Henry County, Indiana, will turn 200 in June, and this basketball-loving community isn’t going to let the significant event pass without a basketball-themed party. On June 25, 2022, Henry County will host the Hoopla Knockout Basketball Festival.
Knockout Game
The day begins with a world record attempt for the basketball game “Knockout” at the New Castle High School Fieldhouse. (For details on how to play, see this video.) Registrants can join local basketball legends by signing up here or registering in person starting at 11 am on June 25. NASH FM will be broadcasting live from the fieldhouse entrance from 11 am to 1 pm. The game begins at 1 pm. There will be entertainment, appearances by the Pacers and Fever, and more.
Hoopla! Festival
The Knockout game is part of the Hoopla! Festival, sponsored by Henry Community Health, the Indiana Fever, and the Indiana Pacers. Hoopla! will include a car show, pedi cabs, bounce houses, food trucks, ham radio demonstrations, and live music.
The ham radio participants will begin at midnight on June 24 and wrap up on at midnight on June 25. Car show registration runs from 11 am-1 pm, with awards at 4 pm.
The street festival ramps up at 2 pm and runs until 9 pm at Baker Park. The park is just across the street from the New Castle Fieldhouse. Local bands include The Soul Miners, The LK Project, and Beth & Company. Rebekah Meldrum takes the stage at 6:30 pm, Josh Kaufman at 7:30 pm, and the music concludes with Staci McCrackin at 8:30 pm.
Henry County Basketball Destinations
When you come to the Knockout Game, you’ll experience the world’s largest and finest high school fieldhouse. The fieldhouse seats 8,424 basketball fanatics. While you’re here, take a lap around the fieldhouse to see photos of successful athletes, leading scorers, and championship teams who played for New Castle High School.
Nearby you will find the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, which will be open all day on June 25. This14,000 square foot museum features individual and team recognition, leading statistics, and several interactive exhibits dedicated to Indiana Basketball history.
“Welcome to Indiana Basketball!” Just a short drive to Knightstown takes to you the Hoosier Gym where Coach Norman Dale nervously said this line before the first game coaching the Hickory Huskers in the movie Hoosiers. Put yourself directly in the movie by experiencing staged locker rooms, memorabilia from the film, and more. Learn more about the gym at thehoosiergym.com.
Other Bicentennial Activities
While basketball may be a prominent theme in Henry County on June 25, it isn’t the only event connected with the Henry County 200 Bicentennial Celebration. Find out more at hoopsinhenry.com/party.
