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The Indiana Pacers will not host the 2021 NBA All-Star Game after the league officially canceled the event on Wednesday. Rather, Indianapolis will play host to the festivities in 2024.
OFFICIAL: We are thrilled to announce that although the 2021 All-Star Game won’t be played in Indianapolis, we will host @NBAAllStar 2024 ‼️ We are excited to keep working on our plans to showcase our city and state in February 2024 🌟
More info ➡️ https://t.co/QdfNfN5zDc pic.twitter.com/jpW6K3HBx3
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) November 25, 2020
Pacers owner Herb Simon issued a statement in response to the new hosting date, suggesting all the efforts and planning that went into 2021 will help the organization provide an excellent experience in 2024:
“We are excited about the opportunity to bring Indiana the very best All-Star experience in 2024,” Simon said, via the Bankers Life Fieldhouse website. “The efforts of so many Hoosiers to prepare for NBA All-Star 2021 put us ahead of the game for the hard work to come, and we are so grateful to the NBA for once again recognizing Indianapolis as a city that delivers world-class events.”
The cancelation of All-Star weekend was a mere formality as the NBA continues to exhibit caution with respect to limiting the spread of COVID-19.
There have already been numerous considerations with how best to proceed with possible fan attendance. Whereas NFL teams have a bit more flexibility as an outdoor sport, the NBA cannot promise nearly as much fan attendance at indoor venues. In fact, some plans have already been criticized by public health experts.
In any case, Pacers fans will have to wait a few years before playing host to one of the league's grandest showcases.
Indiana was thought to be one of the more active teams in the NBA this offseason. But, after a failed run at Gordon Hayward, the Pacers seem content retaining Victor Oladipo and Myles Turner and running things back next season.
