Haliburton's Homecoming
Pacers Star Tyrese Haliburton Returns to Hilton Coliseum for Preseason Game Against Timberwolves
Key Points
This will mark Hilton Coliseum's fourth NBA exhibition and its first since 2018.
Haliburton previously fractured his left wrist at Hilton Coliseum during his sophomore year, causing him to miss the rest of that season.
Hilton Coliseum unveiled a banner in March 2025 commemorating Haliburton's Olympic gold medal with Team USA.
Haliburton earned All-NBA honors in 2024 and 2025 and led the NBA with 10.9 assists per game in the 2023-24 season.
The preseason game is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. CT on October 7, with tickets on sale September 9.
Tyrese Haliburton is heading back to Hilton Coliseum — this time as an NBA star. The Indiana Pacers will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a preseason game at Iowa State's arena in Ames on October 7 at 6:00 p.m. CT, according to Des Moines Register and Indy Star.
The game marks Hilton Coliseum's fourth NBA exhibition ever — and its first since 2018. Tickets go on sale September 9, KCRG reported.
Haliburton Returns After Torn Achilles Ended His Season
Haliburton is coming off a devastating injury. He tore his right Achilles during the 2025 NBA Finals, forcing him to miss the entire 2025-26 season. Now he is on track to return for his fifth year with Indiana, according to Yahoo Sports.
The Pacers will be cautious. Teams recovering from Achilles tears move slowly. Expect Indiana to manage Haliburton's minutes carefully throughout the preseason as he ramps back up.
A Bittersweet History at Hilton Coliseum
Haliburton's last game at Hilton Coliseum did not end well. He broke his left wrist there during his sophomore season, ending his year early, Indy Star reported. He has visited the arena many times since — just never to play.
October 7 will change that. Haliburton played two seasons at Iowa State, earned All-Big 12 honors, and became one of the school's most celebrated alumni. The arena holds a lot of history for him — good and bad.
Banners and Gold: How Iowa State Honors Its Star
Hilton Coliseum unveiled a banner in March 2025 honoring Haliburton's Olympic gold medal with Team USA. The tribute shows just how much the school values his legacy. He also earned All-NBA honors in both 2024 and 2025, according to Des Moines Register.
In the 2023-24 NBA season, Haliburton led the entire league with 10.9 assists per game. He went from Iowa State standout to one of the best point guards in basketball. Cyclone fans will get to see that player in person come October.
What to Know Before You Buy Tickets
The game tips off October 7 at 6:00 p.m. CT at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, September 9, according to KCRG and Des Moines Register.
This is a rare chance for Iowa fans. Hilton Coliseum has hosted only three NBA exhibitions before this one — and none in the last seven years. For Cyclone faithful, watching Haliburton play there again will be a full-circle moment.
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