* _Indianapolis’ Wheeler-Dowe Club is second community space in a U.S. city to receive refurbished facilities in one week_
**Indianapolis, Indiana – 12 June 2025:** In line with its commitment to positively impacting cities nationwide, Emirates has joined forces with NBA Cares once again to launch a newly renovated technology and gaming room at the Wheeler-Dowe Club, a key facility of the Boys and Girls Club of Indianapolis. Emirates, the Official Airline Partner of the NBA, is this year’s presenting partner in the basketball association’s community initiative, the NBA Cares Finals Legacy Projects.
The grand unveiling marks the second restoration project presented this week under the NBA Cares initiative, following the conversion of a classroom to a recreational room equipped with STEM technology and devices, furniture and more, in an Oklahoma County Boys & Girls Club.
The Wheeler-Dowe Club’s new game room was officially revealed during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by officials from The Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis, the primary beneficiaries of the program, and led by representatives from Emirates, the NBA, Indiana Pacers and the local community. Speakers at the unveiling event included Mark Tatum, NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer; Mayor Joe Hogsett, Indianapolis Mayor; Matthew Jones, Emirates’ VP-USA, and executives from Indiana Pacers including Steve Simon, Indiana Pacers Alternate Governor and Mel Raines CEO Pacers Sports & Entertainment.
The effort which benefits Indiana youth is part of the airline’s broader investment in uplifting communities across the U.S. and supporting the well-being and aspirations of young people. By restoring community clubs and recreational spaces that enable youth development and provide opportunities to enrich their lives, Emirates aims to support communities’ efforts to foster essential life skills, academic growth, and positive mentorship through sports and recreation.
The multi-purpose room at the Wheeler-Dowe Club received a full makeover, including new paint, graphics, updated technology, gaming equipment, consoles, new furniture and accessible storage to hold books and games. With its refreshed look and equipment, the game room will provide an inspiring and creative space for kids of all age groups to enjoy.
The Wheeler-Dowe Club was established in 1972 and is one of the sites of Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis where kids can enjoy extra-curricular activities after school and benefit from mentorship and a range of programs designed to help youth discover their full potential and enjoy healthy and active lifestyles. To empower the community’s youth and provide a safe place for kids to learn and grow, the club offers programmes including education career development, character and leadership development, health and life skills, sports and the arts. Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis has served more than 7,300 youth at 10 different sites across Indianapolis, including the Wheeler-Dowe Club.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, a commemorative plaque highlighting the support of the NBA and Emirates in the refurbishment project was placed at the club’s game room. Local youth that attended the inauguration event also participated in a Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA youth basketball clinic with Indiana Pacers coaches and players.
Emirates is the Official Global Airline Partner of the NBA, Official Global Airline Partner of the NBA, Title Partner of the Emirates NBA Cup, and presenting partner of this year’s NBA Cares Finals Legacy Projects. From supporting youth basketball clinics to creating memorable moments at NBA events, the partnership reflects Emirates’ commitment to bringing people together through sports.
The airline began its US operations with services to New York JFK in 2004, and today operates to 12 US cities including Boston, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Washington D.C., Seattle, Newark, Dallas, San Francisco, Miami, Orlando, in addition to New York JFK.
The airline also strives to make an impact on communities around the world through various means, via its partnerships, directly or through the Emirates Airline Foundation.
For more information, visit [emirates.com](https://www.emirates.com/ae/english/).