SAA State Volleyball Finals Move to Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Big changes are coming to Indiana high school volleyball! After being hosted for 18 years at the Ball State University’s Worthen Arena in Muncie, the IHSAA state volleyball championships will be moving to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Carroll vs. Yorktown in the 2024 state finals (IHSAA)
Location Timeline
The state volleyball finals have a rich history of changing locations, dating back to the very first finals held at Beech Grove High School in 1972. Here's a quick look at the evolution of the event's venues over the years:
1972: Beech Grove High School
1973-1989: Ben Davis High School
1989-1999: Market Square Arena (Indianapolis)1999-2001: Noblesville High School
2001-2007: Butler’s Hinkle Fieldhouse
2007-2024: Ball State’s Worthen Arena
The IHSAA believes that moving to Indianapolis will give the event a bigger spotlight and bring in even more fans. With a central location, Gainbridge Fieldhouse is a much easier drive for most schools, especially for those in southern Indiana, and should make for a bigger turnout.
IHSAA Volleyball’s New Home
Opened in 1999, Gainbridge Fieldhouse is already well-known as a prime spot for major events. It’s the home of the NBA’s Indiana Pacers and the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, and it hosts the IHSAA state championships for wrestling and boys and girls basketball. So, it’s no stranger to exciting high school events.
Gainbridge Fieldhouse offers top-tier facilities and is centrally located in downtown Indianapolis. It’s easy to get to, with plenty of nearby restaurants, hotels, and other attractions, making it more than just a sports venue. For fans, athletes, and coaches, it’s an experience that extends beyond the game itself, with everything you need right at your fingertips.
IHSAA’s new volleyball home (Gainbridge Fieldhouse)
Quick Q&A: What You Need to Know
Why is the IHSAA moving the volleyball finals to Indianapolis?
To increase attendance, improve accessibility for teams statewide, and give the event a more championship-level atmosphere.
Will this affect other state championships?
No — Gainbridge already hosts basketball and wrestling state finals. This move simply brings volleyball into that same top-tier environment.
How long will the volleyball finals stay at Gainbridge Fieldhouse?
The current agreement is for 2025 and 2026, with the possibility of renewal after that.
A New Era for Indiana Volleyball
The 2025 IHSAA volleyball state championships are set for November 8. This will be the first year of a two-year agreement with Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and after that, the event’s location will be reevaluated. The IHSAA is hopeful that this move will help elevate the event, bringing more attention to Indiana high school volleyball and the incredible talent on display.
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