What is a Pacer? Explaining the origin of Indiana's nickname, mascot history
What is a Pacer? Explaining the origin of Indiana’s nickname, mascot history
When a franchise names its sports team, it can take multiple routes.
The basic Tigers, Wildcats and Bulldogs are safe choices, while names like the Kraken or Boilermakers have a more unique feel. There’s no correct way to do it, but the latter sometimes leads fans to question what the team name even is.
Take the LA Clippers or the Indiana Pacers for example. It may not be immediately clear what these teams represent — and a mascot doesn’t necessarily help. Indiana’s mascot is a panther named Boomer, but the franchise’s name has nothing to do with panthers, cats or animals at all.
As the Pacers continue their playoff run into the second round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, the Sporting News explains the origin behind their name.
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What is a Pacer?
It’s perfectly understandable to not know what a Pacer is — even for Indiana fans. The name isn’t cookie-cutter, nor is it popular among sports teams.
The Pacers joined the ABA in 1967 with the same name they have today. Richard D. Tinkham, who was one of the original investors of the franchise, said he and his fellow investors picked the name together to honor Indiana.
A Pacer combines the state’s history with harness racing pacers (horses) and the pace car, which is used for the Indianapolis 500.
Tinkham added that the difficult decision among investors wasn’t the name but rather whether the franchise would be Indiana or Indianapolis. They ultimately chose Indiana and have stuck with it since its inception.
The Pacers joined the NBA in 1976 when the ABA and NBA merged.
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Indiana Pacers mascot
Indiana’s mascot is a panther called Boomer, who was named after Indiana’s state bird, the cardinal. Boomer wears a Pacers jersey with No. 00.
Have the Pacers won an NBA championship?
No, the Pacers have not won an NBA championship since joining the NBA in 1976. They’ve only made the NBA Finals once despite eight trips to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Indiana’s one NBA Finals appearance came in 2000 against the Lakers. Los Angeles, led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, defeated Reggie Miller’s Pacers in six games.
Indiana does, however, have three ABA championships in 1970, 1972 and 1973.
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Knicks vs. Pacers schedule, TV channels
| Game | Date | Site | Time (ET) | TV Channel/Result |
| 1 | May 6 | at New York | 7:30 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
| 2 | May 8 | at New York | 8 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
| 3 | May 10 | at Indiana | 7 p.m. | ESPN, Sling |
| 4 | May 12 | at Indiana | 3:30 p.m. | ABC, Sling |
| 5* | TBD | at New York | TBD | TBD |
| 6* | TBD | at Indiana | TBD | TBD |
| 7* | TBD | at New York | TBD | TBD |
*If necessary