On the strength of three professional sports teams, major entertainment acts and strong local support, the Fishers Event Center is nearing its launch date. The new multi-purpose arena will have its first event Nov. 22 when the Turnpike Troubadours christen the new facility. Three shows are set for Thanksgiving weekend before the sports teams get into full swing.
The much-anticipated building is having its finishing touches put on for its November grand opening. The scoreboard, seating and ribbon boards are in. The primary sports tenant, the Indy Fuel hockey club of the ECHL, has begun its season and will start playing at home Dec. 6-7. All of the final inputs, mostly for ice hockey, are on schedule and the calendar for the Fishers Event Center is filling fast.
“It’s exciting to see the variety of seating and great sightlines for fans,” said Mitch List, who is General Manager of the Fishers Event Center through ASM Global. “It’s great to see everything coming to fruition.”
In addition to the Fuel, Pro Volleyball Federation volleyball expansion franchise Indy Ignite will play in the building starting in January and new Indoor Football League team Fishers Freight is set to kick off in late March/early April. The local high school basketball teams in Fishers – where two of the biggest high schools in the state are located – are scheduled to play the Mudsock Rivalry Game, a girls and boys basketball doubleheader on Dec. 20.
“We’re excited to have all of the teams and to be able to support three different playing surfaces,” said List, who also mentioned the advantage the facility has in consistency as the Fuel’s front office is managing the Freight.
“Having the same staff across multiple teams is nice from a relationship and operations perspective,” he said. “The Fuel have a solid following and those fans will follow them up here. They’re in a good spot being in Fishers.”
Outside of sports, several notable entertainment acts are already booked. The Turnpike Troubadours will open the building and Blake Shelton and Megan Moroney are already booked, including Alabama. Comedian Tom Segura is coming to Fishers Event Center Saturday, Feb. 28. The building is planning to seat up to 8,000 people for various concerts and approximately 7,000 for the Fuel, Ignite and Freight. Purchase tickets to these events through our site.
“The building is very flexible for difference concerts and sporting events,” said List, who also notes the FORUM Credit Union Plaza at the front of the building will be a valuable space for people to gather and for sponsors to activate.
With many restaurants, Topgolf, IKEA and hotels nearby and a close proximity to the highway, the overall experience bringing an event to Fishers will be world-class. List also noted the strong people resources the building and the area at large will have, adding more local expertise.
“We are fortunate to have great people in this area with significant sports and entertainment experience,” he said. “When you look at the teams and venues here, it’s a really good market.”
