Beyond the Flag
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Indiana Pacers uniforms pay homage to IndyCar, Indy 500

By Alex Herbst

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 18: Darren Collison #2 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 18, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 18: Darren Collison #2 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 18, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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The Indiana Pacers will debut new city-based uniforms in January 2018, paying homage to IndyCar and the Indianapolis 500 with the new design.

Sports can connect fans from around the world together, or even just from around a city. Often, teams from the same state and town will connect on an even greater level, sharing many aspects from team colors to arenas to marketing departments.

The National Basketball Association’s Indiana Pacers will be the latest in a line of teams strengthening their bond with other teams in the same market, drawing on their connections to IndyCar and the Indianapolis 500.

In six 2018 games, the Indiana Pacers will feature “City Edition” uniforms, harkening to the days of when the team first joined the NBA. The team unveiled their new design on Wednesday, featuring prominent checkered flag references and a number style common on older IndyCar nose cones.

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Checkered flags will be featured on the belt buckle and the right side of the jersey, representing also the finish line. The “Pacers” name is then stretched down the finish line, opposite the player’s numbers. The number is found inside a circle, as was common in the early days of racing in the Indy 500. The style of the numbers has also been seen on other recent entries at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, including Buddy Lazier with his Lazier Partners Racing team, which has featured support from Pacers players.

The team’s tagline of “Always Lead” is seen at the bottom of the yellow checkered finish line on the tops. While it is not only a reference to racing but the team’s playing style, it connects back to the power of fast cars in Indianapolis. Drivers in the Indy 500 want to lead, especially in the final laps of the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing”. The Pacers are no different, wanting to lead from start to finish in their games.

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Are you excited to see the new Indiana Pacers uniforms and their connection to racing in Indianapolis?