The NFL scouting combine will continue to be held in Indianapolis for the next two years, according to a recent announcement. This agreement extends the hosting of the league’s primary pre-draft event through 2026. Indianapolis has been the host city for the combine since 1987 and has seen significant growth in its scope and popularity over the years.
Initially, the combine was a low-key event, but it has now become a prominent fixture on the NFL calendar. With extensive live television coverage and the inclusion of fans at Lucas Oil Stadium to observe on-field drills, the combine attracts a large audience. In fact, over 27,000 fans attended the 2024 combine, as reported by Visit Indy.
Each year, more than 300 NFL prospects, team representatives, and media members gather in Indianapolis for the combine. The city’s accessibility to medical facilities for player examinations, the close proximity of the stadium to downtown hotels, and the overall efficiency of hosting such a complex event have been key factors in the decision to keep the combine in Indianapolis.
Pete Ward, the chief operating officer of the Indianapolis Colts, emphasized the city’s capability to seamlessly manage the logistics of the combine. He noted that Indianapolis is well-equipped to handle the transportation of prospects, team personnel, medical staff, and media representatives. The Colts organization takes pride in being part of the collaborative effort to maintain the combine in Indianapolis.
The commitment to keeping the combine in Indianapolis underscores the city’s reputation as a premier host for major sporting events. The continued partnership between the NFL and Indianapolis ensures that the combine will remain a significant event for years to come, providing valuable opportunities for teams to evaluate prospects and for fans to engage with the pre-draft process.
