Pivotal Night Ahead: Downtown Bars Gear Up for Crucial Game 7

Downtown bars in Indianapolis are gearing up for what promises to be a pivotal night ahead of Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Georgia Street, surrounded by bars and just steps away from Gainbridge Fieldhouse, is expected to be filled with thousands of Pacers fans on Sunday evening.

“I expect complete insanity streets packed with Pacers fans, everyone getting together, and watching the game out there or the watch party over here,” said Justin England, manager for The District Tap.

The bar plans to stay open late until 3 a.m., as it did during previous games. Lines have snaked down the street, with some waiting two to three hours just to get in.

“They’re doing a good job keeping downtown safe,” England said. “They’ll be out in Georgia Street patrolling during and after the game, and they stay out pretty late, until 3 a.m.”

Across the street at Kilroy’s Bar and Grill, security guard Ben Loman said the bar is ready to be at max capacity.

“It can get kinda crazy with people out at the games, all of it,” Loman said. “Sold out every bar at max capacity. The lines are long enough to be an hour or two hours to get in.”

Loman said his biggest challenge is keeping Thunder and Pacers fans from getting into fights.

“We keep the line moving as best as we can and we’ve been keeping the blinds open so people outside can watch the game, as long as we help our fans,” Loman said.

For some Pacers fans, pre-gaming has already begun.

“They’re winning! Bye Thunder!” said a Pacers fan.