Volunteers honor local sports leader Jim Morris during March Madness preparations

Hundreds of volunteers spread out across Indianapolis Tuesday to help prepare the city for next week's NCAA Men's Final Four basketball games.

The projects were part of the inaugural Jim Morris Day of Service.

A former Pacers executive, Morris is seen as an essential figure in turning Indianapolis into a sports destination — many credit him for bringing the NCAA to the city. He passed away in 2024.

And his legacy goes beyond sports.

"He believed in sports, civic leadership and community collaboration are powerful tools for lasting change," said Patrick Talty, president of the Indiana Sports Corp., another organization Morris played a critical role in creating. 

"He'd always say to me, 'You have 70,000 people that are relying on you and the Sports Corp. for their family livelihood,'" Talty said. "That's a big weight, but it told you how important he felt about this community and how he felt about sport."

The date of the day of service, March 24, also holds its own significance. It's the day Indianapolis hosted its first March Madness Final Four 46 years ago. 

Now the city is on the cusp of hosting its ninth, and also cementing itself in NCAA history. For the first time in college basketball the March Madness Men's Div. I, Div. II, Div. III and the National Invitation Tournament championship games will be held in one city. Also joining the excitement is the HBCU All-Star game.

City leaders said the pressure doesn't phase them, and that it reinforces Morris's vision for what Indianapolis could accomplish not just for visitors, but people living here.
 

Pacers Sports and Entertainment CEO Mel Raines said Morris wasn't just an incredible leader, but someone who cared deeply for the people of Indianapolis.

"Every project you'll be part of today, big or small, makes a difference. This is what Jim believed in, showing up, pitching in, and leaving things better than we found them," Raines said.

Projects included tree planting, mural painting at Christian Park, packing backpacks for third-grade finalists in the Read to the Final Four and other beautification projects across the city.

At a table inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Erin Bess inflated basketballs. She works for the Pacers Foundation.

Bess said she believes everyone spending time to give back will have a ripple effect.

"We do a little bit now and it will continue," Bess said. "More people will step up to help."

Outside along Mass Ave, Downtown Indy Alliance President and CEO Taylor Schaffer helped volunteers mulch garden spaces along the street. Schaffer said the day of service made her think about Morris's commitment to finding the biggest opportunity out of every moment.

"Events like this help to showcase local businesses," Shaffer said. "They are economic drivers for the hospitality industry. They help to welcome people to Indianapolis, maybe for the first time, and hopefully give them a reason to come back."

Schaffer said the projects are not just for fans visiting for the tournament, but will have a lasting effect that benefits the community.

The festivities and games in the other playoffs start next week, with the NCAA March Madness Final Four games tipping off Saturday, April 6.

Contact WFYI All Things Considered newscaster and reporter Samantha Horton at shorton@wfyi.org or on Signal at SamHorton.05