Whoosiers Versus the Who’s Who

Compared to Laker crowds at Staples Center, the overwhelming majority of fans frequenting Conseco Fieldhouse for Pacer home games are Whoosiers.

When Jim Nabors is back in Indiana to sing “Back Home in Indiana” at the Indianapolis 500, he usually drops in to see a Pacer game.

So does another Brickyard regular on Memorial Day weekend, Florence Henderson, although television’s Mrs. Brady is not the only famous mom at the games. David Letterman’s mother, Dorothy, is a fan.

While lacking celebrities, Indianapolis does have one variety of them that Los Angeles doesn’t--NFL players.

Regulars at Conseco Fieldhouse include Peyton Manning and Edgerrin James, the NFL’s rookie of the year who attended a recent playoff game wearing a Jalen Rose jersey.

All things considered, however, the biggest celebrity in the building usually is Larry Bird.