All-Star Art Installations - Indianapolis International Airport (IND)

When officials at Indianapolis International Airport (IND) learned their city would be hosting the 2024 NBA All-Star weekend in mid-February, they quickly devised a game plan to wow passengers visiting for the festivities. The result was a full-court press of Hoosier hospitality and NBA spirit, complete with live music, pop-up shops and several basketball-themed art installations.

Two of the biggest fan favorites were a full-size basketball court in the main public plaza and a giant fiberglass basketball sculpture in Baggage Claim. The court was created with vinyl nonslip decals applied on the terminal floor over the course of three nights. The baskets, compliments of the Indiana State Fairgrounds, included QR codes guests could scan for detailed information about the All-Star game and associated events. The 6-foot basketball in Baggage Claim was hand-painted by local muralist Koda Witsken to celebrate Indiana’s role in the creation of federal Title IX legislation. It was one of 24 custom basketballs displayed throughout the city to highlight the state’s connection to, and love for, basketball.

Other special displays at IND included The Art of the Game: Artists at Work, an exhibit of various works by 16 local artists at The KIND Gallery on Concourse A. Love of the Game, by Indy’s own Shaunt’e Lewis, brightened Concourse B with a colorful abstract that combines a basketball court and the profile of a woman’s face.

From the moment airline passengers deplaned, they saw photos of players and branded graphics everywhere—with plenty of spots for selfies. If guests needed assistance, airport employees wearing NBA All-Star lanyards were easy to spot.

On the general aviation side of the airfield, Million Air and Signature greeted VIPs and MVPs arriving on private aircraft in a similarly festive fashion. 

“Indy loves the game of basketball, and everyone was excited to host NBA All-Star,” says Mario Rodriguez, executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority. “The Indiana Pacers and the whole team at Pacers Sports and Entertainment led the charge, with the Indianapolis community beside them to make this a memorable experience for all. The airport was proud to partner in this meaningful event for the city and state.”