Pacers Sports &amp; Entertainment

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President & COO Mel Raines will become CEO, while President & Chief Commercial Officer Todd Taylor will become President for Business Operations

INDIANAPOLIS – Rick Fuson, Pacers Sports & Entertainment Chief Executive Officer, announced today that, effective June 18, he will retire as CEO. Fuson, who joined PS&E in June of 1984 as Director of Special Events, moved into the CEO role at the beginning of 2022 after serving as President and Chief Operating Officer since 2014.

Fuson will remain advisor to owner and chairman Herb Simon, while Mel Raines, PS&E’s President and COO since 2022, will take over as CEO beginning in June.

“Nobody cares more deeply for this company, our people, or this city than Rick, and that above all is what has made him such a transformational leader and effective advocate for four decades,” said Simon. “Rick rose through the company, approached every role with enthusiasm and loyalty, and grew into one of the very best in this industry, and I am so proud of him and so grateful for his years of incredible work and friendship.”

Fuson’s 40-year career at PS&E was bookended by NBA All-Star experiences. In 1984, he was hired by new Pacers owners Herb and Melvin Simon and Pacers president Bob Salyers to help plan and execute the 1985 NBA All-Star Game that drew more than 40,000 fans to the Hoosier Dome, a record for that annual game that stood until 2010. Fuson led the charge to bring NBA All-Star back to Indianapolis in 2021 (now 2024), overseeing planning as Chair of the Board of Directors of the NBA All-Star 2024 Host Committee.

Fuson’s time in PS&E executive leadership included the Pacers’ move to one of the NBA’s most iconic venues. In 1999, he helped lead the design and construction of Conseco Fieldhouse (now Gainbridge Fieldhouse), managed the organization’s transition to their new home, and subsequently oversaw, along with Raines, the Fieldhouse of Future renovations completed last year. That project is the second-largest renovation project in NBA history.

“My entire career has been, in some form or fashion, an effort to leave my city and state a stronger and more inclusive place than I inherited it, and I am so fortunate to have spent four decades working for and alongside amazing people who share that commitment,” said Fuson. “Herb Simon and the Simon family have given me the opportunity to help lead this company and grow Indianapolis, and words could never express my gratitude to them. I’m looking forward to watching Mel and the staff excel and find new ways to grow the impact PS&E can make, on and off the court.”

Fuson’s passion for leveraging the power of basketball to create lasting community impact and social justice has pushed PS&E to be more intentional with its resources and partnerships in support of important causes. He has long championed the notion that success is measured as much by what happens on the court as off it, a concept that has become a core aspect of the company’s mission. As chair of the Pacers Foundation, additionally, Fuson guided the organization through a reimaging of its priorities and strategic focus following the social unrest of 2020.

While Fuson’s vision has helped shape PS&E’s growth for several decades, a critical piece of his legacy will undoubtedly be his leadership during some of the most important large events the city has hosted. As Indianapolis looked to use sports as a strategy to build brand and grow the local economy during the 1980s, for example, Fuson was part of the core leadership team who delivered the 1987 Pan Am Games, producing the event’s closing ceremonies. Similarly, Fuson helped plan and execute the 2002 FIBA World Championships and 2004 FINA World Swimming Championships at Conseco Fieldhouse, two big global events that showcased the city for an international audience.

Additionally, Fuson co-chaired special events for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Fours in 1991, 1997, and 2000; produced the Opening Ceremonies for the 2002 World Police & Fire Games; and served on the Local Organizing Committee for the 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008-2012, and 2014 Big Ten Basketball Championships. Moreover, Fuson co-chaired the 2012 Super Bowl Village Committee, an effort that set a new standard for the NFL and has become a model for NFL host cities since.

Fuson served as the immediate past chair of the Indiana Sports Corp., the first organization of its kind anywhere in the nation and a group of which he has been a member for his entire career. During Fuson’s time atop the ISC board, the organization hosted the entirety of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, a feat requiring immense coordination across multiple local, state, and national organizations. He was a key member of the local organizing committee and, together with a small group of local leaders, helped deliver a historic event that made Indianapolis the center of the basketball universe.

“People from around the country marveled at how Indianapolis could creatively preserve so many of the elements that make college basketball in March special,” Fuson said of the event. “That simply does not happen by accident.”

Simply put, he has been central to the successful execution of so many of them, and as a result has had a substantial impact on Indy’s evolution into the best city in America for live sports and entertainment.

“At a time when many organizations were retreating, Rick and then-president Ryan Vaughn kept focused on the opportunity this presented our city and state,” said Julie Roe Lach, Commissioner of the Horizon League and chair of the ISC. “Rick’s leadership and passion were key to making it happen, and it’s that same leadership he has shown for decades as an advocate for women and minorities in the sports&nbsp; industry, greater investment in the community, and support for the city he loves.”

In addition, Fuson has left an indelible mark on the city and state he loves through his service on so many of the boards and commissions created to serve Hoosiers. His roles as a longtime executive board member of the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, the Indiana Repertory Theater, the Indianapolis Urban League, Visit Indy, and the Downtown Indy Inc. have put him squarely at the center of the city’s evolution into a global center for live sports and entertainment, arts and culture, and business. Most importantly to Fuson, though, they have given him an important voice in advocating for the causes about which he cares most.

Fuson has been a tireless advocate for causes of social justice, community engagement, and racial equality, something he has ensured is reflected throughout the company. In 2022, he hired PS&E’s first-ever senior leader for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and has actively promoted greater diversity as a key point of emphasis across the organization. He has reinforced that component of PS&E’s community-focused mission, as well, with the result being greater intentionality across all community investment.

In a 2020 WRTV interview highlighting PS&E’s social justice agenda he helped create, Fuson said, “One of the most critical things we can do is to ensure we are keeping these important issues front and center in our community.”

Fuson has been a recipient of several prestigious awards over his career, recognitions that highlight the impact he has had in the sports and entertainment industry and beyond. He was recognized in 2023 by Indiana University College of Arts & Sciences as their Distinguished Alumnus and, in 2021 he was commended by the national Sports Business Journal in their special section honoring Leaders in Diversity and Inclusive Hiring.

He has also received other important recognitions, including the Indianapolis Ambassadors 1988 Community Service Award; the “Indiana 250,” “Who’s Who in Hospitality”, “Who’s Who in Sports,” and “Forty Under Forty” from the Indianapolis Business Journal; and more.

Finally, Fuson is passionate about cultivating the next generation of leaders in Indianapolis, something he has dedicated considerable time to. Over the past five years, he served as moderator for Stanley K. Lacy Leadership Program, was a mentor for the Indiana Latino Institute’s Leadership Circle, and was the inaugural class leader for the Kennedy-King Marvelous Potential Program designed to support young leaders of color in neighborhoods around Indianapolis.

“Rick wears his heart on his sleeve, never afraid to speak out for the things he believes in and always willing to stand firm for the causes that move our community forward,” said Carolene Mays, local leader and advocate, former Indiana State Representative, and immediate past executive director of the White River State Park. “His sincerity, passion, and relentless optimism about the future of our state is contagious, and few have had the impact he has on our city.”

Over the coming months, Raines will transition to her new role as PS&E’s CEO. A native of South Bend, she joined the company in 2015 after having led operations and government relations for the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis, and she brings more than 30 years of senior level event operations, legislative, political, corporate, and public affairs experience. She served as Chief of Staff to Indiana Congresswoman Susan Brooks, was assistant to United States Vice President Dick Cheney, was COO and senior advisor for six national presidential conventions and started her career in U.S. Senator Dan Coats office.

In her current role, she oversees facility operations and management, human resources, IT, corporate communications, community engagement, merchandise and construction for the company. Additionally, Raines, selected as a 2021 Game Changer by the national Sports Business Journal, serves as the President of the 2024 NBA All-Star Local Organizing Committee and is responsible for bringing next month’s global event to life. She also managed the three-year, $400 million dollar renovation to Gainbridge Fieldhouse completed in 2022.

Todd Taylor, PS&E’s President and Chief Commercial Officer, will move into a new role as President, Business Operations, overseeing the business aspects of PS&E’s various brands. Taylor came to PS&E in 2011 and has spent a 30-year career leading ticket sales, marketing, and retail operations across the sports industry. In 2011, Taylor was named to the SportsBusiness Journal’s “Forty Under 40” list which identifies and recognizes the most influential sports executives under the age of 40.

Currently, Taylor is responsible for ticket sales, corporate partnerships, broadcast, game operations, analytics, promotions, branding, advertising and interactive marketing. Additionally, he has oversight of the business operations for PS&E’s G League franchise, the Mad Ants, as well as Pacers Gaming, their NBA 2K team.

“Rick has been forward-thinking in mentoring and preparing the next generation of company leadership, and Mel has the temperament, talent, and experience to take PS&E to the next level” said Steve Simon, PS&E Owner and Alternate Governor. “For years, she and Todd have been working to strengthen our business, leading innovation, and finding new ways to engage and develop our talent, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work alongside them.”

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Rick Fuson, Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO, Announces He Will Retire in June

INDIANAPOLIS – Pacers Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) and the Capital Improvement Board of Marion County (CIB) announced today that Bicentennial Unity Plaza will officially open to the public with four days of free events beginning Thursday, August 24. The Plaza, which sits adjacent to Gainbridge Fieldhouse to the north, features large must see public art, a basketball court and skating rink in the winter, as well as programmable spaces created through a generous grant in 2022 from Lilly Endowment Inc.

“Bicentennial Unity Plaza is a canvas, literally and figuratively, in our downtown, a place where Indy’s eclectic arts and culture will be on display and the backdrop against which visitors can celebrate our shared values,” said PS&E CEO Rick Fuson. “I am so grateful to the CIB for their partnership and leadership and to Lilly Endowment for its generosity in helping bring this vision to life.”

Two show-stopping public art sculptures by international artist Herman Mejia are centerpieces of Bicentennial Unity Plaza. Together, comprising two stainless steel and Indiana limestone-capped arches that don’t quite meet at the center, symbolizes the community’s never-ending pursuit of unity and harmony. The piece spans the width of the Plaza and serves as the gateway to its interactive experiences, and visitors can engage with it from below as they enter the park while mirrored alcoves at each end will be ideal spots for capturing iconic photos. The second sculpture, Sphere, is a dome-like sculpture visitors can experience inside and out, with LED screens that can be programmed with the history of the Indianapolis Bicentennial, art, and other visuals. The dome measures 23 feet, nine inches in height, the distance of the NBA three-point line and an homage to the home of the Indiana Pacers and Fever adjacent to the Plaza.

“Bicentennial Unity Plaza is a beautiful new public space infused with art that encourages us to think about Indianapolis’s past, present and future” said Ronni Kloth, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for community development. “We are heartened by CIB’s commitment to ensure that Bicentennial Unity Plaza will be a lively gathering place that is affordable, accessible and welcoming to people of all backgrounds.” 

In addition to the public art elements, Bicentennial Unity Plaza features a covered basketball court, which can be transformed into an ice-skating rink during winter months, and open spaces designed to be programmed for community and private events throughout the year. Moreover, PS&E and the Indy Arts Council will later this year unveil the completion of a mural of 43 of the most prominent individuals who helped shape Indianapolis, artwork that will adorn the east wall of the Steak n’ Shake Building overlooking the Plaza.

The diverse set of leaders featured on the mural were chosen by a 40-person committee, which spent six months reviewing and selecting these legends from a group of nearly 200 leaders who helped shape Indianapolis between 1820 and 2020. No individuals still living were considered, but rather the list included only those who have passed away. Other criteria included a strong connection to the city, accomplishments that benefited the common good, memorable personal stories, and an inspirational legacy in Indianapolis and beyond.

"The artwork and community assets in this plaza illustrate what the IMPROVEMENT&nbsp;in the Capital Improvement Board is all about," said Capital Improvement Board Executive Director Andy Mallon. "This plaza is sure to further improve Indianapolis's sense of community, bringing us together in an engaging space. This plaza will also wow visitors and prove that Indy continues to improve itself through times of success and times of adversity. We are so grateful to the Lilly Endowment for helping us bring the plaza to life and to Pacers Sports and Entertainment for making it thrive for years to come."

PS&E executives, community leaders, and elected officials will officially open Bicentennial Unity Plaza at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, August 24, at 10a.m. A full weekend of events will follow, with activities for visitors of all ages showcasing the diverse uses of this incredible downtown asset.

10-11a.m. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ribbon Cutting Celebration

5-7p.m. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Indiana Fever Pre-Game Party

Live music, games, giveaways, face painters, balloon artists, and more will be available for guests of all ages. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. No ticket is required for entry.

5-9p.m. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Happy Hour on the Plaza

Guests can eat, drink, and dribble with live music from DJ Todd & DJ Space Bunz, games, unique cocktails, and free small plates from Indy’s top chefs and food trucks.

5-10p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Indy Night Market on the Plaza

Through a collaboration with Be Nimble Foundation, this evening event brings to life Indy’s food, arts, and culture scenes. The night will include farmers, restaurants, chefs, and food entrepreneurs. In celebration of Black Business Month, we will focus on Black-owned businesses, restaurants, and food entrepreneurs, as well as renowned chefs from the Pacers Sports & Entertainment Guests Chef Program.

1-3p.m. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; JR. HOOPS Mini Clinic

This free clinic is open to kids ages 6-14 looking to learn the fundamentals of basketball and enjoy an afternoon playing hoops with special guests.

1-5p.m. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Love of the Game

Guests can enjoy basketball-themed face painting, crafts, and coloring stations, as well as inflatables, a bounce house, photo booths, and giveaways. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

For more information on Bicentennial Unity Plaza, visit gainbridgefieldhouse.com/bicentennialunityplaza.

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Bicentennial Unity Plaza Opens with Four Days of Free Public Events August 24-27

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INDIANAPOLIS – Pacers Sports & Entertainment and the Marcus Graham Project (MGP) announced today the 24 participants who will make up the inaugural class of a four-day immersive experience for young professionals, which tips off Tuesday, February 1. The partnership is designed to provide a week of mentorship, networking, and project-based learning in the sports and entertainment industry.

"These exceptional young leaders will have an exciting experience with us this week, but the wonderful thing about this partnership is that we will learn just as much from them,” said PS&E CEO Rick Fuson. “The Marcus Graham Project is a powerful way to bring diverse voices to the table in a dynamic industry that is rapidly evolving.”

The participants will spend the week meeting with PS&E executives and working collaboratively to develop solutions in the areas of fan engagement, marketing, and more. Projects will then be presented to a guest judge panel at week’s end.

The inaugural PS&E-Marcus Graham Project class:

About the Marcus Graham Project
The Marcus Graham Project (MGP) is a network with the intent strategically focused on building the next generation of leadership in the advertising & marketing industry through mentorship & career development. The MGP’s iCR8™ programs are designed to provide diverse aspirants in the field of marketing and media, including advertising, PR & social media with the exposure and experience necessary to solidify careers within the industry. Since founding in 2005, MGP has impacted more than 2,500 members and alumni internationally.

MGP was among the very first grantees to receive support in 2020 from the NBA Foundation, the organization created through $10 million commitments from each of the NBA’s thirty owners to drive economic empowerment in Black communities through employment and career advancement.

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Pacers Sports & Entertainment and the Marcus Graham Project Partner to Bring Industry Experience to Inaugural Class of Young Professionals

INDIANAPOLIS – Pacers Sports & Entertainment announced today several promotions and key changes on the business side of the organization that will take effect January 1, 2022.

"One of the remarkable characteristics of our organization is the caliber of people we are fortunate to have, and the transitions we announce today strengthen the leadership of the company and position PS&E for continued success into the future," said PS&E Owner Herb Simon.

Last week, the organization announced Tracy Ellis-Ward as PS&E's first Senior Vice President for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. In that role, Ellis-Ward will lead the development and execution of the company’s DEI strategy and will report directly to Fuson.

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Pacers Sports & Entertainment Announces Key Promotions and Transitions

INDIANAPOLIS – Pacers Sports & Entertainment and the Marcus Graham Project (MGP), a national nonprofit whose programs provide diverse young professionals exposure and experience in media and marketing, are teaming up to give talented Hoosiers a hands-on opportunity to learn the sports and entertainment industry. The organization made the announcement Wednesday on social media.

Tipping off February 1, 2022, this four-day immersive experience will bring a group of aspiring and dynamic young leaders to PS&E for mentorship, networking, and project-based learning. The cohort will also spend the week working collaboratively on innovations in the areas of fan engagement, marketing, and more. Projects will be presented to a guest judge panel at week's end.

"It is critical that we invest in bringing diverse voices to the table to be decision-makers, not only for our company and the sports industry but for the long-term strength of the city and state," said Rick Fuson, PS&E President & Chief Operating Officer. "MGP is a proven partner with a long track record of success, and I am incredibly excited to meet the dynamic and talented participants we will get to host."

MGP was among the very first grantees to receive support in 2020 from the NBA Foundation, the organization created through $10 million commitments from each of the NBA's thirty owners to drive economic empowerment in Black communities through employment and career advancement.

"Over the last three years it has been our first priority to align ourselves with organizations who not only share our vision but are committed long term to exercising the work required to enact change for the next generation of diverse creative thinkers," said Larry Yarrell II, MGP co-founder and Chief Development Officer. "PS&E was one of the first organizations to raise its hands when the opportunity arose to extend our Sports Marketing Programs to new markets, and this workshop, the first to include a WNBA team, is an indication the organization and community are committed to removing barriers for minority talent."

In addition to learning and hands-on work, participants will have the opportunity to network with Pacers and Fever executive leaders and young professionals from across the organization. Moreover, PS&E will select one standout participant to attend MGP's iCR8 Summer BootCamp located in Dallas.

Applications are due January 15, 2022, with selections made by January 22.

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Pacers Sports & Entertainment and the Marcus Graham Project Partner to Engage and Impact Diverse Young Professionals

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Pacers Sports and Entertainment + Marcus Graham Project

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INDIANAPOLIS – Pacers Sports & Entertainment today announced that it has hired Tracy Ellis-Ward as its first Senior Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, a senior executive role that will lead these efforts across the company. The position will report directly to PS&E President & Chief Operating Officer Rick Fuson and will be responsible for establishing and leading the organization’s strategic vision and metrics for DEI and driving initiatives to meet those goals.

Ellis-Ward will officially join the organization on January 6, 2022.

"This is immensely important work, and I am grateful for the opportunity to join an organization that understands diversity, equity, and inclusion are critical to making our company and community better," said Ellis-Ward. "Over the course of my career, I have welcomed roles that are 'firsts' within organizations, and I am excited about leading efforts and working with committed PS&E colleagues."

Ellis-Ward joins PS&E from the BIG EAST Conference, where she has served as Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer and Senior Associate Commissioner since 2015. In that role, she was responsible for creating and implementing the conference's strategic plan, developing new external partnerships and initiatives, and leading innovative programming specific to social justice and civic engagement. She was also the BIG EAST's primary administrator for women's basketball.

"We have worked hard to make DEI core to the PS&E culture for all employees, and we are fortunate to have someone with Tracy's experience and expertise to build upon the important steps we have taken," said Fuson. "Her knowledge of these important issues, understanding of the sports industry, and Midwest roots made her a terrific fit for our organization, and we are excited about all she will add to the PS&E family."

Prior to joining the BIG EAST Conference, Ellis-Ward held several executive-level positions in athletics and higher education. These include:

Ellis-Ward holds a masters in Sports Administration from Ohio University and a bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri. She is also pursuing a Doctorate in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga.

PS&E continues to make diversity, equity, and inclusion a priority across the company. Earlier this year, the organization unveiled its first supplier diversity program and hired a team of procurement specialists to lead it. They have made inclusive excellence leadership training a requirement for all employees and adopted a more strategic set of philanthropic priorities, Intentional Generosity In Intentional Geography, which focuses resources on social justice causes in the most vulnerable neighborhoods.

Pacers Sports & Entertainment