The newly opened Fishers Event Center has unveiled its basketball court, which will serve as the stage for the much-anticipated Mudsock Rivalry Basketball Game between the Fishers High School Tigers and the Hamilton Southeastern Royals on Friday, Dec. 20. The girls’ game is scheduled for 6 p.m., followed by the boys’ game at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m.

The court, now a permanent fixture at the 7,500-seat venue, carries a rich history that connects local pride with national basketball prestige. Before arriving at the Fishers Event Center, the court was used during the 2024 NCAA Men’s Basketball Regional at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. It was on this surface that top-seeded Purdue defeated Gonzaga and Tennessee, securing its spot in the 2024 Men’s Basketball Championship Final Four.

Adding to the court’s significance, its design was crafted by Section 127, a creative firm based in Hamilton County, with team members who are deeply rooted in the community.

Fishers Event Center officials say the decision to feature this court reflects their commitment to blending Indiana’s basketball legacy with local community pride. The Mudsock Rivalry Game will be the first high school competition played on this court, offering students a chance to make history on a surface already linked to memorable moments in college basketball.

The Mudsock Rivalry, a tradition dating back to the 2006-2007 school year, highlights the fierce competition between the two Fishers high schools. The Hamilton Southeastern boys currently lead the series 10-7, while the girls lead 11-6.

The rivalry’s name harks back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Fishers was nicknamed “Mudsock” due to its swampy soil, which left residents and horses trudging through mud-caked conditions resembling brown socks.

The upcoming Mudsock Rivalry Game is expected to draw a packed house, with fans eager to see local athletes compete on a court steeped in basketball history.