NFL: Indy Has ‘Everything We Need’ For Combine
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowFormer Indianapolis Colts president and current ESPN analyst Bill Polian says Lucas Oil Stadium is "the best venue you could have" for the NFL Combine, which continues today in Indianapolis. The prospective player evaluation event is under contract with Indianapolis through 2020, and Polian says "football people" tell him they don’t want the combine to leave the city. NFL Director of Events Nicki Ewell calls Indy a "great market," and expects tens of thousands of fans to attend the free NFL Combine Experience.
Polian says Lucas Oil Stadium was built with events like the combine in mind. He says the stadium’s design and proximity to other facilities allows teams to be efficient with their time. Ewell agrees, saying Indianapolis is easy to get to for the other NFL teams. She says it also offers medical facilities and hotels that are close to the stadium.
Visit Indy Vice President Chris Gahl told Inside INdiana Business earlier this week the combine’s economic impact will likely hit $10 million, which is double the level of a decade ago. Last year’s edition began incorporating more fan-friendly aspects at the Indiana Convention Center, including the free NFL Combine Experience. It also offers limited fan access to the testing itself at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The NFL Combine Experience runs through Sunday. Player evaluations continue through Monday.
Polian says Lucas Oil Stadium is the “best venue you could have for the combine”.
Ewell says there is a lot to like about Indy for the NFL.