The Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission voted to allow a temporary window graphic advertising the Indiana Pacers and Fever on the west plaza facade of the Cambridge Field House, approving a certificate of authorization with conditions after extended discussion and a staff recommendation to deny.

Commission staff told members the proposal did not meet the Wholesale District plan requirement that windows allow 80% visibility, and that the graphic as proposed covers roughly 73% of the glazing. Staff also noted that, under standard zoning rules for window signs, the installation would far exceed a typical 100-square-foot limit. Opposing staff’s conclusion, representatives for the applicant said the graphic is a peel-on, peel-off window cling that lets light through, is temporary, and will be applied to a non‑contributing portion of the building on the edge of the historic district.

The commission’s action authorized installation of the proposed window graphic on the West Plaza facade for the Pacers/Fever regular season and postseason subject to conditions set on the record. The conditions include a size cap as proposed in the application, pre-installation review of each new graphic by IHPC staff, a prohibition on off-premise advertising, staff approval for changes in lettering or artwork where material, location, or larger size changes would require return to IHPC, and a requirement that the affected area be returned to its original condition within 10 business days after removal.

Tim Oakes, attorney for the applicant, described the material and stressed its temporary nature: “This is not a permanent, improvement,” and argued the installation’s effect on the historic area would be "insubstantial" because the Field House is a non‑contributing structure mostly outside the district. Lori Meiser, vice president of engineering and construction for Pacers Sports and Entertainment, told the commission the graphics are intended to “provide marketing and information opportunities that are expected and customary for professional sports teams” and to help create a stronger connection between the teams and the community.

Staff reiterated the basis for a negative recommendation: Wholesale District plan language requiring 80% visibility and a concern that the graphic occupies a majority of the window field. In response commissioners emphasized the unusual nature of a professional sports venue and its potential economic benefit to downtown, and several members said they were inclined to approve subject to tight guardrails against advertising. At one point staff clarified that the window assembly is a curtain-wall system and that the proposed cling is applied in large pieces over the glazing and mullions.

The approval on the record includes a staff-review process for subsequent graphics so long as the material, location and overall size remain the same; any change in material or a larger size would require review by the commission. The commission also directed language be placed on the record preventing the graphic from serving as a backdoor for off-premise advertising. The applicant confirmed the proposed approach — the same material and size, with replacement graphics for different team seasons or postseason — is acceptable.

The commission vote to approve the certificate of authorization was taken after the conditions were agreed and was announced in the meeting; no recorded opposing vote was identified in the discussion transcript. Staff will administer the approvals and follow-ups to ensure compliance with the conditions, and the IHPC emphasized that any proposal that crosses into commercial advertising would require additional review.

The decision does not change underlying Wholesale District sign standards; rather, the commission exercised discretion to authorize this specific, temporary installation under a narrowly written approval for this building and this set of materials and uses.