Indianapolis skyline with Lucas Oil Stadium
The NFL Scouting Combine, a key event in the NFL offseason, will remain in Indianapolis for at least another year. This decision comes after much speculation about the event’s future location.
Indianapolis has been the home of the NFL Scouting Combine every year since 1987, establishing a strong tradition and familiarity for the event. However, in recent years, other cities have actively campaigned to host the Combine, leading to uncertainty about its future in Indianapolis.
NFL executive vice president of club business, international and league events, Peter O’Reilly, made the announcement on Thursday, confirming Indianapolis as the host city for 2025. He highlighted the city’s long-standing partnership with the NFL and its commitment to innovation in hosting the event.
“[Indianapolis] has continued to innovate and help us evolve both the setup for the football evaluation process as well as growing the in-person experience for football fans in the region and across the country,” said O’Reilly.
The 2024 NFL Combine, scheduled for February 29th through March 3rd, will mark the 37th consecutive year the event has been held in Indianapolis. Over 300 prospects eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft are expected to participate in workouts, athletic testing, interviews, and medical evaluations.
Indianapolis offers state-of-the-art facilities like the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, making it a prime location for the Combine. The city also benefits from its proximity to renowned sports medicine and science institutions.
The Indianapolis Colts, along with local organizations and businesses, including Visit Indy, Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium, the City of Indianapolis, IU Health, and the Indiana Sports Corp, actively advocated for the event to stay in Indianapolis.
Colts chief operating officer Pete Ward emphasized the city’s dedication to hosting a successful event.
“From our world-class facilities to our hospitality partners and proximity to sports medicine and science facilities, Indianapolis has proven time and again that it is uniquely positioned and equipped to host an event the size and magnitude of the NFL Combine,” Ward said.
The NFL Scouting Combine provides a significant economic boost to Indianapolis, with last year’s event generating a record $9.1 million in economic impact and drawing record-breaking fan attendance.
The event is free to attend, offering fans a chance to experience the excitement of the NFL Draft process firsthand. The 2024 Combine will feature a fan festival, celebrating both NFL and college football, and the Combine Experience, which allows fans to interact with NFL history and participate in interactive games.
The decision to keep the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis through 2025 underscores the city’s dedication to hosting a world-class event and its successful partnership with the NFL.
