2025 NBA Finals: Law enforcement locks in for Game 3
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Win or lose, downtown is going to be rocking when Game 3 tips off. Photo: Justin L. Mack/Axios
As the Pacers prepare for another NBA Finals faceoff with the Thunder, local law enforcement and first responders have drawn up a Game 3 game plan of their own.
Why it matters: A coordinated emergency response effort backed by a beefed-up police presence aims to keep the tens of thousands of basketball fans slated to hit the Circle City safe Wednesday night.
- Emotions between dueling fanbases can run hot.
What they're saying: "We have plenty of practice at managing large crowds and major events, and the fun that follows. This experience with the NBA Finals is going to be no different," said IMPD chief Chris Bailey. "Our neighborhoods will be protected. No one in our city will go without police protection despite the festivities going on in downtown Indianapolis."
Zoom in: Expect to see more police on foot, in squad cars, on horses and using drones throughout the city. There'll also be undercover officers.
- Other Central Indiana law enforcement agencies, the Indiana State Police and federal partners are also providing support.
Between the lines: Security inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse will look similar to other Pacers and Fever games at the venue, and the existing bag policy will be adhered to, said Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO Mel Raines.
Yes, but: Starting four hours before home game tip-offs, fans will need to show their tickets to gain access to the different parts of Gainbridge, including the Morris Bicentennial Plaza public space outside the arena.
- Fans will still be able to access the Pacers store via Pennsylvania Street as late as two hours before tip-off.
Fun fact: The Pacers will host watch parties in the plaza during Games 3 and 4 for a limited number of fans, Raines said, and plans are in place to host a Game 5 watch party inside Gainbridge.
- Plaza watch party ticket information is still pending, but Raines said those events should be able to accommodate 1,000-1,500 fans.
To keep hoops fans in the loop, the Marion County Emergency Management Agency will roll out a mass text service for the NBA Finals, director Jacob Spence said.
- To receive real time public safety updates related to the events, text "INDYFINALS25" to 67283.
- When the NBA Finals end, numbers that register to receive the updates will be cleared from the system.
What's next: Game 3 tips off at 8:30pm Wednesday on ABC, or you can listen on 93.5/107.5 The Fan.
If you go: Resale tickets started at around $511 as of Tuesday evening.