How did Pacers get their name?
James Craig
Published Jan 23, 2026
The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the original members of the ABA, taking the name “Pacers” in honour of Indiana being home to the Indianapolis 500 automobile race and the state's long history of harness racing.
Why are they the Pacers?
They play their home games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The team is named after the state of Indiana's history with the Indianapolis 500's pace cars and with the harness racing industry. The Pacers have won three championships, all in the ABA. The Pacers were NBA Eastern Conference champions in 2000.
Why is Indiana named the Pacers?
Indianapolis attorney Richard D. Tinkham recalls the nickname Pacers was chosen because it was reflective both of the state's rich history with harness racing pacers and the pace car used for the running of the Indianapolis 500. The team kept the name when it joined the NBA in 1976.
How did the SuperSonics get their name?
Seattle's NBA franchise, which entered the league in 1967, needed a nickname, and ownership turned to the fans for help. The fans chose the name SuperSonics, which was inspired by a plane—the Supersonic Transport—that Boeing was working on in the Seattle area (per NBA.com).
How did the Cleveland Cavaliers get their name?
The Cleveland Plain Dealer ran a poll in 1970 asking fans to name the expansion team — they chose the Cavaliers. Jerry Tomko suggested the name, saying Cavaliers are daring, fearless men who never surrender, no matter the odds.
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Who is in the boomer costume?
This year James Deighton, better known as the mascot Boomer, is putting notch number 33 on his belt. Deighton first donned the Boomer costume in 1989 and never imagining he would be in it as long as he has.
How rich is Reggie Miller?
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Was the ABA Real?
The ABA ceased to exist with the American Basketball Association–National Basketball Association merger in 1976, leading to four ABA teams joining the National Basketball Association and to the introduction of the 3-point shot in the NBA in 1979.
How did the Clippers get their name?
San Diego team officials did not think "Braves" was a proper representative nickname for the club in San Diego, and a local naming contest ultimately decided on "Clippers", in reference to the city being known for the great sailing ships that passed through San Diego Bay.
Why is Chicago called bulls?
The Bulls are a part of the National Basketball Association (NBA). They were named the Bulls in reference to the Chicago Union Stockyards, which was once a major business in Chicago. The current head coach is Billy Donovan.
Does Usher still own part of Cavs?
Two years ago a Cavs rep confirmed to FORBES that Usher still owned a piece of the team, but wouldn't say how much; a spokesperson did not immediately return a request for comment today.
What was the original name of the Denver Nuggets?
The franchise was known as the Denver Rockets when it entered the American Basketball Association in 1967. The same year, an NBA expansion franchise named the San Diego (now Houston) Rockets began play.
Why did Denver name their team Nuggets?
So Denver decided to go with a name-the-team contest to come up with a new nickname, and the winner was Nuggets to reflect the region's gold rush era of the mid-1800s inspired by the gold and silver nuggets that were uncovered at the time.
Was Semi-Pro Based on a true story?
“Semi-Pro” is the comedic story of the Flint Tropics, a fictitious ABA team that didnt quite make it.
Was Jackie Moon a real person?
The soundtrack for the film was released on February 26, 2008 and featured songs by LaBelle, WAR, Curtis Mayfield, Will Ferrell, among others. "Love Me Sexy" is sung by the fictional Jackie Moon (played by Will Ferrell).
Was the Flint Tropics a real team?
They weren't called the Tropics, but there really was a "Semi-Pro" basketball team in Flint in the 1970s. The Flint Pros played in the Continental Basketball Association during the 1972-73 season and for a few games of the 1973-74 campaign before declining attendance forced them out of business.