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In preparation for the Fever’s momentous outdoor basketball game against the New York Liberty at Arthur Ashe Stadium -- Saturday, July 19 -- the team held an outdoor practice, which, like the game, is a first.

“Since it’s almost 100 degrees I had to put on my spandex,” Fever forward Ebony Hoffman joked.

Confirmed only a couple days before, the outdoor practice was unique in several ways. The actual court, which is about 225 pieces, was transported and re-constructed on a nearby parking lot south of Conseco Fieldhouse, along with baskets and clock mechanisms.

The idea came from a meeting says Rick Fuson, Chief Operating Officer for Pacers Sports & Entertainment, and it came to fruition with the help of Denison Parking and Eli Lilly and Company. The court took about three to four hours to construct.

Frank McGrath / PS&E Photo

“As I recollect, we’ve never in the 25 years I’ve been (with the organization) taken one of our basketball courts outside, but we’ve never had the Fever or the Pacers play outside,” he said. “This is a great opportunity to get the ladies outside in the fresh air and get prepared for the game.”

It was also a great opportunity for Fever fans to witness a practice up close. Close to 200 people showed up in Fever gear kids, dogs and coolers to enjoy possibly a once in a lifetime event – at least with the Fever.

Although the sun was beaming, the atmosphere of the team laughing while running drills and Conseco Fieldhouse perfectly pictured in the background, nearly made the heat a non-factor.

“I go to a lot of Fever games and it’s nice that they thought of this idea to practice outdoor and allow us to watch,” said fan Melissa Warner who brought her son and daughter. “This is different and I hope in the future they think of more fun ideas like this to get fans involved.”

Fever Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Kelly Krauskopf, who played a little outdoor basketball in her playing days says the practice was fun for fans and players.

Frank McGrath / PS&E Photo

“Fans get to see our players a little bit closer in an informal setting and we’re trying simulate what it’s going to be like outdoors,” she said. “There will be a little bit of a breeze, there will be sun dropping, and in a tennis stadium you have stadium seating so one side will be shaded and the other side won’t.”

Playing outdoors will be familiar territory for Hoffman who is having a career year averaging 10.2 points and 8.6 rebounds.

Growing up in California, Hoffman played in several outdoor tournaments with Liberty teammates Loree Moore and Lisa Willis.

“It’s absolutely amazing,” Hoffman said of the game. “I am so ecstatic that I will be one of the first basketball players to play in that stadium.”