The NBA has announced on Wednesday that Indianapolis was selected as a city to host the 2021 NBA All-Star Game. According to ESPN, the game will be held at the home of the Indiana Pacers, Bankers Life Fieldhouse. This will be the first time that Indianapolis hosts an All-Star Game since 1985, when the game was played at Hoosier Dome.
We’re excited and honored to host #IndyAllStar2021! ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/AUpcBsFlDM
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) December 13, 2017
“Indianapolis has an enduring love for basketball that creates a special connection to our All-Star Game,” – said NBA commissioner Adam Silver during a news conference. “I want to especially thank Herb Simon for his efforts to bring the All-Star festivities back to Indianapolis as well as acknowledge the strong support we received from Governor Holcomb, Mayor Hogsett, Larry Bird, Rick Fuson and the entire Pacers organization.“
“We are thrilled with the NBA’s decision to bring its showcase event, the NBA All-Star Game, to Indianapolis in 2021,” – said Governor of Indiana Eric j. Holcomb. “No state nurtures and loves the game of basketball more than Indiana, and I am certain that my fellow Hoosiers will embrace the game and related events with uncommon passion and support.“
Previously, the league announced that Los Angeles will host the NBA All-Star Game in 2018, Charlotte will have the honor in 2019 while Chicago will take on the task in 2020.
The 2018 NBA All-Star Game will be the first one to feature major changes to the format of the games. The changes were made in order to make the games more interesting. This time, two players that receive the most votes from each conference will be selected as captains. They will be able to hand-pick the players from the polls of starters and reserves voted by fans, player, and media. Both the West and the East team will play for a local charity this time, in order to give the win more value.
