BENNER: Why Michael Phelps laps other great Olympic athletes
Thoughts on this, that and the other while watching the world’s athletes.
Pacers
Articles
BENNER: The basketball legend leaves us, as always, wanting more
Just as he did when his aching back cut his playing career short, just as he did when he left coaching, Larry Bird is abruptly walking away.
Pacers make it official: Bird out, Walsh back in
The Indiana Pacers made it official Wednesday morning: They are parting ways with basketball operations president Larry Bird and bringing back Donnie Walsh.
Bird reportedly leaving as Pacers executive
Despite a recent endorsement from his bosses, Larry Bird is set to step down as Indiana Pacers president of basketball operations, a newspaper is reporting.
Playoff run pushes Pacers closer to profitability
The Indiana Pacers’ playoff run and a decreased player payroll—along with $10 million from the city’s Capital Improvement Board—have brought the team closer to breaking even this year, but not out of the red, sports business experts say.
BENNER: Will playoff-fueled Pacer passion last until November?
Curious, isn’t it, that Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger plays the “we don’t get any national respect” card when he, in particular, and his team, in general, spent virtually all of this past National Basketball Association season not getting much in the way of local respect?
Local market tunes in Pacers playoff in ‘huge’ numbers
On Sunday, the Indiana Pacers grabbed the attention of a big chunk of the local market, drawing nearly 10 times the television audience they did for their regular-season games.
MainGate enjoys boost from Pacers’ playoff ‘gold-out’ promotion
A deep playoff run by the Indiana Pacers could be good news for Indianapolis-based merchandising company MainGate Inc., which produced the promotional T-shirts used at Thursday night’s victory over the Miami Heat and is working on promotions for future games.
Pacers’ Bird named NBA’s executive of the year
Indiana Pacers President Larry Bird was voted National Basketball Association Executive of the Year on Wednesday, becoming the first person to win the award after also receiving the league's MVP and Coach of the Year honors.
Bird refutes report that he’s leaving Pacers
CBSSports.com is reporting that Larry Bird is ready to step down as president of the Indiana Pacers, but the NBA legend says he’s not yet made a decision on his return. Bird’s contract with the team is up at the end of the season.
Pacers launch big ad campaign at unusual time
The Indiana Pacers this month launched a six-figure advertising campaign—their biggest by far this season—featuring Larry Bird, coach Frank Vogel and a host of players. The blitz comes at an unusual time in the season.
BENNER: Vogel, Bird should get nod for coach, exec of the year
Really, has there been a more surprisingly successful team during this chaotic, shortened season?
Are corporate gift policies inhospitable?
Sober times have made no-no’s of many of the perks that once greased business relationships.
Reggie Miller elected into basketball hall of fame
Former Indiana Pacers great Reggie Miller has been elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass., the hall announced Monday.
Ex-grocery exec Danny O’Malia providing service advice to sports franchises
Danny O’Malia, longtime leader of his family’s Indianapolis-based grocery store business, now offers his customer-service-driven advice through his own consulting firm.
BENNER: Indiana Sports Corp. scores; Pacers need butts in seats
Thoughts on this, that and the other.
Pacers George Hill, Paul George launch fan zone, TV show
The duo partnered with Gatorade on the promotion, one of the benefits of which is the opportunity to buy a special five-game ticket package.
BENNER: Hall of Fame selectors are finally honoring ABA greats
Feel free to congratulate former Indiana Pacers star Mel Daniels on his long-overdue selection to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Pacers ticket costs to fluctuate based on fan demand
The Indiana Pacers are looking to become one of a handful of NBA teams to scrap their traditional static ticket pricing system for one resembling the fluctuating model employed by airlines.
Hotels already calling venue CNO Financial Fieldhouse
The Pacers have not announced a name change, but have a special announcement scheduled for Thursday.