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Bankers Life Fieldhouse roof to be replaced in April

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The Indiana Pacers will soon have a new roof over their heads when they take to the court.

The Marion County Capital Improvement Board approved the project to replace the barrel roof at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, which is the large portion covering the court and seats.

It does not include the roof above the lobby which also has a barrel shape. The project costs $3.59 million. Midland Engineering from South Bend, Indiana provided the winning bid.

Rick Fuson, president of Pacers Sports and Entertainment, said the main roof has sprung a few leaks along with typical wear and tear that occurs over time. He said they’ve had to patch it in some areas.

It’s the same roof that was installed when the arena opened in 1999 making it 16 years old. Fuson said a similar roof replacement happened at Market Square Arena in 1985, but that its original roof only lasted 10 years.

The project is scheduled to start April 1 and wrap up few months later in late August. Fuson said it shouldn’t interfere with any events, including Pacers and Indiana Fever games. He said the roof will be replaced in sections similar to the work done years ago at Market Square Arena.