Rooftop Dance Party with the Pacers

You know the fun introduction videos that arenas or stadiums show to hype up the crowd before a game starts? Well, I absolutely love them. Whenever I see a montage of great tackles by the Bengals defense or amazing touchdown catches by AJ Green, I feel like running through a brick wall. Last year, the Pacers had a phenomenal pregame video, which we like to call 'Pacers Prom' because it features the players dressed in suits and awkwardly dancing by themselves to "Mobbin" by Grandtheft. It was, without a doubt, my favorite part of every home game. Enjoy.



This year, the Pacers decided to film their new introduction video outside...on the roof of a parking lot near Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Staff constructed a practice court, which was flanked on both sides by bleachers that overlooked the gorgeous city skyline. A local DJ was hired to emcee the event and the players spent an hour shooting around, practicing dunks, and playing knockout and 2-on-2. Employees were allowed to invite family and friends to the event and I was lucky enough to attend. I'd say it was a perk of dating an employee, but really, I accept it as repayment for Wheat's ridiculous schedule as of late.

Taken from official @Pacers Instagram account.

It was awesome to see the players socialize with each other in a non-game setting. They played around, danced like crazy, and interacted with the fans. Rookie center Myles Turner went out of his way to talk with any and every kid in the crowd, even inviting them to take a couple shots on the court. Despite the strong wind (which had an obvious effect on their shooting), we saw a few spectacular dunks and other shots. The highlight of the event, however, was how quickly this kid transformed into a dance machine when "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)" came on. Watch the Pacers' reactions to him. You can also hear me dying in the background.


Honestly, the entire event felt like a strange, yet comforting bonding experience for me - a personal consolidation I didn't even know I was craving. As I looked around at the crowd enjoying their team and their city, I was overwhelmed by this perfect union of the guy I love, how hard he has worked to get where he is, and the wonderful city that brought us together. I often question if I'm where I should be and yearn for new experiences elsewhere, but in that moment, I felt perfectly at home in this place with this incredible life we've already begun to build together.

Taken from @therealnichendrix Instagram account.

...and it didn't hurt that the event was followed by free pizza, dessert, and drinks from Papa John's. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I make an appearance in the video.