INDIANAPOLIS – Rick Fuson first joined the Indiana Pacers in 1984 with the express goal of officiating the 1985 NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis. After leading the organization through the necessary preparations for the 2024 All-Star Game, the first since 1985, Fuson is announcing his resignation as CEO of Pacers Sports and Entertainment just weeks before the event.
According to a press release, Fuson will step down on June 18 but will remain an advisor to owner and chairman Herb Simon. Mel Raines, president and chief operating officer of Pacers Sports and Entertainment, is promoted to CEO.
“No one cares more about this company, our employees or this city than Rick, and that is, above all, what has made him such a transformative leader and effective advocate for four decades,” Simon said in a news release. “Rick has developed within the company, approaching every task with enthusiasm and loyalty and becoming one of the very best in this industry. I am so proud of him and so grateful for his years of incredible work and friendship.”
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Fuson is a native of Indianapolis and a graduate of Arlington High School. He played football at Indiana under John Pont and graduated in 1975 with a degree in political science. In his first position with the organization, he spent nearly ten years as director of special events at Market Square Arena. In November 2001, he was promoted to executive senior vice president of Pacers Sports & Entertainment. In April 2008, Rick was named Chief Operating Officer. In September 2014 he became President/COO.
He was instrumental in reshaping not only the Pacers as an organization, but also in shaping downtown Indianapolis. He led the construction of Gainbridge Fieldhouse – first known as Conseco Fieldhouse – and promoted it not only as a viable home venue for the Pacers, but also as a venue for concerts and national and international sporting events.
During Fuson's tenure, Indianapolis hosted the 2002 FIBA Basketball World Championships and the 2004 FINA World Swimming Championships. It alternated as the site of the men's and women's Big Ten basketball tournaments and hosted the men's and women's NCAA tournaments on the weekends of the first and second round as well as the regional championships. It hosted the Women's Final Four in 2011 and 2016 and helped Indiana State host the entire 2021 NCAA men's tournament under strict COVID-19 protocols.
Fuson was also a key figure in helping Indianapolis host major events that were not held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. He co-chaired the 2012 Super Bowl Village Committee and helped plan the 1991, 1997, 2000, 2006 and 2011 Men's Final Four, as well as the 2021 event. He was instrumental in bringing the All-Star Game to Indianapolis for the second time. It was originally scheduled to host the 2021 All-Star Game, but that game was played in Atlanta with limited attendance due to COVID-19 and Indianapolis was assigned the 2024 game.
“My entire career has been, in some form or fashion, an attempt to make my city and state a stronger and more inclusive place than I inherited, and I am extremely fortunate to have spent four decades doing that, for and on “Working alongside great people who share that commitment,” Fuson said in a press release. “Herb Simon and the Simon family have given me the opportunity to help lead this company and grow Indianapolis, and words could never express my gratitude to them. I look forward to watching Mel and the staff excel and find new ways to increase PS&E’s impact on and off the pitch.”
Follow IndyStar Pacers writer Dustin Dopirak on X at @DustinDopirak.
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