INDIANAPOLIS — More than 650 volunteers, civic leaders, and community partners came together Tuesday for the Jim Morris Day of Service to support 16 project sites and initiatives across Indianapolis ahead of the 2026 NCAA® Men’s Final Four®.
The day of service honors Jim Morris, a visionary city leader whose influence helped shape Indianapolis’ sports strategy and long-term success. Guided by Jim’s words, “See opportunity in its largest possible context,” this effort reflects his belief that sports, civic leadership, and community collaboration can be powerful tools for lasting change.
Projects for the first-ever Jim Morris Day of Service took place across Indianapolis and included beautification, environmental stewardship, and hands-on support for local organizations and residents.
Volunteer efforts involved:
- Spring refresh along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail
- Tree planting with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful
- Beautification projects along Mass Ave with Downtown Indy Alliance
- Mural painting and family center beautification at Christian Park
- Trail cleanup and garden building with Groundwork Indy
- Donation sorting at Horizon House
- Packing backpacks for Read to the Final Four finalists
- Rain garden preparation with Marion County Soil and Water Conservation
- Cleanup and beautification projects in parks and public spaces across the city
Community partners for the day included Indiana Sports Corp, Pacers Sports & Entertainment, the NCAA, Indiana University Indianapolis, Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful Inc., Indy Parks & Recreation, The Parks Alliance of Indianapolis, Downtown Indy Alliance, Horizon House, Groundwork Indy, Indianapolis Business Journal, Shiel Sexton, and Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District.
March 24 was selected intentionally. It marks the date of the first NCAA Men’s Final Four hosted in Indianapolis in 1980, a milestone moment that helped establish the city as a premier sports host destination and set the stage for decades of growth and impact through sports.
“Jim Morris believed the true impact of sports extends far beyond the game, and this day continues to bring that vision to life,” said Patrick Talty, President of Indiana Sports Corp. “The Jim Morris Day of Service is an investment in our city’s future, and we are proud to stand alongside our partners and volunteers in leaving a meaningful legacy across Indianapolis.”
“Hosting the NCAA Men’s Final Four is a moment of pride for Indianapolis, but what defines us is how we come together behind the scenes,” said Pacers Sports & Entertainment President and CEO Mel Raines. “Jim meant so much to our organization and to this city, and he believed deeply in the power of sports to bring people together and create lasting impact. Today is a reflection of that spirit, as volunteers, civic leaders, and community partners come together to serve our neighbors in his honor.”
“Jim Morris was one of the first people I met in Indianapolis when I took the job at the NCAA, and it was clear from the beginning that he knew how to get things done in the city,” said NCAA President Charlie Baker. “The work done today will honor Jim and make the city the best it can be to welcome the teams and fans about to visit Indianapolis for the Divisions I, II, and III Men’s Basketball Championships and the NIT.”
The Jim Morris Day of Service was the first service-oriented event held in the city organizer’s name and serves as a reminder that the event’s legacy is measured not only by what happens inside the venue, but also by the impact left across the city.
