Pacers roll out hat-knitting initiative ahead of 2021 NBA All-Star events

  • Comments
  • Print
Listen to this story

Subscriber Benefit

As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
This audio file is brought to you by
0:00
0:00
Loading audio file, please wait.
  • 0.25
  • 0.50
  • 0.75
  • 1.00
  • 1.25
  • 1.50
  • 1.75
  • 2.00

The organizing committee for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game on Wednesday announced its first community initiativeand it’s a throwback to one launched ahead of the 2012 Super Bowl.

The "Nothing But Knit" initiative aims to collect upwards of 5,000 knitted and crocheted beanie-style hats from volunteers across the state, which will be worn by volunteers and front-line hospitality workers.

The beanies also will be distributed to players, coaches and league, team and media officials in Indianapolis for All-Star Weekend events Feb. 12-14, 2021.

Rick Fuson, chairman of the game’s local organizing committee and chief operating officer of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, said Nothing But Knit draws inspiration from the "Super Scarves" initiative conducted prior to Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis in 2012 that collected more than 13,000 hand-made scarves from across the state.

“We know historically that our community wants to get involved in prepping for events like this,” Fuson said in a written statement, noting that organizers sought to build upon initiatives for previous events.

A limited number of kits will be available for free from multiple locations in Indianapolis—the Bankers Life Fieldhouse guest relations desk, 125 S. Pennsylvania St.; Broad Ripple Knit Shop, 6510 N. Cornell Ave.; and the downtown branch of the Indianapolis Public Library, 40 E. St. Clair St. Fans also are permitted to use their own navy blue or gold yarn to make a hat.

The Pacers also are expected to offer fans an opportunity to attend a game for free and create a beanie.

Approved yarn colors, sizing information and shipping instructions can be found online.

“When we host events in Indianapolis, we always strive to make it more than a game," NBA All-Star 2021 board member Carolene Mays-Medley said in written remarks. "Our community comes together with a sense of pride to showcase Hoosier Hospitality at its finest. These colorful beanies will be visible throughout our city during NBA All-Star 2021 weekend, representing a warm thank you to the thousands of volunteers and hospitality workers who will take this event to the next level.”

Please enable JavaScript to view this content.

Story Continues Below

Editor's note: You can comment on IBJ stories by signing in to your IBJ account. If you have not registered, please sign up for a free account now. Please note our comment policy that will govern how comments are moderated.

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In