Visitors and residents alike impressed by WNBA All-Star Weekend festivities in downtown Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS — Thousands of people flocked to downtown Indianapolis this weekend for the WNBA All-Star Game and the Indiana Black Expo’s Summer Celebration.

“I’m going to give Indiana its full respect,” said Marcus Chatman, who was visiting Indianapolis from Chicago. “This is real Indiana stuff, and I love it, man.”

Both Hoosiers and visitors alike paid Indianapolis respect this weekend as numerous WNBA All-Star and IBE events were put on downtown on both Friday and Saturday nights. Attractions could be found at Monument Circle, Gainbridge Fieldhouse and the Indiana Convention Center. The Summer Celebration Expo and WNBA Live were in neighboring halls at the convention center.

“Being able to see the WNBA here in a collab where it’s all together, I really do feel like this is one of the biggest events we’ve had in a long time,” said Mike Ford, an Indianapolis man.

“The people in Indiana, the hospitality has been great,” said Torch Johnson, who was visiting from Chicago.

Though he lives in Chicago, Johnson has been a Fever season ticket holder for the last two years. He said the fun he’s having in Indy makes it really hard to go home.

“I’ve been down here for All-Star Weekend,” Johnson said. “This is my first All-Star, and I tell you, I’ve been down here since Thursday, I don’t want to leave. I don’t want it to end.”

Fever Fest — a live comedy show and music concert — was also held downtown Saturday night. It preceded a WNBA All-Star Game watch party.

“I think it’s fantastic,” said Richard Smith, an Indianapolis man. “Indy is surprisingly a great host to these things. I’ve been to a few things, the (NBA All-Star Game) game a year ago, and these events have been off the chain.”

With the nation’s eyes on Indy once again, the people who visit and live here are the first to say the experience in Indy is unmatched.

“Hats off to Indianapolis,” Smith said. “Great job. Job well done, and keep up the good work.”