclusive events: to meet Pacers players, •Boomer’s birthday party, and more.
•Ticket discounts for members and their family to specific games. And more.
Ready To Go To A Pacers Game?
Taking your kids to a Pacer’s game can be a safe, fun, and memorable experience. So go grab some Pacer’s tickets today to plan your next sporting adventure with your kids. You’ll know if you did the night right when your kids start asking to do it all again the next morning at breakfast.
Bio: Tim Flint
Tim is the owner of OnlyIndyTickets.com a site that is your ticket to what’s happening in Indy and only Indy. He is the father of three kids and lives in Hamilton County. When not working he loves to go to live events and explore Indiana’s nature with his family.
