FISHERS, Ind. - Hoosier volleyball fans got a special sneak peek Thursday night of central Indiana’s newest professional sports team.
Indy Ignite held its first-ever scrimmage at the Fishers Event Center in front of season ticket holders. A new mascot, team and fanbase were unveiled during an exciting “Founders Day” for the Indy Ignite.
"The snow started falling and it felt very serendipitous of just a very special evening that will go down in history for the franchise for years to come," said Indy Ignite President and General Manager Mary Kay Huse.
Hoosier volleyball fans got up close and personal during the event, getting a look at their new hometown team for the very first time. It is something Huse said has been in the works for a very long time.
"We’ve worked so hard for this, not just for the last 18 months, but the last few decades just building the momentum of this sport," she said. "We have such a strong volleyball community already. We have such strong high schools, such strong club programs, we’ve got Purdue volleyball playing in the Sweet 16 tonight down in Louisville, and so to be able to continue that spectrum into the professional level is so exciting."
Indy Ignite is the first expansion team part of the Pro Volleyball Federation, which formed last year. Bringing the sport to Indiana could not come at a better time.
"It is growing so fast," described Jean Kesterson, the president of the Indiana Volleyball Coaches Association.
Kesterson is a lifelong volleyball coach. She said volleyball is one of the top team sports in the state and it only keeps growing. Kesterson said Indy Ignite will light an even stronger passion.
"I think it’s going to attract a massive number of people, young people and their parents," she said. "And I think you’ll be surprised at some of the older people that come and watch the games because it’s so exciting."
As the team put their skills to the test during Thursday’s scrimmage, fans soaked up the excitement that lies ahead. They said a pro volleyball season is just another way to have some good old-fashioned family fun.
"We just like giving the kids experiences and it’s a close drive and pretty cool thing to do and we like going to sporting events," said season ticketholder Sara Mock.
Indy Ignite's opening night will be Jan. 11. The team will have 14 home games from January to May.
"The players are excited to be here and play for this community," Huse said. "So please come meet us out wherever we are. We can’t wait to get deep into the community and build those roots."