INDIANAPOLIS — On Monday, Feb. 12, Mayor Joe Hogsett joined members of the NBA All-Star 2024 Host Committee, Downtown Indy, Inc. President & CEO Taylor Schaffer, Prosecutor Ryan Mears, IMPD Acting Chief Christopher Bailey, IFD Chief Michael Beard and other law enforcement officials to discuss the coordinated and comprehensive public safety plans ahead of NBA All-Star 2024.
To provide operations support for NBA All-Star 2024, Downtown Indy, Inc. (DII) will mobilize its Clean Team and Safety Ambassadors. With attention to high-visibility areas such as Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Monument Circle, the Clean Team will work extended hours. With the infusion of one-time American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from the City of Indianapolis last year, DII has been able to triple its Clean Team employee roster and respond to requests made by downtown property owners within a 24-hour window.
Alongside the Clean Team, DII’s Safety Ambassadors, started in 2020 as a public safety and downtown recovery team, will keep regular foot patrols throughout the Mile Square, serving as a friendly face for hospitality touch points as well as an extra set of eyes and ears for increased public safety. As an additional layer of hospitality, more than 100 Butler University students will volunteer on the NBA All-Star Fan Engagement Street Team this week, built to welcome guests to downtown Indianapolis and offer a resource for directions and recommendations.
Upward of 125,000 people will be attending events downtown all weekend from Feb. 16-18, with the big game on Sunday. Fans can expect a highly visible IMPD presence, including officers on foot, the Horse Patrol, and in cars. IMPD will supplement their force with local, state, and federal partners to ensure the safety of everyone. In addition, visitors may see IMPD drones to enhance safety and provide officers with another perspective in crowds. Fans are asked to not bring their drones.
The NBA will partner with two local Indiana-serving organizations to serve as charity beneficiaries for the 73rd NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 18. Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis will represent the West All-Stars and Special Olympics Indiana will represent the East All-Stars. Each organization will begin with a starting donation of $100,000 with the opportunity to raise an additional $240,000 to the organization whose team wins the All-Star Game. As part of the NBA Cares State Farm Assist Tracker Program, an additional $1,900 will be raised for each assist during the game that will be split between the two organizations.