Imagine being able to feel the electric energy of a live NBA game, even if you can’t see the action unfold on the court. That’s exactly what the Indiana Pacers are making possible for visually impaired fans this season—and it’s a game-changer. But here’s where it gets groundbreaking: The Pacers have teamed up with MindsEye, a nonprofit based in Belleville, Illinois, to offer live audio descriptions at 20 home games, making them the first NBA team to provide this inclusive service. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about play-by-play commentary; it’s about bringing the full game-day experience to life, from the antics of team mascot Boomer to the dazzling performances of the Indiana Pacemates dance team.
The partnership officially kicked off Monday night during the Pacers’ preseason game against the San Antonio Spurs, with the next event set for October 23 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. PS&E CEO Mel Raines summed it up perfectly: ‘Pacers games are all about energy, excitement, and connection, and our fans deserve to feel part of that.’ This initiative ensures that blind and low-vision fans can now immerse themselves in every aspect of the game-day atmosphere.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While the service is a massive step forward, it’s currently limited to just half of this season’s home games due to logistical challenges. MindsEye’s audio describers are based in the St. Louis area, requiring them to commute to Indianapolis for each game. Lauren Carro, PS&E’s senior director of guest experience, acknowledges this hurdle but emphasizes the long-term goal: training local audio describers to expand the service to more games. Could this limitation be seen as a missed opportunity for inclusivity, or is it a practical first step toward a more accessible future? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Carro, who previously worked with the St. Louis Blues hockey team on a similar initiative, believes the service will not only enhance the experience for existing fans but also attract newcomers. ‘I think we can expect anywhere from a dozen to 50 guests per event using the service,’ she said, adding that she expects 50% of those users to be first-time attendees. Talk about a win-win!
To access the service, fans can sign up at mindseyeradio.org or visit the guest services team in Section 2 of Gainbridge Fieldhouse on game day. From there, they can download the free LiveVoice app, which syncs live audio descriptions to the game using a provided code. While a limited number of headsets will be available, fans are encouraged to bring their own. And this is the part that sparks debate: Is relying on fans to bring their own headsets an unnecessary barrier, or a practical solution given the service’s early stages? Let us know what you think.
MindsEye President and CEO Jason Frazier celebrated the partnership, saying, ‘Being part of the first of something is always cool, but nothing beats being part of the first of something that makes something accessible.’ This initiative isn’t just about basketball—it’s about breaking down barriers and redefining what it means to be a fan. So, here’s our question to you: How can other sports teams or industries follow the Pacers’ lead in making experiences more inclusive? Share your ideas below—we’re all ears!
