AMES, Iowa — The Indiana Pacers and Minnesota Timberwolves will bring an NBA preseason matchup to Hilton Coliseum at 6 p.m. on Oct. 7, the first NBA exhibition to be played in Ames since 2018.
Big-name return to Hilton
The game offers local fans a rare chance to see professional basketball at Iowa State University's on-campus venue. The matchup also carries a particular draw for Cyclone followers: the Pacers have been built around Tyrese Haliburton, the former Iowa State point guard who rose to All-NBA recognition and national prominence after leaving the Cyclones.
Haliburton, who still holds the Iowa State single-game assists mark, has earned All-NBA honors in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, won Olympic gold in 2024, and helped steer his team to the 2025 NBA Finals. He led the league in assists per game in 2023-24. Haliburton missed the 2025-26 campaign after suffering an Achilles injury in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals; organizers and fans will be watching closely to see how he and the Pacers look on the court this fall.
Homegrown hopeful could join preseason roster
Ames native and former Iowa State guard Tamin Lipsey could also figure into the exhibition. Lipsey went undrafted in 2026 after finishing his Cyclone career and participated in the NBA Summer League with the Pacers before an injury cut his summer short. Team rosters for preseason are fluid, and Lipsey could be back healthy in time to compete for a place during training camp and the Oct. 7 game.
Context and local impact
This will be the first NBA preseason contest in Ames since the Timberwolves and Milwaukee Bucks met at Hilton Coliseum in 2018. That earlier exhibition ended with the Bucks defeating Minnesota 125-107, with Giannis Antetokounmpo scoring 21 points in the game.
Bringing a pair of NBA teams to central Iowa for an evening game is likely to boost local hospitality and business activity around campus, drawing visitors for a single marquee event and renewing attention on Ames as a host for high-profile sports exhibitions.
- Date: Oct. 7
- Time: 6 p.m.
- Location: Hilton Coliseum, Iowa State University, Ames
- Teams: Indiana Pacers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
- Ticket on-sale: Sept. 9
Ticketing and fan information
Organizers say tickets will go on sale beginning Sept. 9. Fans planning to attend should consider purchasing in advance; preseason games featuring star players and hometown connections can sell quickly, especially when the event is the first of its kind at a venue in years. Check official team and venue outlets for exact sales times, seating maps and any special policies for bag checks or items not permitted inside the arena.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Arena | Hilton Coliseum |
| City | Ames |
| Start time | 6 p.m., Oct. 7 |
| Ticket sale date | Sept. 9 |
What to watch for
Beyond the spectacle of seeing NBA-caliber talent in Ames, the preseason matchup provides an early look at roster decisions and player recoveries. For the Pacers, observers will want to see how Haliburton returns from a season-ending Achilles injury in terms of mobility and playmaking. For Lipsey and other young hopefuls, preseason games and training-camp exhibitions are critical opportunities to secure roster spots or two-way contracts.
Local basketball fans, alumni and families of current Iowa State athletes are likely to turn out in force. The event also offers community engagement opportunities through youth programs and game-night promotions often organized around these exhibitions.
Further details, including ticket pricing and any special fan events tied to the game, will be released closer to the on-sale date by the teams and Hilton Coliseum management.
