THE NEW PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION TEAM HOSTS SEASON-TICKET HOLDERS FOR A SCRIMMAGE AND FUN ACTIVITIES TO UNVEIL THE NEW COURT AT THE FISHERS EVENT CENTER
Indy Ignite Shows Off New Home to Fans at Founder's Day
By: Mark Robinson, Indy Ignite
FISHERS, Ind. – It was a night of firsts for the Indy Ignite.
“Founders Day” at the Fishers Event Center provided the newest team in the Pro Volleyball Federation the opportunity to show off its brand-new match facility to excited and appreciative season-ticket holders just a month before the inaugural season begins. The players were just as excited and appreciative as the fans, because it was the first time they had the opportunity to play on the court.
Throughout the evening, fans could take self-guided tours of the sparkling, 7,500-seat Fishers Event Center and find their assigned season seats while Ignite players went through a series of practice drills on the state-of-the-art TaraFlex court. Pepper, the Ignite’s new mascot, was introduced for the first time and helped pump up the excitement.
The night concluded with a two-set intrasquad scrimmage, giving fans a sneak peek into the incredible athleticism and talent they’ll be seeing throughout the 2025 season that tips off January 11.
Leketor Member-Meneh, the Ignite outside hitter who served as captain of the Orange squad for the scrimmage, was elated with the open house turnout and the chance to be in the arena for the first time where the Ignite will host 14 matches in the regular season.
“It was just nice seeing it all in action,” Member-Meneh said. “I know how hard everyone’s been working to get this together and we’ve been counting down the days for the opportunity to finally play in Fishers. We came when it was still being built, so we’ve been through it from the beginning.
“And now,” she added, “seeing the final product, we’re just so extremely grateful and excited to be able to play here – and seeing as many fans as we did, and it’s not even the home opener.”
The Ignite are the eighth PVF team and only expansion franchise as the league enters its second season. PVF CEO Jen Spicher was at Fishers Event Center to witness Founders Day activities first-hand, which just solidified her belief that adding Indy as the newest team was the right call.
“To expand a team in the second season of your league is amazing,” Spicher said. “I think Indy is the perfect city; it’s a huge volleyball community.
“The one thing that excited me about Indy is the venue; the venue is fantastic!” continued Spicher, who also commended team owners Don Hutchinson and Jim Schumacher for their vision and passion. “It’s like the perfect size at 7,500 or 8,000 (capacity). This place is going to pack out and you players are going to feel like you’ve been hearing a sellout every single night. I think that’s really exciting.”
The evening also served as the official unveiling of Eli Lilly and Company as the Presenting Sponsor of the Ignite’s inaugural season. Lilly logos are painted on the TaraFlex court that will be used at all home matches. Fans were also treated to giveaways, big-screen interviews with coaches, players and team dignitaries, and a glimpse of the intense, exciting and athletic action that lies ahead when the Ignite take the court in the 2025 season.
Sydney Hilley, the Ignite setter who served as captain of the Blue squad for the scrimmage, promised that fans are in for a fun ride.
“I think it’s going to be great volleyball,” Hilley said. “I think you saw tonight how much effort and energy and what great attitudes we all have. I think it’s really fun to watch and I hope (fans) see a packed house every night and they just bring the energy.”
The Indy Ignite open the 2025 campaign with a home match against the Orlando Valkyries at 7 p.m. ET Saturday, January 11. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Ignite website.
Indy Ignite Volleyball Editor Mark Robinson may be reached at Mark@indyignitevb.com.