INDIANAPOLIS -- Water damage after a small fire inside the NCAA Hall of Champions caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage to some of the memorabilia when the sprinkler system went off.

The fire began on the second floor of the museum, in White River State Park, just before 7:30 a.m., officials said.

"We heard a fire alarm, and everybody evacuated," said NCAA senior vice president Dennis Cryder. "We now understand it was isolated to the Hall of Champions."

Fire investigators said they think fire was sparked by an electrical problem in the "One Shining Moment" display, which showcases winning moments from the NCAA basketball tournament's championship games.

Most of the damage was contained to the second floor. About 3 inches of water was left in some spots, damaging a nostalgic basketball court and displays for tennis and volleyball, according to Cryder.

"A sprinkler system kept the fire in check," said Indianapolis fire Capt. Gregg Harris. "It could have been a lot worse had the sprinklers not worked."

Officials said the museum will be closed while crews assess the damage, which could take a few days. Camera crews were not allowed inside the building to get a look at the damage.

The NCAA's administrative building was also closed because the buildings share the same ventilation system, Cryder said.

The Hall of Champions houses more than 25,000 square feet of exhibit space, including theaters and exhibit areas for numerous collegiate sports.