Gameday Themes Make For Memorable Fan Experiences at Indy Ignite Matches
Writer / Mark Robinson
Indy Ignite matches show fans some of the most exciting volleyball being played anywhere in the United States.
The elite play is fast – some players serve volleyballs at 50 to 60 mph – aggressive, and the competition between the Ignite and the other seven Major League Volleyball teams is fierce. As the Ignite begin their second season, they are building on the achievements of a spectacular inaugural campaign. They completed the 2025 season second in the Major League Volleyball Championship.
But there’s even more to an Ignite game day at Fishers Event Center than the pro volleyball players’ athleticism. The team also uses matches to celebrate women’s sports and honor the causes that align with the Ignite brand. Every match has a theme, allowing fans to participate and show their support for their favorites.
“Each of our matches has its own personality, which comes through the theme,” says Carly Klanac, vice president of marketing and game day experience for the Ignite. “This guarantees that fans are not only getting an in-person look at some of the best volleyball anywhere but that entire experience – from the time we open the doors to the final serve – is unique and memorable.”
During their inaugural season, the Ignite’s game days earned a reputation for creating unusual, fun experiences for fans. There was a giant inflatable volleyball bouncing through the stands, art and music activations from the Indianapolis-based cultural organization Ganggang, an Indy Ignite-branded IndyCar to honor the Indianapolis 500 and the Ignite’s ever-present diva mascot, Pepper, presiding over all of it.
This season, the Ignite are bringing back some of the most popular themes from last year. The College Tailgate, which involves spring scrimmages among several powerhouse collegiate volleyball teams; Indiana Forever, when the Ignite celebrate everything that makes the Hoosier state special – from sports to farming – and Fan Appreciation, when diehard Ignite fans are honored, will all return.
Ignite game days have new themes this year, too, including Volleytine’s Day this month and in May Horses and Horsepower, which celebrates the proud traditions of the Indy 500 and Louisville’s Kentucky Derby. The combined Indy 500 and Derby party is aimed at welcoming the Ignite’s growing Louisville fan base, which is inspired by a pipeline of Ignite players who played at the University of Louisville in college. Louisville alums outside hitter Anna DeBeer and libero Elena Scott returned this year from the Ignite’s inaugural season and middle blocker Cara Cresse, who is from Fort Wayne, was drafted from Louisville this season.
“Whether we’re throwing a pregame party like our Ignite the Night Bonfire presented by Lilly on opening night or partnering with amazing organizations like Kids Voice on our Blue Out night presented by Meyer Najem, we want to bring fans an experience that leaves them wanting to come back and join our Ignite community on a regular basis,” Klanac says.
The list of upcoming themes for the Ignite season are below.
- Jan. 31 Orange Out Presented by PNC
- Feb. 6 Girls and Women in Sports Presented by Meijer
- Feb. 13 Volleytine’s Day
- Feb. 15 Winter Games Celebration Presented by Team Rehabilitation Physical Therapy
- March 1 Mental Health Awareness Presented by Klarity
- March 8 Ignite Rewind Presented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
- March 12 Indiana Forever Presented by Forvis Mazars
- March 19 Youth Volleyball Presented by Wells Fargo
- April 12 Kids Voice Blue Out Presented by Meyer Najem
- April 19 College Tailgate Presented by IU Health
- May 1 Horses and Horsepower Presented by Guardian Angel Restoration
- May 3 Fan Appreciation
Tickets to the complete Indy Ignite season and Family Four Pack, Flex Packages and Group Tickets for corporate outings are available at indyignitevb.com.
