Pacers fan still holding on to 2000 NBA Finals mementos 25 years later

INDIANAPOLIS — Prior to this season, the Indiana Pacers had not appeared in the NBA Finals since 2000.

While that series 25 years ago didn’t end with a championship parade in Indianapolis, it left behind something just as lasting — memories etched in the hearts of diehard fans.

For most people, a ticket stub and an old t-shirt are just keepsakes — souvenirs from a long-forgotten night.

But for Carrie Hutnicke, a lifelong Pacers fan, a 2000 NBA Finals t-shirt and her original Game 3 ticket stub against the Los Angeles Lakers are far more than just reminders of a game.

They’re symbols of hope, loyalty and a 25-year wait.

The Pacers ultimately fell short in 2000, losing to the Lakers in six games.

But for fans like Hutnicke, the heartbreak was just the beginning of a long wait — one that stretched all the way to this moment, the 2025 NBA Finals.

“This t-shirt was precious since we did go the first time to the Finals, so I kept it,” Hutnicke said.

Hutnicke posted a picture of the t-shirt and ticket as a throwback on Facebook, and it got plenty of feedback. Many told her to frame them. Some even offered to buy them.

“This one guy really wants it,” Hutnicke said. “He’s from Ukraine. He came over here in the Reggie Miller era in the ’90s, so he’s been a big, huge fan of the Pacers, and he’s kind of saying it would be a high price.”

But to Hutnicke, they are priceless. She’s holding on to both the t-shirt and the ticket — the latter still displayed on her refrigerator. She’s even wearing the shirt for this year’s Finals.

“This is the t-shirt, but on the back was very special — Boomer’s signature,” Hutnicke said. “And it is the same Boomer now as it was then.”

Even though it’s been 25 years since Game 3 of the 2000 Finals, Hutnicke said the spirit of that moment is alive and well.

And this time, the dream feels closer than ever.

“I am so excited,” Hutnicke said. “It is about time our city gets recognition, our team gets recognition. I’m just happy for the state, and it seems like no one ever wants Indiana to win. And this team can do it, and I’m very excited for that.”