Watching the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium is the most direct way to see Indianapolis at full volume. The team plays its home games in the downtown stadium on the south side of the Mile Square, with a retractable roof that keeps the game indoors when it rains or snows and a huge window that opens onto the skyline on good days. A game day is more than the game: crowds in blue and white fill the streets around the stadium, bars near the stadium and Mass Ave are lively before kick-off, and the whole downtown has an event-day buzz that makes it worth planning your hotel and dinner around. The football season runs from early autumn into the winter months, so a trip in November or December usually offers a chance to catch a home game, depending on the schedule. A ticket for a game takes about four hours from arrival to departure, once you account for security and the walk, and it suits football fans, groups of friends and families with older children.
Tickets and price
Tickets for a Colts game start from about $106 and rise with demand, opponent and seat location. Which home games are on depends on the NFL schedule, so check the fixture list for your dates before you book, and avoid assuming a specific weekend has a home game. Expect hotel prices to rise on game weekends, particularly downtown, so book your room early.
Getting there and what to expect
Lucas Oil Stadium is walkable from downtown hotels such as the Omni Severin, The Alexander and the Hampton Inn across from Circle Centre, and it is close to the convention center and Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The NFL clear bag policy applies and everyone goes through security, so travel light and arrive early to avoid queues. Driving is possible, with downtown garages and surface lots that fill up, so walking from your hotel is far easier.
Making the most of it
Arrive early, soak up the pre-game atmosphere, and plan dinner after the game, as downtown restaurants are busy. On days without a home game, the stadium offers public tours on selected days, and Gainbridge Fieldhouse is a short walk away for a Pacers game in the basketball season. Dress for the weather outside the stadium, as queues and the walk are outdoors even though the roof can be closed.
What to expect
The experience
An NFL home game for the Indianapolis Colts in a downtown stadium with a retractable roof.
Best time
A home game weekend in the football season, with pre-game time to enjoy the atmosphere.
How long
About four hours including arrival and security.
Tips
Check the home schedule first, book your hotel early, travel light and walk from a downtown hotel.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Football fans and groups wanting a big-event evening.
- Families
- Fine for older children who like football, but the day is long and crowded.
- Couples
- Make a night of it with dinner downtown after the game.
- Pair with
- A Lucas Oil Stadium tour on a non-game day, or dinner on Mass Ave.
- Time needed
- Four hours.
Good questions
How much are Colts tickets?+
Tickets start from about $106 and rise with the opponent and seat location.
How long is a Colts game?+
Allow about four hours from arrival to departure, including security and the walk.
Can I walk to Lucas Oil Stadium from downtown hotels?+
Yes, several downtown hotels are within a short walk, which is the easiest way to arrive.
Is Lucas Oil Stadium covered?+
It has a retractable roof, so games can be played indoors in poor weather.
Which dates are Colts home games?+
They depend on the NFL schedule, so check the fixture list for your trip before booking.
