“Hoosiers” screening marks 40th anniversary

Nov. 15 event to feature actors, creators & team bus from landmark movie

A classic film about Indiana’s signature pastime will be celebrated with an upcoming special event presented by Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts.

The basketball drama Hoosiers, initially released in November 1986, received two Academy Award nominations, earned a spot in the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry, and is widely considered one of the greatest sports movies of all time. The script was inspired by the true story of underdog Milan High School’s surprise win in the 1954 men’s state championship.

A 40^th anniversary screening set for 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at the Payne & Mencias Palladium will include a live, in-person Q&A with four key figures from the film’s production: screenwriter Angelo Pizzo, director David Anspaugh, and actors Brad Long, who butted heads with the coach as team captain Buddy Walker, and Maris Valainis, whose character Jimmy Chitwood made the last-second winning shot. Sports talk radio personality JMV of 93.5 & 107.5 The Fan will lead the post-screening discussion, which will be followed by an autograph session.

Also on hand will be one of the film’s central props, the small, cherry-red 1939 Chevrolet school bus that transported the fictional Hickory Huskers team to their games. Fans are invited to take photos with the iconic vehicle as it is parked outside the building for the occasion.

This 1939 Chevrolet school bus played a supporting role in the classic Indiana basketball drama. (Photo provided)

Tickets starting at $25 are available online at TheCenterPresents.org/Hoosiers, by phone at (317) 843-3800, and in person at the Palladium’s Fifth Third Bank Box Office, 1 Carter Green, Carmel. A limited number of student tickets is available at $15, and discounts are available for military personnel, veterans and first responders.

The event is part of the JPMorganChase Spotlight Series and the 2026-2027 Center Presents Season sponsored by Allied Solutions.