Following their victory over the Seattle Storm on Saturday, the Indiana Fever have already matched their total wins from last season, with 12 games still remaining on the schedule. The combination of Caitlin Clark’s electrifying presence and the continued development of stars like Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell has elevated the Fever to new heights this season.
Their success on the court has been mirrored by a surge in fan support, with nearly every game this season selling out at the 18,000-seat Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Fever have drawn a remarkable 82,857 fans in their first five home games, already surpassing last season’s total attendance of 81,336, according to Sports Illustrated’s Karl Rasmussen.
In light of this overwhelming support, Fever head coach Christie Sides was asked whether the team might consider moving their games to the much larger Lucas Oil Stadium, which can accommodate around 63,000 fans. The stadium, home to the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, has a history of hosting major basketball events, including NCAA Tournament games.
Sides reflected on the electric atmosphere at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, saying, “You know what, sometimes, when shots are made or something big happens, the way the crowd sounds and what that feels like, it’s like you’re playing in a championship. For our players to experience this every night when we lace up and hit the court, it’s incredible.”
While the Fever will continue to defend their home court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for now, the impact of what is being dubbed the “Caitlin Clark Effect” is undeniable. Clark’s immense popularity has not only boosted game attendance but also driven increases in TV viewership and merchandise sales, making this a landmark season for the franchise.
Sides expressed her enthusiasm for the current state of women’s basketball and the Fever’s role in it, adding, “It’s a great time for women’s basketball. A great time for the Fever.”
The Fever are set to hit the road for their next challenge against the Minnesota Lynx on August 24. As they continue their push toward the playoffs, the support from their growing fan base will undoubtedly be a driving force.
