The Indiana Pacers announced their preseason schedule today, which includes a couple of 'home' games outside of Conseco Fieldhouse.

The Pacers open up the preseason by returning to their roots to play the New Orleans Hornets on October 8th at Pepsi Coliseum located at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indy. This was the oringinal homecourt for the ABA Pacers through 1974. Unfortunately, they aren't  offering 1974 ticket prices, although $55 for the most expensive ticket is pretty low in today's NBA. There will also be $10 tickets available which should be a great  deal considering the size of the Coliseum.

The Pacers listed the location of their next game against the Chicago Bulls as TBA. According to reports out of Fort Wayne, this game will be played in Fort Fun at Memorial Coliseum. The Pacers haven't played a preseason game in Fort Wayne since Larry Bird's first year as head coach in 1997. Must be waiting to make the announcement in person on Thursday in Fort Wayne.

I love this plan considering all the offseason changes to the roster, as well as within the organization. Plenty of positives to expose to fans around the state which should earn some more goodwill heading into the regular season.

As for the schedule, there will be plenty of chances for the blue and gold to measure their readiness for the regular season considering the competition. New Orleans twice. Dallas twice. At San Antonio. Plenty of heat on that preseason schedule to prepare the team for the challenging schedule they face to begin the regular season.