Fans from across the country flock to Gainbridge for Caitlin Clark’s home debut

INDIANAPOLIS – The “Caitlin Clark effect” has been talked about ever since the former Iowa star announced her plans to declare for the draft back in February. And on Thursday night, it was on full display downtown Indianapolis.

Officials at Gainbridge Fieldhouse estimated 14,000 Fever fans would show up for Thursday’s preseason home game. According to Elias Sports Bureau, the crowd of 13,028 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse blew away the previous preseason record crowd of 9,024—set on May 18, 2000, during the team’s inaugural season.

Some fans traveled from Iowa to see Caitlin Clark.

“She has a sense of humor and so do I,” Doug Parrish, a professor from Iowa said – while wearing a custom t-shirt with a photo of his cat and the words ‘Cat Lin Clark’ across it. “One day, we started calling our cat ‘Cat Lin Clark.'”

The chance to see the real Caitlin Clark almost led a father and daughter from Iowa to miss their graduation ceremony – that is until the Fever game was rescheduled.

“Knowing that we get to graduate, father and daughter, together – that’s very rare,” Anthony Holland said. “Getting to come see Caitlin Clark here – that’s awesome. That’s a blessing.”

“I’d rather pick the game over graduation,” Keionna Holland added. “As long as I get my diploma still, I’ll be okay.”

Another family traveled from Austin, Texas for the Knicks and Pacers playoff game – and were thrilled to snag tickets for the Fever as well.

“She’s amazing. She’s changed the game,” Eric Marco said. “We haven’t seen something like her since LeBron [James] coming into the NBA.”

“She’s one of the best shooters I know,” Carter Marco said.

Yet another reason for excitement – the way Clark is changing the game for fellow female athletes.

“In 1969, we did not have this energy. We did not have all of the support,” fan Jane Myers said. “I am so pumped. I think it’s great what she’s doing for ladies’ sports right now.”

“Just excited to see the movement in women’s sports. It’s great to see,” fan Jeremy Bohn said.

It’s safe to say all eyes will be on the Circle City for many games to come.

“When I heard that Indiana Fever got the first pick, I was pumped,” Lia Bohn said. “When she declared for the draft, I couldn’t even sit still. It was pretty awesome.”

“It’s a huge basketball town to begin with. But then you’ve got Caitlin Clark, you’ve got the Pacers doing well,” Eric Marco said. “It’s an amazing weekend to be here, it feels like All-Star weekend.”

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