IMPD: Expect delays, increased traffic during Big Ten Tournament
Mar 13, 2025
Large police presence for Big Ten Tournament
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — With thousands of people headed to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for the Big Ten Tournament, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) is urging everyone to be patient. They said making sure the safety of everyone is their
priority.
“Be prepared for those traffic delays,” said Tommy Thompson, a public information officer for IMPD. “There’s going to be an increase of people walking, pedestrian traffic. We need vehicles to be aware of that, and for pedestrians to use those cross walks.”
IMPD said to expect delays, and plan for alternative routes and parking.
“Keep in mind, there are other drivers who are coming in outside the state,” Thompson said. “There has been a large police presence downtown. Some police were in cars, other officers on motorcycles. There may be officers on horses as well.
Large crowds lined up inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse just in time for the Indiana Hoosiers game.
Andy Arnold, senior vice president of facilities operations at Pacers Sports and Entertainment, says, “Come early, travel light. We do bag searches through our magnometer [metal detector] checkpoint. Have a small bag the approved size is 4″ by 6″ by 1.5.”
Large backpacks, alcohol, and weapons are prohibited. Security says food and drinks aren’t allowed, except for medical reasons and babies. Signs are limited to 11″ by 17″ or smaller. A list of prohibited items is available here.
So far, the staff says they haven’t had any security issues.
“We appreciate the warm weather because people are traveling light and don’t have a lot of layers, and they don’t have alot of things in their pocket,” Arnold said.
If it gets rainy in the next few days, security recommends bringing small umbrellas without points.
And another tip! Keep that digital mobile ticket on hand. Security may ask you at multiple check points.
“There is excitement,” Arnold said. “The energy starts to build the closer to the facility you get so they want to get through security as quickly as possible.”
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