As you can see from the photo above, your faithful Indy Insights blogger received a visit from Boomer and one of his Pacemate friends on behalf of the Indiana Pacers.

And before I go any further, an editorial statement: Boomer is hands-down the best mascot in the NBA.

Now then.

They were visiting various downtown businesses and organizations, “painting the town” – hence, the paint bucket – with news releases in advance of the Pacers’ home season-opener Nov. 1 against the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics at Conseco Fieldhouse.

The evening’s theme: “Let’s Paint The Town Blue and Gold Opening Night.”

As part of the build-up, downtown sidewalks are also getting some blue-and-gold treatment (not to worry about permanency … it’s actually adhesive stickers).

Before the game on Nov. 1, there will a free-to-the-public, 75-minute performance by Grammy-award winning rock band Blues Traveler. The concert will go rain or shine and will take place near the fieldhouse’s Penn Street Plaza.

After the concert, the Pacers Gold Band will lead Pacers fans into the arena amidst a shower of blue and gold balloons. The first 15,000 fans will receive a complimentary lighted rally towel.

Playing the Celtics has historical significance.

On Nov. 6, 1999, the Pacers defeated Boston (115-108) in their first game ever played at Conseco Fieldhouse.

And the first NBA game ever played by Indiana was in the 1976-77 home opener against the defending champion Celtics. Boston won the ’75-76 title before beating the Pacers in overtime (129-122) on Oct. 21, 1976.

In my sportswriting days, I covered both games. Geez, I'm old.

But I plan to be there on Nov. 1. A new day is dawning for the Pacers. I want to be there for the sunrise.

Tickets are available by visiting www.pacers.com, the Conseco Fieldhouse Box Office, and all Ticketmaster outlets.