Home of the Indianapolis Colts!
Seen from the corner of South Street and Capitol Avenue, Lucas Oil Stadium is a sight to behold. 272 feet high makes for an imposing brick and glass wall. Here are some other stats, the history of the stadium, and some ways it is used besides hosting the Colts.
Lucas Oil Stadium
Statistics:
- Location: 500 South Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Opened: August 16, 2008
- Construction Cost: Approximately $720 million
- Capacity:
- Football: 67,000 (expandable to 70,000)
- Basketball: Up to 70,000
- Concerts: Up to 60,000
- Field Surface: FieldTurf
- Roof Type: Retractable, takes approximately 9 minutes to open or close
- Dimensions: 1.8 million square feet
- Architect: HKS, Inc.
History:
- Purpose: Constructed as a replacement for the RCA Dome to provide a modern venue for the Indianapolis Colts and other large events
- Naming Rights: Named after Lucas Oil Products, which purchased the naming rights for $121 million over 20 years
- Significant Events:
- Hosted its first NFL game on September 7, 2008, when the Indianapolis Colts played the Chicago Bears
- Venue for Super Bowl XLVI in 2012, where the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots
- Hosted the NCAA Men’s Final Four in 2010, 2015, and 2021
- Regularly hosts the Big Ten Football Championship Game since 2011
Uses Beyond Hosting the Colts:
- NCAA Tournaments: Besides hosting the Final Four, the stadium has been a site for various NCAA basketball tournament games
- College Football: Hosts the Big Ten Football Championship Game annually and occasionally other college football games, such as the Crossroads Classic basketball event
- Concerts and Entertainment: Lucas Oil Stadium serves as a major concert venue, attracting top artists and bands. It also hosts events like monster truck rallies, motocross races, and WWE events
- Conventions and Trade Shows: The stadium’s large indoor space makes it an ideal location for conventions, trade shows, and exhibitions, leveraging its central location in Indianapolis
- Community Events: Various community events, including high school football games, charity events, and public gatherings, take place at the stadium
- Economic Impact: Beyond sports and entertainment, the stadium contributes significantly to the local economy by attracting visitors and generating revenue for nearby businesses
Architectural Features:
- Retractable Roof: Allows the stadium to be used in various weather conditions and contributes to energy efficiency
- Window Wall: A large retractable window provides views of downtown Indianapolis and adds to the stadium’s aesthetic appeal
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Includes luxury suites, club seating, and modern amenities to enhance the fan experience
Lucas Oil Stadium is not only a premier venue for NFL games but also a versatile facility that hosts a wide range of events, making it a significant landmark in Indianapolis.
