INDIANAPOLIS — “BOOM BABY” isn’t just for the Pacers anymore. It’s also the sound area bars and restaurants are making on game nights, thanks to Pacer fans looking to watch the finals with their fellow fans.
Nearly every place you go to watch a Pacers playoff game will be filled with screaming fans cheering them on. That’s been the atmosphere at places like Ale Emporium for the entire playoffs. What’s usually a slow time for them has been super busy, thanks to the Pacers and their fans.
“It’s been electrifying in here,” said Josh Williams, manager of Ale Emporium in Castleton. “It’s been a really fun place to be for the games, especially for those nailbiters at the end.”
Williams said business has been great through the playoffs. Each game has been standing room only, with every table filling up hours before tip-off.
Ale Emporium recently opened an expansion, allowing them to seat even more fans for the games.
“We have the patio outside and we recently expanded so we can accommodate quite a few people. It’s just been really fun,” said Williams.
Business is also booming at Carmel’s Fork and Ale Brewery. They said food sales and to-go orders have jumped 20 to 30% since the playoffs started. Their owner said every game night has also been standing room only.
“People try to get in and position themselves for an 8:30 game, you know they’re coming in at 6:30, 7 grabbing tables,” said Jeff Blair, owner of Fork and Ale Brewery. “We’ve had people from outside looking inside the windows to the TVs. It’s been fun to see.”
With every game starting around 8:30 p.m., that usually means a late night for employees and fans. Blair said the reward seeing fans excitement makes it all worth it.
“Nobody’s leaving. They’re staying for the post-game, the interviews, the MVP, talking to the coach. So it’s been late nights for the staff, but well worth the rewards. “
Both owners say it’s standing room by 7 p.m., and if you don’t get their early, carry out or ordering to go will be your next best option.
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