Indiana Pacers Announce Tyrese Haliburton Statue to Be Unveiled Outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Honoring Franchise Star’s Loyalty, Leadership, and Impact On and Off the Court
By Jenna Williams | June 25, 2025
In a move that cements his legacy not only as a franchise cornerstone but also as a symbol of loyalty, leadership, and community, the Indiana Pacers have officially announced plans to unveil a statue of All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The unveiling ceremony is set for October 15, 2025, ahead of the Pacers’ home opener of the 2025–26 season.
The statue will be the first ever erected for a current-era player in Pacers history and only the second in franchise history after Reggie Miller. But in the eyes of fans, teammates, and the broader Indianapolis community, Haliburton’s impact extends far beyond his on-court brilliance.
A Modern Legend in the Making
Since joining the Pacers via trade from the Sacramento Kings in 2022, Haliburton has rapidly become the face of the franchise. His unique blend of court vision, unselfish play, and charismatic leadership has sparked a basketball renaissance in Indiana. In his first full season, he earned his first All-Star selection. By 2024, he had led the team to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2014.
More than the stats—though they’re staggering: 21.4 points, 10.8 assists, 4 rebounds per game over the past three seasons—it’s Haliburton’s embodiment of what it means to represent Indiana that truly captured the heart of a state.
“Tyrese is the soul of this team,” said Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard at the press conference on Tuesday. “He chose us. He believed in this organization, in this city, and we’ve believed in him every step of the way.”
A Testament to Loyalty
In the modern NBA era, where player movement is rampant and superstars frequently change jerseys, Haliburton’s unwavering commitment to the Pacers has been both rare and refreshing. In 2023, he signed a five-year max extension without hesitation, famously stating, “I don’t want to build a superteam elsewhere—I want to build something real here.”
That quote will be etched into the base of the statue, according to the design committee.
Haliburton’s loyalty, especially in an age of fleeting allegiances, has made him a beloved figure among Pacers fans. When asked about the statue, Haliburton was visibly emotional.
“I’m honestly speechless,” he said. “This city gave me a chance to lead, to grow, and to become the best version of myself—on and off the court. I never imagined having a statue while still playing. It’s surreal, and it’s something I’ll never take for granted.”
Community First
Beyond basketball, Haliburton has been a transformative presence in the Indianapolis community. He launched the “Vision Indy” foundation in 2023, which has since funded more than 30 youth basketball courts across the state, created STEM and arts education programs for underserved schools, and partnered with local food banks to fight hunger.