Forget standard stadium fare. As the NBA Finals continue in Indianapolis, Levy Restaurants executive chef Charles “Chuck” Humphreys serves a starting lineup of bold, new, fan-inspired dishes designed to match the on-court intensity at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
This new menu, deeply rooted in local flavor, has something for nearly every fan.
“We partner with Indiana suppliers for nearly everything,” Humphreys said, highlighting the homegrown heart of the offerings.
One of his favorites shifted dramatically after the Game 3 Pacers win on June 11.
“It was the slider, but last night’s victory changed my mind. The nachos are my pick,” Humphreys said.
Three Point Taqueria’s Ahi Tuna Poke Nachos feature crispy wonton chips topped with fresh tuna poke, a lavish truffle sriracha aioli, green onion and sesame seeds. This light option offer a unique, complex approach to getting the job done.
The dish Humphreys originally favored, the BBQ Stand’s Bone In Short Rib Sandwich, remains a powerhouse contender.
During a demo, Humphreys raved about its tenderness: “The meat fell right off the bone in front of the Pacers fans.”
Served with the bone pulled tableside onto its bun, this dish boasts tender smoked short rib, sweet BBQ glaze, bread and butter pickles and refreshing cider slaw.
Indiana’s iconic pork tenderloin stars twice. Boom Baby’s The Boomer Stacker is pure Hoosier hospitality: double smashed patties crowned with crispy fried pork tenderloin, cheddar, bacon, onions and BBQ ranch.
The Indiana Porkster elevates a classic, pairing its crispy tenderloin with an Osiris beer roasted bratwurst, thick Nueske’s bacon, bacon onion jam and whole grain mustard on a branded bun.
Delaware Pizza’s Three Point Combo Play delivers Italian comfort in a footlong: a garlic butter-toasted baguette piled high with chicken parmesan, Italian beef, hand-rolled meatballs, pomodoro sauce, provolone and basil.
The Hot Dog Cart offers a Smoking Goose Pork Belly and Cheese Curd Link on brioche with caramelized onion and spicy brown mustard for a gourmet twist on tradition.
Wash it down with the arena’s signature Fuzzy Finals mocktail. Its vibrant Pacers-inspired blue hue is a festive touch for all fans.
However, a shimmer of gold garnish would make it even better.
This menu is more than game day fuel. It celebrates Indiana’s pride, poise, and position as ‘Basketball Country.’
Humphreys said there is a chance that the food could be featured well beyond the NBA Finals.
Game 4 of the NBA Finals airs at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time, tipping off June 13 in downtown Indianapolis.
Contact Multi-Multia & Senior Sport Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or via email noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow on X @3Noral. For more NBA Finals food coverage, click here.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
