The Indiana Fever's season may be over, but a new era of WNBA action in Indianapolis is just getting started.

Why it matters: Our playoff-making, arena-packing, record-setting women's hoops team transformed the energy surrounding Gainbridge Fieldhouse this year, giving Indy another must-see summer attraction as it positions itself as a top tourism town.

The big picture: Having a playoff-caliber squad led by a popular All-Star trio of Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell will likely play a role in the city's push to become the capital of women's sports by 2050.

• Indy hosting the WNBA All-Star Game in 2025 will give residents a first look at how local sports and civic leaders intend to put that plan in motion.

What they're saying: "I think in two seasons, we've made the right steps to go forward, and I'm excited for what the future holds," Boston said after the team's final game. "We're on the rise, and I think it's important to keep that as the focus."

By the numbers: The Fever got so hot in Indy the team set a new WNBA single-season home attendance record with 340,715 fans.

• The previous home attendance record of 250,565 was set by New York in 2001.

The latest: The Fever's offseason began with changes in the front office as the team welcomed Kelly Krauskopf back as president of basketball and business operations.

• Krauskopf originally joined the Fever in 2000 and led the organization for 18 years, a tenure that included 13 playoff appearances and a WNBA title in 2012.

The other side: While Krauskopf is in, there is speculation among fans that NaLyssa Smith may be on her way out.

• In addition to removing the @indianafever tags from her social media bios and replacing them with @wnba, the third-year Fever forward shared a heartfelt message showing love to her team and frustration over how the season went.
• But Smith, who is under contract through the end of 2025, said her post was about showing appreciation, not saying goodbye.

What we're watching: The Athletic reported on Friday that sources say the WNBA has named Clark as Rookie of the Year.

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The entertainment and retail area formerly known as the Circle City Industrial Complex has a new name.

The big picture: Head over to the Factory Arts District for a drink, a round of fowling or first Friday studio tour — all the things the CCIC was already offering, with a new name that better reflects what was happening in the space.

What's next: The south end of the building is under renovation, soon to house a new bar and restaurant from the La Margarita family, an event center, workout studio and more.

🏈 The Indianapolis Colts handed the Pittsburgh Steelers their first loss of the 2024 NFL season, beating them 27-24 yesterday in Lucas Oil Stadium.

• Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson left the game in the first quarter after suffering a hip injury and will be evaluated throughout the week. (ESPN)

🍎 Pike High School's Graciela Miranda has been named the 2025 Indiana Teacher of the Year. Miranda has been an educator for 23 years, and has spent the last 14 years at Pike where she teaches English language learning.

• The last time an Indianapolis teacher won the award was 2019, and the last time a Pike Township teacher won was in 2008. (IndyStar)

🎸 Colts owner Jim Irsay's guitar collection will be displayed at Indiana University for a year starting tomorrow. The collection includes guitars and artifacts from The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash and Janis Joplin. (WRTV)

👋 It's Arika, with one last Minnesota story.

Last week, Axios got the whole Local crew tickets to a Minnesota Twins game at Target Field — aka one of the most vegan-friendly ballparks in the nation!

• You know your resident vegetarian food writer had to check it out and see what is possible in the world of professional sports venue food.

Zoom in: Beyond the typical snacks — popcorn, peanuts, soft pretzels — Target Field has nearly a dozen vegetarian-friendly entrees, from pizzas, burgers and tacos to a food stand from local specialty shop the Herbivorous Butcher.

What I ordered: The vegan channa from Hot Indian, another local restaurant with its own stall along the main concourse.

• Chickpeas simmered in a tomato-based masala sauce are served over steamed brown rice, with crispy chickpeas and a mango and apple slaw.

Cost: $14.99, which I didn't think was half bad for a fresh and filling meal at a stadium.

The bottom line: Here's hoping Victory Field adds more options in the future, beyond the black bean burger and veggie dog currently available.

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