An outdoor plaza is coming to downtown Indianapolis in 2023, centered on the intersection of Senate Avenue and Robert D. Orr Plaza, just north of Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The plaza — which will have an ice skating rink, community basketball courts, art installations, water features and more — will commemorate Indiana’s 200th anniversary of statehood.
A Place for the Community
Currently under construction, the Bicentennial Unity Plaza is designed to be a place for community programs, art exhibits and performances, and a place where diversity is celebrated. Special additions will be added due to a $28.47 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. and the facility is expected to be complete by spring of 2023.
The new downtown area is meant to describe Indianapolis’ desire for inclusion, acceptance and understanding, along with celebrating what makes the city special.
Bicentennial Unity Plaza Amenities
The main feature at the plaza will include a community basketball court that will be converted to an ice-skating rink in the winter months.
The Plaza will be under a translucent canopy roof, allowing for year-round use and will also have public restrooms available when the ice rink is open (the only ones in the immediate area). A dedicated space for activities and public performances will allow for additional entertainment.
Art Appreciation
Throughout the Plaza, visitors can see a 30-foot-tall, 110-foot-long art installation titled “Together” by Herman Mejia, including reflective stainless steel and mirrored alcoves. Mejia practices story-telling in his artistic pieces in order to enhance the space.
Another art piece by Mejia will feature a dome-like installation, titled “Sphere” and will include kinetic, interactive screens that have the ability to project live images from within the Plaza as well as the community programming taking place.
In addition, the Arts Council of Indianapolis is working on a large mural project as part of the Gainbridge Fieldhouse Legends program.
Future Plans
Still in the beginning stages, there’s an additional Pacers project planned in another portion of the property for a new restaurant and speakeasy. This portion is not expected to be completed by the Plaza opening date but will be a great addition for visitors in the future.
[…] Bicentennial Unity Plaza, a new public space located outside of Gainbridge Fieldhouse, is getting an ice rink! The eagerly awaited wintertime attraction, the Elevance Health Rink, opens on Sunday, November 19, just in time for ice skating season.This winter, a new tradition begins as the Elevance Health Rink at Bicentennial Unity Plaza transforms into an ice-skating wonderland right in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. Along with outdoor ice skating, guests can look forward to food and beverage vendors (including beer and wine), and enjoying the winter season with friends and family all in a holiday setting.The ice rink at Bicentennial Unity Plaza operates on a timed ticket system. Each session grants visitors 90 minutes of skating. To secure your spot, it is highly recommended to make reservations in advance. Purchase your tickets online to guarantee a place on the ice. For those who prefer a more spontaneous adventure, walk-up in-person sales are also available on a first come, first served basis.The Elevance Health Rink is open from November 19, 2023, through January 21, 2024. Hours are as follows:HOLIDAY BREAK HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday thru Saturday 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM (Skating hours for special dates noted below) Sunday 11:30 AM – 9:00 PMSPECIAL DATES:The Elevance Health Rink at Bicentennial Unity Plaza is located adjacent to Gainbridge Fieldhouse at 125 S Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis. For more information, visit their website. ADVERTISINGAdvertising Forms Media Kits Camp Advertising […]