Meet Whitfield- One of the most loyal Pacer fans
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers have a lot of loyal fans that care deeply about their team. Recently, I met one of them who deserved a story.
I’ve covered the Pacers for the last six seasons. I attend the home games, get some locker room quotes when the game is over, then head to the media room to write. Typically, I leave Bankers Life Fieldhouse 90 minutes after the game.
Over the last few years, I started noticing a fan standing outside the parking garage after every game (90 minutes after). He would talk to fans as they passed by, and he would wave and yell “Good Game!” to the players as they drove away. I wanted to hear his story.
His name is Vivan Whitfield. And this is what he had to say.
Smith– Do you attend some of the games, or do you just like to come out here on game-days?
Whitfield– I go to EVERY game. I try not to miss any. Lots of times it’s not easy to afford it, but I need to be there to support my guys.
Smith– And you come out here every game as well?
Whitfield– Every game. I come out here, and say bye to the players. They wave at me. Sometimes they roll their windows down and fist-bump me. That’s what we do.
Smith– I’ve seen you out here when it’s really cold. Even when it’s negative 10 degrees you’re still out here!
Whitfield- Yes. It don’t make no difference how cold it is- I’m out here. Rain. Snow. Sleet. Whatever.
Smith– That’s awesome to see committed fans. Win or lose, you’re here and supporting them, right?
Whitfield– Right. Win or lose, I always tell them ‘good game.’ Somebody’s got to be out here for them, and I think they really appreciate that. I think there should be more people that appreciate them like that.
Smith– How long do you normally stay after the game?
Whitfield– However long it takes for them to come out. Sometimes it varies.
Smith– What do the Pacers mean to you personally, and what do you think they mean to the city?
Whitfield– I think they’re outstanding. They do a lot for the city. Especially when they come out and do stuff for the kids. I think they really enjoy reading the books with them and stuff like that. I really appreciate them doing that. That’s showing love for them and I like that. That means a lot to me.
Smith– This team especially, even with Vic hurt, the way they come together as a team- Do you think that brings the city together?
Whitfield– Absolutely. When he got hurt, they came together. Then when he got hurt again, they came together again.
Smith– Do you talk Pacers with other fans often? Even people you don’t know?
Whitfield– Every day. Most people say “What do you think about the Pacers this year? Are they going or not?” I say “Yeah, they going!” I’ve got the faith and they’ve got to have it too.
Smith- Who’s your favorite Pacer right now?
Whitfield– I love all of them. It’s a great group of guys. A few years ago, Myles Turner was out here- they were doing something for the fans, and he saw me. He called me over, gave me a shirt and talked to me for a while. It was great.
While talking to Whitfield, Coach Nate McMillan pulled up, rolled his window down and talked to him for a few minutes. Popeye Jones drove by and honked, and Domantas Sabonis smiled and waved. It’s nice to know the guys acknowledge the fans like that.
Now, I look forward to my chats with Whitfield after each game. He encourages more fans to join him at the Delaware Street parking garage (by the tunnel). With fans like him supporting the team- it’s another reason to pull for this team as the playoffs approach.
Keep doing what you do cous, God is good isn’t he?
Teams need more faithful, loyal supporters like Vivan Whitfield! He an teach us a lot about perseverance!
I love him, cause he’s my brother. Also, as you said most dedicated fan.