Gainbridge Fieldhouse Announces Sellout For 2023 Indy Classic

Saturday's Indy Classic features Ball State vs. Indiana State and No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 3 Purdue. The event, held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, is sold out.

Downtown Indianapolis will be a hopping place for college basketball fans on Saturday afternoon. Tuesday, Gainbridge Fieldhouse announced that this year's Indy Classic — featuring Ball State (8-2) vs. Indiana State (9-1) and No. 1 Arizona (8-0) vs. No. 3 Purdue (9-1) — is sold out.

This season marks just the second for the Indy Classic. Previously, Gainbridge Fieldhouse hosted the Crossroads Classic, which featured Purdue, Indiana, Butler and Notre Dame. That event lasted a decade, running from 2011-21.

In the inaugural Indy Classic in 2022, Purdue defeated Davidson 69-61. Ball State took down Illinois State 83-69. 

Over the summer, Purdue coach Matt Painter was asked about playing in the Indy Classic. And while he expressed excitement over the opportunity, he was disappointed the Crossroads Classic came to an end.

"Anytime you can get against quality opponents on a neutral court, that's what you want to be able to do," Painter said. "We want to keep doing that. That was something, with the Crossroads Classic, that wasn't on us. Like, even though our record wasn't great in it, I thought it was great because you're playing two quality teams in Butler and Notre Dame.

"There was some other team in that that spoiled that for everybody. Just trying to be honest. And it didn't make any sense to me."

It may not be the Crossroads Classic any longer, but it still drew a sellout crowd. Having three in-state schools and a premier showdown between Purdue and Arizona certainly helps.

Saturday's Indy Classic begins at 1:45 p.m. ET with Indiana State and Ball State. Arizona and Purdue are scheduled for a 4:30 p.m. ET tip-off. 

Related Big Ten Stories

• BRUCE PEARL SAYS IU WAS HIS DREAM JOB: The Auburn coach opened up on why he wanted to be the leader at Indiana at one time. CLICK HERE
• CAITLIN CLARK TO INDIANA FEVER: If Caitlin Clark declares for the WNBA Draft, her first stop will likely be with the Indiana Fever, who own the No. 1 pick. CLICK HERE
• BIG TEN POWER RANKINGS (VOL. 3): Purdue, Northwestern, Illinois and Wisconsin have separated themselves. As for the rest of the Big Ten? Good luck! CLICK HERE