NBA Will Host Indianapolis Scavenger Hunt
The league will hide game balls across Indianapolis to award tickets for the December championship game.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Basketball
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Starting October 1, 2026, the NBA will launch a citywide scavenger hunt for five sets of tickets to the upcoming Emirates NBA Cup Championship. Participants must locate hidden game balls at historical sites in Indianapolis and return them to Hinkle Fieldhouse.
Why it matters
The event builds local excitement for the tournament championship, which is set to take place at the iconic Hinkle Fieldhouse on December 11, 2026. This promotion engages the community before the final game is streamed exclusively on Prime Video.
The promotion awards 5 sets of tickets to finders of hidden game balls. The final championship game will be held at Hinkle Fieldhouse, which opened in 1928 and ranks as the 6th oldest college basketball arena in active use.
The players
NBA
The professional basketball organization operates the league and manages the tournament schedule.
Hinkle Fieldhouse
This historic arena located in Indianapolis serves as the site for the scavenger hunt and the championship game.
The details
The NBA will release clues regarding the locations of the hidden game balls through official Instagram accounts. Once found, participants must transport the balls to Hinkle Fieldhouse, a venue added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, to secure their prize.
Timeline
October 1, 2026: Scavenger hunt begins and public ticket sales open.
October 30, 2026: The Emirates NBA Cup 2026 season tips off.
November 27, 2026: Group Play for the tournament concludes.
December 11, 2026: The Emirates NBA Cup Championship game takes place at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
Season Trajectory
This promotional event follows the established format of the Emirates NBA Cup and signals a heightened effort to build local prestige for the tournament's final stage. The focus on Indianapolis as the host city highlights the league's intent to elevate the championship's cultural footprint.
The scavenger hunt provides a rare opportunity for fans to secure premium tournament access outside of standard purchase channels. Residents should monitor the official NBA Instagram accounts to track the specific locations of the five hidden game balls.
The takeaway
This event encourages fans to explore the rich basketball history of Indianapolis while competing for limited championship access. It serves as a reminder of the historical significance of Hinkle Fieldhouse within the professional and collegiate sports landscape.
What happens next
Tickets for the championship game at Hinkle Fieldhouse will be available for general purchase starting at 12 p.m. ET on October 1, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the upcoming tournament, visit the Basketball section.
More information
For additional details and ticket information, visit the Championship ticket sales portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBA.
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