Indiana Sports Corp would like to invite you to attend the 2024 State of Sports in support of the Indiana Sports Corp mission while celebrating those who are inspiring and impacting their communities through sport. This annual event and fundraiser will be held at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Tuesday, September 10, and will honor Pathfinder Rick Fuson, CEO Pacers Sports & Entertainment.

Pathfinder Award

The Pathfinder Award, presented annually since 1988 by Indiana Sports Corp, aims to recognize individuals who, through sport, have made a commitment and impact to improving the lives of others and inspiring change and action in their communities. Over the years, the Pathfinder Award has honored a tremendous list ofrecipients including Dr. Condoleezza Rice, Michael Phelps, John Wooden, Jeff Gordon, Larry Bird, Governor Mitch Daniels, Tony Dungy, Peyton Manning, Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, Bill Russell, Oscar Robertson, Jim Nantz, and Dick Vitale, among others.

Pathfinder, Rick Fuson

As a life-long resident of Indianapolis, Fuson has had an impactful career in the city. He joined the Market Square Arena staff in 1984 as director of special events, which would be the first of his many roles throughout his career path. In 1985, Fuson was promoted to vice president where he later oversaw the Pacers’ move in 1999 to Conseco Fieldhouse (now Gainbridge Fieldhouse). He was next promoted to Executive Senior Vice President of Pacers Sports & Entertainment in 2001. Then Fuson was named Chief Operating Officer in April 2008. In 2014, he became President/COO before acquiring his final position as Chief Executive Officer in 2022. 

Fuson has been a foundational figure within the Pacers organization and the Indianapolis community. He played a key role in activating numerous large events in the city. Fuson served as Board Chair ofIndiana Sports Corp from 2019-2022 and was instrumental in bringing the entire 2021 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship to Indianapolis and Central Indiana. He also served as Co-Chair ofthe 2012 Super Bowl Village Committee and participated in Local Organizing Committees for 17 Big Ten Basketball Tournaments, where he was a previous Co-Chair. He fore fronted the efforts to bring the NCAA Men’s First and Second Rounds to Gainbridge Fieldhouse and the NBA All-Star Game to Indianapolis that took place in 2024. 

After 40 remarkable years, Fuson announced his retirement in January of this year. He will still be involved in the Pacers’ organization and remain an advisor for Herb Simon, owner and chairman of the Indiana Pacers. Outside of the Pacers, Fuson serves on the Board of Directors for Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP). He also devotes his time to the IHSAA Foundation, Indy Public Safety Foundation, Indy Chamber and Visit Indy Advisory Board, Downtown Indy Recovery Committee, and other organizations. Fuson is an Indiana Sports Corp Board of Directors Life Member and serves as immediate Board Chairman.