Market Square Arena

Market Square Arena – Multi-purpose Arena – Located at 300 East Market Street in downtown Indianapolis, Market Square Arena was not only the home of the Indiana Pacers (1974 to 1999) and the WHA’s Indianapolis Racers (1974-79), but it was also the primary spot for popular music events in the city before the building of Conseco Fieldhouse. With maximum seating capacity at around 17,000, Market Square Arena opened on September 15, 1974, with a John Denver concert. Countless stars performed there over the years, and Tom Petty referenced the arena in his 1994 hit “Last Dance for Mary Jane.” Perhaps the most historically famous musical event held at MSA was Elvis’s last public performance on June 26, 1977. After the arena was demolished on July 8, 2001, it became a parking lot, where an Elvis memorial stands. A section of the stage that Elvis performed on is preserved at the Irving (an historical theater in Irvington). Prior to the building of Market Square Arena, major sporting and music events were held at the Pepsi Coliseum, where the Beatles performed in 1964.