Go horse! Sure, it’s easy to play armchair quarterback at home on Sunday afternoons, but there’s nothing like the thrill of attending an Indianapolis Colts game in person at Lucas Oil Stadium.
With seating for 67,000, this state-of-the-art showplace took shape during the Colts’ Peyton Manning era, opening just in time for the 2008 NFL season. Since then, it’s hosted tradeshows, major concerts, Indy Eleven games, the annual Circle City Classic, Big Ten Championship games, Bands of America competitions and even Super Bowl XLVI in 2012.
Here’s how to make the most of your Colts home game experience:
- Parking is fairly easy to find in paid event lots and garages throughout downtown, although visitors should expect to do a bit of walking. In inclement weather, a skywalk system that links hotels, Circle Centre Mall and the Indiana Convention Center makes it simple to reach the stadium without ever setting foot outside. Other access avenues include the Cultural Trail, e-scooters, ride shares and the Indianapolis Red Line.
- Factor in some time to party on Georgia Street and explore the fan zone outside the stadium before the game. Here, visitors can enjoy photo ops, food trucks, tons of great people watching and general Colts camaraderie. (Hardcore fans arrive early to tailgate.)
- Leave backpacks and purses at home. Lucas Oil Stadium only allows guests to enter with clear bags not larger than 12” x 6” x 12” or a one-gallon size clear plastic freezer bag. Fans may also carry in a small clutch bag or purse approximately the size of a hand. You’ll pass through a security check on the way in.
- Once inside, allow extra time to find your seats and enjoy the pre-game activities prior to kick off. The roof may or may not be open depending on the weather, but climate control assures a comfortable experience no matter what’s going on outside.
- Food and drink concessions run the gamut of hot dogs, tenderloins, fries, barbecue, pizza and ice cream with soft drinks, beer and cocktails to wash it all down. If you’re lucky enough to snag a suite invitation, you’ll get to indulge in high-quality Centerplate catering services.
- The stadium has been designed to allow crowds to navigate out after the game in a surprisingly smooth fashion. Just go with the flow, don’t get in a hurry and you’ll be fine.
Can’t make it to a game, but still want to check out the stadium? Guided 75-minute tours Monday through Friday take guests behind the scenes to see the field, the press box and a locker room.
For more information, go to Colts.com/game-day/
