March Madness Starts in Indy!

Hoops fans, get ready—the 2025 Barbasol Horizon League Basketball Championships are coming to Corteva Coliseum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on March 10-11! The top four men’s and women’s teams will battle it out over six epic games, with semifinal action on Monday and both championship finals on Tuesday.

Games start at noon each day, and tickets are available now on HorizonLeague.com or Ticketmaster.

Want to take your fandom to the next level? Check out the all-new Horizon League Individual Membership, featuring exclusive Indy-themed merch, glassware, and championship tickets.

Don’t miss your chance to witness history—March starts here! Get all the details at HorizonLeague.org

📜 This Week in Indiana History 📜

First Basketball Game Played at Hinkle Fieldhouse (1928)

Hoosier Hysteria is at it again, and we are once again talking basketball on “This Week in Indiana History.” In 1928 on this week, the first basketball game was played in Butler Fieldhouse, now known better as Hinkle Fieldhouse.

In the first game, the Bulldogs faced off against Notre Dame, and Butler defeated the Irish in overtime by a final score of 21-13. It was the largest indoor arena at the time (holding a whopping 15,000), and it quickly became known as the premier basketball arena in the United States. It went on to later host every State Finals of the IHSAA Basketball Tournament from 1928-1971.

Though it has undergone numerous renovations and has a capacity now of 9,100, we still consider Hinkle Fieldhouse as “Indiana’s Basketball Cathedral.” So if you’re ever close by Butler’s campus, make sure you take a stop at Hinkle.

⚡ Hoosier Headlines ⚡

Pacers, Fever Partner with Kevin Hart’s Company Hartbeat

Hartbeat, the global entertainment company founded by actor and comedian Kevin Hart, will have a consistent presence at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and beyond for Pacers fans, Fever fans, and Hoosiers near and far. Last Thursday, Pacers Sports & Entertainment announced the new partnership with Hartbeat, which will serve as the organization’s cultural curator and provide entertainment like stand-up comedy, musical performances, halftime shows, merchandise collaborations and more. The partnership will officially debut during 2025 WNBA All-Star festivities held in and around Gainbridge Fieldhouse with a music and comedy festival. 🏀🎶🎭

Back 9 Golf & Entertainment to Open New Location in Fort Wayne

Back 9 Golf & Entertainment is expanding with a second location in Indiana! After opening its first driving range facility in Indianapolis in 2022, it plans to open a location in the Villages of Arneo development in Fort Wayne. Ground will soon break on the $30 million venue, which is expected to open in July 2026. What can golfers and guests expect? While full details were not shared on the plans for the Fort Wayne location, Back 9 in Indy includes a restaurant, 75 climate-controlled golf bays and a music pavilion. FORE Wayne, anyone? 🏌️⛳️

Flower & Patio Show Ready to Bloom at Indiana State Fairgrounds

Spring is in the air and temperatures are on the rise — next week’s highs could reach the 70s. 😎 For those ready to do a little spring cleaning, get back in the garden and start on the next outdoor project, there’s no better way to prep your green thumbs than attending the Indiana Flower & Patio Show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, where hundreds of exhibitors will provide attendees with fresh ideas. Tickets are still available to attend the show, which runs March 15-23. 🎟🌷

📢 Indiana’s Trusted Injury Lawyers Since 1936

If you’ve been injured, Keller & Keller is the team that knows how to fight for you. They’ve been standing up for Hoosiers for nearly 90 years, recovering over $1 billion for their clients. With a Zero Fee Guarantee, you don’t pay a dime unless they win. Call 1-800-2-KELLER today and get the help you deserve!

 💎 Hidden Gems 💎

Hinkle Fieldhouse

Fact: Hoosiers love their hoops. Another fact: Hinkle Fieldhouse is a bucket lister for both casual and diehard basketball fans alike. While the Butler Bulldogs men’s team played its final home game of the 2024-25 season last night, fans can still experience Hinkle Magic with the 2025 WBIT and NIT semifinal and championship games set to take place in the historic venue March 31 through April 3. 🏀🏟🏆

natespangle

View more on Instagram

Rhinestones and Roses Flowers and Boutique

Elegance and creativity all in one, one of many things you’ll love about sister-owned Rhinestones and Roses Flowers and Boutique. Guests can shop for fresh flowers, stylish accessories, home decor, gifts and fashionable clothes at either of its two locations in North Manchester and Fort Wayne. The recommendation came from Chillz Delights founder Janzen Cripe, brother to Josi, Jentri and Jirni, the trio of sisters who run the show at Rhinestones and Roses. 🌹🛍💐

natespangle

View more on Instagram

What’s your Hidden Gem? Reply to this email to get it featured!

👏 5 Big wINs 👏

The IHSAA girls basketball postseason concluded on Saturday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse with Lawrence North (4A), Norwell (3A), South Knox (2A) and Borden (1A) crowned as champions. LN held off Warsaw 65-59 in the closest of the four title games, and Borden overcame a 13-point deficit with a 23-0 run en route to a 49-40 victory against Lafayette Central Catholic. As for the boys postseason, sectional play is underway. On Tuesday night in a 4A sectional matchup at Carmel High School, top-ranked Fishers (25-0) kept its perfect season intact with a 54-47 triumph against No. 3 Westfield. Fishers is the only remaining undefeated team in the state, regardless of class. 👏

🎧 The 20-Year Journey of Invoke Studio 🎧

🎙 I interviewed Amy Peddycord, founder of Invoke Studio in Indianapolis. We talked through Amy's journey from growing up in Indiana to establishing one of the city's most renowned yoga and Pilates studios.

The conversation touches on her professional background, the challenges of running a business through the pandemic, and the importance of community and mindfulness.

Amy also shares her future plans for Invoke, including potential expansions and new wellness initiatives.

You are going to learn about:
- Amy Peddycord's journey from international relations and marketing to opening Invoke Studio
- The impact of the pandemic on small businesses and how Invoke adapted with on-demand and live-stream classes
- The benefits of yoga and mindfulness practices and how to integrate them into daily life

Listen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube

Want more from us?

🎙 Hear our founder interview Indiana CEOs on Spotify

📣 Partner with us to get your product/service in front of our audience here

💎 Know any hidden gems we should cover? Reply to this email!