Almost two decades ago, Conrad Piccirillo attended his first Indiana Fever game. The WNBA franchise was still relatively new, but he wasn’t there for the basketball. His daughters were part of the Fever Inferno’s youth dance team, and he was there to support them. Over time, his daughters outgrew the dance troupe, but Piccirillo remained a loyal fan. He purchased six season tickets and enjoyed the Fever’s 2012 WNBA championship. Despite a rough patch of losses, Piccirillo’s passion for the team never wavered.
Fast forward to 2024, and things have changed. Caitlin Clark has transformed the Fever games into the hottest tickets in the WNBA. Piccirillo, along with a multitude of fans, now eagerly attend every game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, basking in the energy and excitement that surround the Fever and the WNBA.
“I think she’s the perfect fuel on a fire that had been really growing,” Piccirillo said about Clark.
Clark’s rookie season has ushered in a new era for the Fever franchise, Indianapolis, and the WNBA as a whole. With her incredible talent and competitive spirit, Clark captured the hearts of fans during her college years at Iowa, and that allure has translated into a boon for the Fever and the league.
This was a blast! Best fans in @WNBA – @GainbridgeFH – FEVER NATION is alive & well! @IndianaFever pic.twitter.com/LYrCfGHqCh
— Eddie White (@eddiewhite3) September 16, 2024
As the playoffs unfold, the impact of Clark’s presence is apparent in the soaring TV ratings, increased attendance, and the general buzz around the Fever. TV viewership records were shattered this season, with Fever games at the forefront of the surge.
The Fever’s home games have seen record attendance figures, with fans flocking to witness Clark in action. Fever tickets have become a hot commodity, with demand reaching unprecedented levels.
It’s not just in Indianapolis where the Caitlin Clark Effect is felt. Other cities have moved games against the Fever to larger arenas to accommodate the growing fan base.
Legends like Tamika Catchings have noted the palpable energy surrounding the Fever this season. The surge in interest has not only boosted attendance but has also led to a significant uptick in merchandise sales.
The Fever games have become a city-wide spectacle, driving business for local establishments and creating a buzz that resonates throughout Indianapolis.
Clark’s impact extends far beyond the basketball court, with her jersey sales and collectibles flying off the shelves. The Fever are back in the playoffs after an eight-year hiatus, and the excitement in Indy is palpable.
With a potential series-clinching game in Indianapolis on the horizon, the city is abuzz with anticipation. The Fever, led by Clark, are rejuvenating women’s basketball in Indianapolis and beyond.
(Illustration: Meech Robinson / The Athletic; Visual data: John Bradford / The Athletic; Photos: Luke Hales / Getty Images, G Fiume / Getty Images, Brian Spurlock / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
