If you’re trying to decide if you should take your kids to an Indiana Fever game, let me help you out – YES!
If you’ve already bought your tickets and you want to make sure you make the most of your day, I’ve got you!
Going to see an Indiana Fever WNBA game is an incredible experience for kids (and adults!). Not only does your family get to see some excellent basketball (thanks Caitlin and crew), you get to do so in an exciting, competitive, and healthy environment.
I’m a mom of three who’s seen the Indiana Fever play in three different venues (Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena, Chicago’s Wintrust Arena, and Indianapolis’s Gainbridge Fieldhouse), and let me tell you – a Fever game in Gainbridge Fieldhouse can’t be beat!
What my son and I loved about seeing an Indiana Fever game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse:
- The energy and excitement from the fans!
- The amazingly helpful and kind staff, from the security to the ticket ushers to the concession stand workers
- Watching the Indiana Fever play on their home court
- The top-notch facilities
- The kid-friendly activities before and during the game
- The family-friendly atmosphere
Let’s take a look at how you can create a core memory with your kids at an Indiana Fever game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
You may also want to check out
How to Get Caitlin Clark’s Autograph at Gainbridge Fieldhouse (for Kids)
Going to a Chicago Sky Game (WNBA) with Kids
Where to Sit at Gainbridge Fieldhouse with Your Kids
I kept reading that “there’s no bad seat at Gainbridge Fieldhouse,” and I think that’s the case. We sat in section 16 at center court and the seats were perfect, but I did check out other levels and the views looked great.
If you think this may be your only chance to see the Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, I’d say it’s worth paying more for seats closer to the court. If we’re able to come back (we’re making plans to), I’ll invest in seats up close again if it’s just me and one child. If my entire family comes, I’ll purchase seats in the 100-level.
You can see what your view will be on sites like Ticketmaster and using this 3D seatmap.
Where to Buy Indiana Fever Gear for Your Kids
You can buy your Indiana Fever clothing and gear before you arrive or get your hands on it at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. We did a little bit of both.
I bought my Indiana Fever t-shirt (the red Caitlin Clark #22 shirt) at Dick’s Sporting Goods (in Washington State) and we bought my son’s shirt (same as mine) at the Gainbridge Pacers/Fever team shop on the day of the game. We ended up buying two more shirts (a red and a blue Caitlin Clark #22 shirt) at the team shop just before tip-off because Caitlin autographed our red shirts and we wanted to keep them unworn.
You can buy Indiana Fever gear online at:
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Fanatics
- Indiana Fever Team Shop
Helpful Tip: All of the above online stores offer discounts, so if you know what you want, it’s probably cheaper to get it online before you get to Gainbridge.
If you don’t know what size you want/need, or you want a bigger selection of clothing and gear, go to the Gainbridge Pacers/Fever team store at the Fieldhouse. It’s open on weekdays from 12-5pm from the main public entrance, but you can also shop the team store from inside the Fieldhouse before tip-off and during the game from inside (as a ticket holder).
We did both – stopping in to get a sweatshirt and t-shirt in the 12-5pm opening hours and then we bought our new t-shirts from the inside entrance to the shop just before tip-off.
The Gainbridge Fieldhouse team shop has a good selection of kids’ t-shirts, sweatshirts, and jackets. We saw Caitlin Clark kids’ shirts and older kids could also get a small t-shirt with other players’ numbers. In addition to Clark merchandise, we saw shirts for Aaliyah Boston, Temi Fagbenle, Kelsey Mitchell, and other Fever players.
Helpful Tip: Don’t forget to check upstairs. We found a few more things for kids up there that weren’t on display downstairs.
When to Arrive at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for the Fever Game
The advertised opening time is 60 minutes before tipoff, but you can actually enter the atrium area earlier to get in line.
Here’s how the timing went for us:
On game day, we walked in at 12:00pm (7:00pm game start) to ask about getting Caitlin Clark’s autograph before the game.
We came back at 3:30pm and after going through the metal detectors, we were the 2nd group there (after another boy & his father). The entrance was roped off and ticket scanners were set up (about 10 of them) just below the stairs and the main entrance (all indoors).
The ushers began scanning tickets and letting fans enter at 5:30pm.
We went to watch the warmups and get Caitlin’s autograph at the bottom of Sections 2/3.
If you want to be in the front of the group of people trying to get Caitlin’s autograph, arrive at 3:30pm for a 7:00pm game start. You’ll wait until 5:30pm and then walk quickly to the bottom of Section 2/3 to watch her warmup and wait to get her autograph (not guaranteed, but she’s amazing and spends time post-warmup signing autographs for kids!).
If you want to watch the warmups, but aren’t worried about getting an autograph, arrive at 5:30pm for a 7:00pm game start. You may have to wait in a short line to scan your ticket, but then you can head in and watch the warmups (either in your seats or in the lower level).
If you want to buy Indiana Fever merchandise before the game, either arrive before 5:00pm (to enter the team shop through the main public entrance, which is only open between 12-5:00pm on weekdays), or between when doors open and game time (in this case, after 5:30pm) to shop through the indoor shop entrance (available to ticket holders only). Heads up that they limit the customers inside the shop during the game so you may need to wait in line to enter. There was a line pre-game, but it moved quickly.
If you want to enjoy the outdoor and indoor entertainment, arrive within a couple of hours of tip off. There’s an outdoor (covered) court adjacent to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, there are some fun art installations (including the huge metal ball with screens that you can walk inside of), and inside the Fieldhouse there are kid-friendly activities set up (like activities with basketballs and contests).
If you just want to watch the game, arrive just before tip off! But, since you’ve got kids with you, make sure you allow time to use the bathrooms.
Helpful Tip: If you arrive early and are waiting in line at the ticket scanners, and someone in your group needs to go to the bathroom, you can exit and use the one in the team shop. You’ll just need to go through the metal detectors again.
How to Get to Gainbridge Fieldhouse with Kids
Walk!
If you’ve stayed in a hotel near Gainbridge, the easiest thing to do is walk. There are sidewalks and we even happened upon some fun murals on the way.
Of course, you can also use Uber, a taxi, a bus, or your own car. If you decide to drive to Gainbridge, you can park in one of the many lots or garages nearby, including one that’s just across Delaware Street (to the east of Gainbridge Fieldhouse).
Good To Know: When you’re walking home, think about taking a taxi or Uber ride to get back to your hotel instead of walking. We walked back to our hotel at the Union Station and although it was only 15 minutes on main streets, I would get a ride back next time.
What to Bring with You (& Leave in Your Hotel)
Like most sport and entertainment venues, Gainbridge Fieldhouse has strict rules on what you can and can’t bring inside.
Good To Know: We asked security what the most common mistake is when entering Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Answer: Bringing purses or bags larger than 6 x 9 x 1.5 inches and bringing water bottles (even empty). Check the official Gainbridge What to Know Before You Go page for the most up-to-date info.
Helpful Tip: If you’re coming with kids, you’ve likely got some stuff with you (including your phone, wallet, chapstick, etc). You can bring it in a disposable plastic grocery bag and when you get there, stuff the bag in your pocket. That way, you’ll have a way to carry your stuff after the game.
Here’s what we brought to the game:
- Phone (game tickets on the Ticketmaster app)
- Wallet (with credit cards because Gainbridge is cashless)
- Chapstick
- Permanent markers (for Caitlin Clark’s autograph)
- 2 x Caitlin Clark Indian Fever t-shirts
Entering Gainbridge Fieldhouse with Kids
You can enter through the side (east, via Delaware St.) or main entrance (via Pennsylvania St. and the Bicentennial Unity Plaza).
You’ll need to go through the metal detectors to enter the large indoor atrium.
Once inside the atrium, you’ll wait at the roped off area near the stairs. About 10 ticket scanners are set up along the ropes and lines will eventually form at each one.
If you get in line early, your kids can sit down.
Once you’ve scanned your tickets and entered, you can either make your way to your seats, get snacks, go shopping in the team shop, or go to the lower level to watch the warmups.
During the Fever Game with Kids
We loved the positive energy in Gainbridge. The fans were upbeat and energetic, and I didn’t hear any poor language or negative talk. Of course there was some complaining about the refs, but for a sporting event, I found it to be extremely kid-friendly.
The entertainment during timeouts is fun for kids – dancing, t-shirts shot into the stands, etc. My son wanted to see all of it.
You’re not allowed to bring food into Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and the concessions are pricey (but hey, that’s expected). We had a late lunch and bought some snacks during the game (chips, candy… typical sporting event concessions).
Gainbridge has comfortable cushioned seats, and my son (10 years old, average height for his age) was able to see the court clearly. There was little standing during the game – usually after a big play or at the beginning of a quarter.
The noise level was high, but we loved the energy and excitement from the fans. If you’re concerned about the loud noise, you may want to bring ear protection (we use Baby Banz for young kids, and you could also use regular noise cancelling headphones).
Here’s a short clip of the game:
My son’s favorite parts of the game: “Getting Caitlin Clark’s autograph and seeing her make 3s” and “cheering with the other fans to help them [Fever] win!”
Taking my son to see Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever play at Gainbridge Fieldhouse is one of my favorite things I’ve ever done. It was so much fun that we’re planning a multi-generational mid-west road trip next summer that revolves around seeing the Fever play at Gainbridge Fieldhouse!
What to Do Before and After the Indiana Fever Game with Kids
If you’re not planning on waiting in line to enter early to get a player’s autograph, you can spend time before the game in downtown Indianapolis near Gainbridge or in the outdoor area of Gainbridge.
We had a meal on Washington Street (just 5 minutes from Gainbridge). It was less-than-memorable, so I’m not going to include it here, but there are plenty of restaurants – local and chains in the area.
At Gainbridge, your kids can play basketball at the court next door, check out the art work, or enter and try some of the games and activities inside. We did a passing contest and won Caitlin Clark posters (you get one if you participate).
After the game, if your kids are hungry (mine was), you can walk to one of the nearby restaurants for a quick meal (my son happily had a meal Five Guys) or a sit-down meal. There are Fever fans all over, so you can bask in the glory of victory with everyone else (we sure did!).
Where to Stay in Indianapolis with Kids if You’re Going to an Indiana Fever Game
I highly recommend staying within walking distance of Gainbridge Fieldhouse, if possible.
We stayed in the Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station and it was a convenient location for attending the game. The hotel is part of the old Union Station and some of the rooms are old train cars. We stayed in one of the train cars and it was such a unique experience!
Our Schedule for the Indiana Fever vs Connecticut Sun Game
Here’s how our day went:
12:15pm-ish – Entered Gainbridge Fieldhouse at east entrance. Spoke to kind and helpful staff about when to come back to wait in line for autograph, where to stand, etc.
12:30pm – Shopped at the Pacers/Fever Team Store at Gainbridge.
1:00pm – Walked to Washington Street for lunch.
2:15pm – Walked to CVS to buy a permanent marker for Caitlin Clark’s autograph and cold drinks. Then walked back to our hotel to change, put drinks away.
3:15pm – Left hotel to walk back to Gainbridge.
3:30pm – Entered Gainbridge Fieldhouse through main entrance. Went through metal detectors and waited in front of roped off area.
5:30pm – Walked quickly to Section 2/3 to watch warmups and try to get Caitlin Clark’s autograph (success!).
6:00pm-ish – Participated in the bounce pass contest for a poster and then shopped at the team store.
6:30pm – Quick bathroom stop and then walked to our seats.
7:00pm – Game time! Go Fever!
9:10pm – Exited Gainbridge Fieldhouse, walked to Five Guys for dinner, and then walked back to our hotel.
Tips for Going to an Indiana Fever Game with Kids
- If you’re planning on spending time pre-game exploring downtown Indianapolis or hanging out in the Gainbridge outdoor area, bring an external charger so your phone doesn’t die. You’ll also need your phone to scan your tickets to get into the game!
- Have something to eat before the game. You can’t bring food in, and the food offerings are typical for sporting events… not super nutritious yet super expensive. We had a meal close to Gainbridge before the game. Then, we bought a snack/treat during the game.
- Go early to see the warmups! This is my number one tip if you’ve got a kid that is interested in basketball or a specific player. You can walk closer to the floor (yes, even if your seats are higher up) to watch the players shoot around and warm up. Some players will also give autographs after they’ve warmed up (Caitlin Clark, Lexie Hull, and Aaliyah Boston did at this game).
- If you need a toilet before you enter Gainbridge, use the one at the team store.
And, that’s it! I hope this has helped you make some decisions and get a game plan together for your Indiana Fever game with your kids! Maybe we’ll see you there!