Lucas Oil Stadium

Name

The home field of the Indianapolis Colts for their first 24 seasons in the city (1984–2007) was the RCA Dome (formerly the Hoosier Dome), which was part of the Indiana Convention Center. In 2006, prior to the new stadium's construction, Lucas Oil, a manufacturer and distributor of automotive oil, additives and lubricants headquartered in Indianapolis, secured the naming rights for the stadium at a cost of $122 million over the next 20 years.

Features

Lucas Oil Stadium has a seating capacity of 63,000, and covers approximately 1.8 e6sqft. The stadium offers 139 suites, two club lounges, two exhibit halls and 12 meeting rooms. There are also 360-degree ribbon boards and two 53 ft tall HD video boards. An underground walkway directly connects the stadium to the Indiana Convention Center.

Other features include:

• 183000 sqft of exhibit space
• 7 locker rooms
• 11 indoor truck docks
• 14 escalators
• 11 passenger elevators
• 2 accessible pedestrian ramps

Retractable roof

The stadium's retractable roof can open or close in about 11 minutes. It is composed of two panels that each weigh 2.5 e6lb. The home team determines if the roof is to be opened or closed 90 minutes before kickoff.

Retractable window

The retractable north window offers a view of downtown Indianapolis during games, concerts and other events due to the stadium's angled position on the city block.

Gate sponsorship

The four gates leading into Lucas Oil Stadium are each named for a sponsoring corporation, with the exception of the South Gate, which is named after the team:

• Lucas Oil (north gate)
• Huntington Bank (west gate)
• Caesars Entertainment (south gate)
• Verizon Wireless (east gate)

The ground-level concourses of their respective gates feature banners and floor coverings with the corporations' logos, advertisements and merchandise displays.

Events

Annual events include:

• Bands of America Grand National Championships and Indianapolis Super Regionals
• Big Ten Football Championship Game
• Circle City Classic
• Drum Corps International World Championships
• FDIC International (Firefighting Convention)
• IHSAA Indiana State Football Championships
• ISSMA Marching Band State Finals
• Monster Energy AMA Supercross
• Monster Jam
• NFL Draft Combine
• National FFA Convention

Upcoming events include:

• NCAA Men's Basketball Regional Semifinals and Final (March 2025)
• NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four (April 2026 & April 2029)

Significant past events included:

• Super Bowl XLVI (February 5, 2012)
• Kenny Chesney concerts (2008, 2009, 2012, 2015)
• Chelsea vs. Inter Milan (International Champions Cup) (August 1, 2013)
• NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four (2010, 2015, 2021)
• One Direction – On The Road Again Tour (July 31, 2015)
• Gen Con 50 (August 2017)
• North American Youth Congress 2017 (July–August 2017)
• U2 – The Joshua Tree Tour 2017 (September 10, 2017)
• Taylor Swift's Reputation Stadium Tour (September 15, 2018)
• 2021 Big Ten men's basketball tournament (March 10–14, 2021)
• NCAA men's basketball tournament, including the Final Four (March–April 2021)
• Guns N' Roses – Guns N' Roses 2020 Tour (September 8, 2021)
• College Football Playoff National Championship (January 10, 2022)
• 2024 United States Olympic Trials, Swimming (June 15–23, 2024)
• 10th National Eucharistic Congress (United States) (July 17–21, 2024)
• Taylor Swift – The Eras Tour (November 1–3, 2024)
• Royal Rumble (2025) (February 1, 2025)
• North American Youth Congress 2025 (July 23–25, 2025)

Football

The first games played at Lucas Oil Stadium occurred on August 22, 2008, and were part of the PeyBack Classic, featuring Indiana high school football games between Noblesville High School and Fishers High School in Game 1, followed by New Palestine High School and Whiteland Community High School in Game 2.

The first Colts game at the stadium was a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on August 24, 2008, which ended in a 20–7 loss. The Colts faced the Chicago Bears in a rematch of Super Bowl XLI in their first regular season game in the stadium on September 7, 2008, which ended in a 29–13 defeat.

Soccer

The stadium hosted its first soccer game on August 1, 2013, when Chelsea played Inter Milan in a first-round game of the International Champions Cup, drawing 41,983 fans.

From 2018 to 2020, Lucas Oil Stadium served as the home field of the United Soccer League's Indy Eleven, replacing the venue the team used while in the North American Soccer League, Carroll Stadium.

Basketball

In March 2021, various rounds of the 2021 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament were moved to Lucas Oil Stadium as part of the NCAA's decision to consolidate the tournament into sites in Indiana as it could not be held across the United States due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lucas Oil Stadium hosted games in all rounds (except the "First Four"), including the Final Four and championship game. Lucas Oil Stadium will host the men's Final Four again in 2026.

Lucas Oil Stadium hosted the Saturday night events of the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend; the All-Star Game proper was hosted by Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Swimming

In 2024, Lucas Oil Stadium hosted the USA Swimming Olympic trials. The crowd of 20,689 was the largest gathering ever for an indoor swim meet. The success of the event led USA Swimming to announce a return to the stadium for the 2028 trials.

Professional wrestling

Lucas Oil Stadium hosted the 2025 Royal Rumble, and will host a future SummerSlam and WrestleMania.

Marching arts

On August 9, 2006, Drum Corps International (DCI) announced that it would move its corporate offices to Indianapolis and that the DCI World Championships would be held at Lucas Oil Stadium every year through 2018, beginning in 2008 as the stadium's inaugural event. However, due to construction delays, DCI was forced to move its 2008 World Championships to Memorial Stadium, in Bloomington for that year. The competition was held for the first time at Lucas Oil Stadium in 2009, and has been hosted there every year since, with the exception of 2020 and 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (DCI used Lucas Oil Stadium for a non-judged "DCI Celebration" in 2021.) In 2015, Drum Corps International and the city of Indianapolis announced a 10-year contract extension, allowing the World Championships to continue through 2028.

Lucas Oil Stadium is also host to the Bands of America Grand National Championships and the Indiana Marching Band State Finals.

Concerts

In addition to its role as a sports venue, Lucas Oil Stadium regularly hosts major concerts and entertainment events.

Financing

The total cost of Lucas Oil Stadium was $720 million. The stadium is being financed with funds raised by the State of Indiana and the City of Indianapolis, with the Indianapolis Colts providing $100 million. Marion County has raised taxes for food and beverage sales, auto rental taxes, innkeeper's taxes, and admission taxes for its share of the costs. Meanwhile, there has been an increase in food and beverage taxes in the eight surrounding doughnut counties (with the exception of Morgan County) and the sale of Colts license plates.

The County Commissioners of each county voted whether to levy the 1% food and beverage tax proposed by Marion County. Under the agreement, half of the revenue from the tax would stay in the respective county. Morgan County was the only county to turn down the offer, yet in a later vote, it levied its own 1% tax – thus keeping all of its additional generated revenue.

Budget shortfall

In August 2006, the Capital Improvement Board, which operates the stadium, estimated that operating expenses of the new stadium would be $10 million more per year than the RCA Dome. The board urged the Indiana General Assembly to authorize funding to cover the shortfall. The Indiana Legislature considered a bill to raise sales taxes statewide to cover the shortfall; however, this plan faced stiff opposition from legislators outside the Indianapolis metro area.

The assembly ultimately authorized a tax increase in Indianapolis-Marion County. In addition, the CIB trimmed staff and cut $10 million from its budget. Still, the agency anticipated a $20 million operating deficit for Lucas Oil Stadium in 2009. Anticipated expenses were $27.7 million—far outstripping the $7.7 million CIB expected to collect from its share of revenue from stadium events. The Colts organization has been criticized for the favorable lease terms and the high percentage of revenue it can keep under the terms of its agreements with the stadium authorities and there have been calls for the team to cover the shortfalls of the CIB. The Colts responded to these criticisms in an open letter to fans on September 16, 2009.

Incidents

On September 8, 2013, after the Colts defeated the Oakland Raiders in the season opener, a rail over the opposing team tunnel collapsed, injuring two fans. One fan was transferred to the hospital for evaluation. No serious injuries were reported.

On September 3, 2015, three fans were injured by a bolt that fell from the roof of the stadium as it was being opened during an NFL preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The stadium was pronounced safe by officials, but the roof remained closed for events until a final investigation was completed as to why the bolt fell.

Construction pictures

File:Lucas Oil Stadium 080207.jpg|Early phases of construction File:LucasOilStadiumBuiltSat.png|Satellite image File:LucasOil earlystages.JPG|Mid-stage of construction

References

References

1. Brilliant, Jeremy. (2016-03-06). "'The house that Peyton built'".
2. (September 2020). "About ISCBA". State of Indiana.
3. "Lucas Oil Stadium". A2SO4.
4. "Lucas Oil Stadium". Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf, Inc..
5. "Lucas Oil Stadium – Home of the Indianapolis Colts". John Klipsch Consulting LLC.
6. "Lucas Oil Stadium". Emporis.
7. (February 5, 2012). "Super Bowl XLVI/Lucas Oil Stadium". ArchDaily.
8. (November 19, 2009). "Indianapolis International Airport Receives the 2009 Monumental Award". Kibi.org.
9. "Lucas Oil Stadium History & Fast Facts".
10. (5 October 2012). "Lucas Oil Stadium again ranked best NFL venue". Indianapolis Colts.
11. "Colts 2022 Media Guide". NFL.
12. (June 23, 2008). "Iscba Announces Lucas Oil Stadium Grand Opening Events". ISCBA.
13. "Indianapolis Colts - Lucas Oil Stadium".
14. Follman, Hannah. (July 9, 2024). "New turf inside Lucas Oil Stadium ahead of upcoming Colts season".
15. "If You Build It...". [[The Indianapolis Star]].
16. (March 1, 2006). "Lucas Oil Gets Stadium Naming Rights, Colts Confirm". wrtv.com.
17. Ingerson, Meagan. (November 26, 2007). "Lucas Oil Stadium Scoreboards: 53 feet high, $11.4M Pricetag". indystar.com.
18. "Lucas Oil Stadium". Uni-Systems.
19. (2008). "Facts and Information". Lucas Oil Stadium.
20. "Super Bowl XLV Visitor Guide: Stadium". NFL.
21. (2007-12-17). "Colts announce final gate sponsor for new stadium".
22. (2007-09-24). "Huntington signs Colts sponsorship deal".
23. "Caesars Entertainment Named Sports Betting Partner and Official Casino Partner of the Indianapolis Colts".
24. "Lucas Oil Stadium A-Z Guide".
25. (December 11, 2007). "HHGregg Signs On As Lucas Oil Stadium Founding Sponsor". sportsbusinessdaily.com.
26. Coutee, Mike. (1 November 2023). "High school marching bands to compete in Grand National Championships at Lucas Oil Stadium".
27. Gutierrez, Hernan. (2023-10-20). "Bands of America takes over Lucas Oil Stadium for Super Regional".
28. (December 3, 2011). "Montee Ball's four touchdowns spark Wisconsin to Big Ten title". [[ESPN]].
29. Jackson, Cheryl V.. "Circle City Classic 2023 is bringing back football. Who's playing?".
30. Rodriguez, Kylie. (2024-07-11). "All Of The Past World Class DCI Champions, Including The Blue Devils".
31. (2022-04-25). "FDIC International returns to downtown Indy".
32. (2023-11-24). "Indiana high school state football champions to be crowned this weekend".
33. Tilley, Jenny Porter. "Here's the full list of finalists coming to ISSMA State Finals this weekend at Lucas Oil".
34. Ten Brink, Felicity. (15 March 2024). "Supercross at Lucas Oil Stadium".
35. (2025-03-04). "Lucas Oil Stadium starts transition into dirt motorcycle racing track".
36. Montgomery, Gregg. (2023-09-14). "Monster trucks to return to Lucas Oil Stadium in 2024".
37. Leuzzi, John. (February 29, 2024). "Where is the NFL combine? Why Indianapolis always hosts league's scouting showcase".
38. (2023-11-01). "National FFA Convention and Expo brings 70,000+ students to Indianapolis".
39. Cluff, Jeremy. "Future Final Four sites, dates: Where is 2025 Men's Final Four?".
40. Callahan, Rick. (July 19, 2012). "Indianapolis to make bid for 2018 Super Bowl". [[Yahoo! Finance]].
41. Lindquist, David. "Kenny Chesney will be a four-time Lucas Oil headliner".
42. Lindquist, David. "Kenny Chesney in Indianapolis: What you need to know".
43. Carroll, Will. "International Champions Cup Shines in Indy as Chelsea Beats Inter".
44. Beard, Stephen J.. "A look inside: Lucas Oil Stadium hosts the NCAA men's Final Four for a second time".
45. "One Direction at Lucas Oil Stadium".
46. Lindquist, David. "Gen gone: All passes sold for 50th gaming convention".
47. "Massive U2 Joshua Tree 2017 Tour stage takes shape at Lucas Oil".
48. Tilley, Jenny Porter. "Taylor Swift is returning to Indy for the first time in years. Here's how it went last time".
49. (2021-03-08). "Big Ten announces 2021 men's basketball tournament bracket".
50. Newcomb, Tim. "The Behind-The-Scenes Logistics Of Staging March Madness 2021".
51. Jaipuriar, Rashika. "Guns N' Roses announces newest date for Lucas Oil Stadium concert".
52. Withrow, Lauren. (2022-01-10). "2022 College Football Playoff National Championship Game Day Hub: How to Watch No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 3 Georgia".
53. Casey, Tim. "Indianapolis Prepares For Olympic Swimming Trials At Lucas Oil Stadium".
54. "National Eucharistic Congress". Indiana Convention Center.
55. Hays, Holly V.. "Taylor Swift announces she'll end the Eras Tour this year, making Indy her last U.S. stop".
56. Konuwa, Alfred. "WWE Royal Rumble 2025 Results, Winners And Grades".
57. (November 30, 2022). "#NAYC25 FAQs". UPCI Youth Ministries.
58. (June 24, 2008). "Lucas Oil Stadium Preparing For Grand Opening Events". Inside Indiana Business.
59. (August 16, 2010). "Release: Colts at Bills". Indianapolis Colts.
60. Milz, Mary. (March 31, 2008). "Colts Season Opener Puts New Stadium in National Spotlight". [[WTHR]].
61. "Box Score - Chicago Bears vs. Indianapolis Colts, September 7, 2008".
62. "Strong crowd on hand as Chelsea wins exhibition at Lucas Oil".
63. Woods, David. "Soccer at Lucas Oil: Chelsea wins 2-0 in front of 41,983".
64. Mack, Justin. (January 29, 2018). "'We can't wait to see you at our new venue.' Indy Eleven headed to Lucas Oil Stadium".
65. (Jan 4, 2021). "It's official: 2021 NCAA tournament to be played entirely in Central Indiana, Indianapolis". The Indianapolis Star.
66. (2024-07-11). "NIT, D-2, D-3 finals join 2026 Indy Final Four".
67. (2023-06-21). "NBA All-Star 2024 Host Committee Unveils Lucas Oil Stadium as Multi-Purpose Venue for NBA All-Star 2024".
68. (2025-03-06). "U.S. Swimming Trials draws record attendance".
69. Ridley, Rob. (June 4, 2025). "USA Swimming to repeat NFL stadium concept for 2028 Olympic trials".
70. Konuwa, Alfred. "WWE Royal Rumble 2025 Results, Winners And Grades".
71. Keller, Wade. (June 24, 2024). "WWE announces Indianapolis, Ind. will host WrestleMania, Summerslam, and Royal Rumble in first-of-its-kind multi-event deal with a city". [[PWTorch]].
72. Allio, Michael. (2024-06-24). "WWE bringing top three annual events to Lucas Oil Stadium in future years".
73. (August 9, 2006). "Drum Corps International Moving Headquarters, Bringing World Championships to Indianapolis". Drum Corps International.
74. (April 4, 2008). "2008 Drum Corps International World Championships Relocated to Indiana University". DCI.
75. (2015). "Drum Corps International and City of Indianapolis announce 10-year contract extension".
76. (November 12, 2011). "2011 Grand National Championships Review". Music For All.
77. Bradner, Eric. "Bands Take the Field at Lucas Oil Stadium for Annual Competition". courierpress.com.
78. (September 16, 2008). "Chesney Concert Will Be First at Lucas Oil Stadium". wthr.com.
79. (5 December 2011). "Madonna Confirmed as Halftime Act of 2012 Super Bowl".
80. (2014-11-10). "Kenny Chesney and Eric Church to play Lucas Oil Stadium May 9, 2015".
81. Lindquist, David. "One Direction embraces its future in Indianapolis".
82. Vrabel, Jeff. (2017-09-11). "Outside It's America—U2 At Lucas Oil Stadium".
83. "'Swifties' flood Lucas Oil Stadium for Taylor Swift's Reputation Tour in Indianapolis".
84. (September 16, 2018). "4 ways Taylor Swift aced her stadium challenge in Indianapolis". indystar.com.
85. "Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, Poison, Joan Jett perform in Stadium Tour at Lucas Oil Stadium".
86. Pemberton, Michelle. "Inside the Jim Irsay Collection and Jim Irsay Band concert at Lucas Oil Stadium".
87. "Morgan Wallen Kicks Off the One Night at a Time 2024 World Tour in Indianapolis".
88. Appleton, Rory. "Pink will return to Indianapolis with a 2024 Lucas Oil Stadium show featuring Sheryl Crow".
89. Lindquist, Dave. (2023-08-03). "Taylor Swift concerts announced for Lucas Oil Stadium".
90. (2008-08-11). "$720 million stadium will open with big operating deficit".
91. Eschbacher, Karen. (August 27, 2006). "Operating in the Red Zone: Stadium Plan Faces Shortfall on Day-to-Day Costs". Pacer Digest.
92. (April 3, 2009). "CIB President: Stadium Could Close If Deal Isn't Reached". WRTV.
93. Olson, Scott. (September 15, 2009). "More Layoffs, Furloughs Possible for Cash-Strapped Indianapolis CIB". Indiana Economic Digest.
94. (September 16, 2009). "Colts Letter to Fans on Lucas Oil Stadium". wthr.com.
95. Disis, Jill. "Accident at railing injures 2 fans at Colts-Raiders game".
96. "Rail collapse injures 2 at Colts game".
97. Bonesteel, Matt. (September 4, 2015). "Three fans injured during Colts game after bolt falls from Lucas Oil Stadium roof". [[The Washington Post]].
98. (September 18, 2015). "Officials: Lucas Oil Stadium safe for events with roof closed, bolt investigation continues". fox59.com.