Lucas Oil Stadium is the home of the Indianapolis Colts and one of the most distinctive buildings in downtown Indianapolis, with a retractable roof and a huge window that can open to the skyline. On a public stadium tour you get to see the places fans never normally see. The walking tour lasts about an hour and, depending on availability, takes in the field itself, an NFL locker room, the press box and other areas usually off limits, while a guide explains the stadium's architecture, its history and the big events it has hosted. It is a straightforward, informative way to spend an hour, and it suits sports fans of any age, especially children who follow football. Tours are limited by the event calendar, so the stadium is not always open to visitors, and the schedule is published month by month. If your trip coincides with a game or a concert, you will probably not be able to tour that day, but you might choose to attend the event instead.
Schedule and tickets
Public tours typically run on Fridays at 11am, 1pm and 3pm, with extra days sometimes added, excluding event days and holidays. Tickets go on sale about two weeks before each tour date and can be bought at the stadium ticket office or through Ticketmaster until the tour starts or sells out. Adults pay about $20, while seniors aged 65 and over, children aged 4 to 12 and military with ID pay about $15, and children aged three and under are free with a paying adult.
The stadium says tours may be cancelled at any time and routes can change with the event schedule, and a pause on public tours was announced for part of this winter, so check the stadium's website for the dates open on your trip.
Practical details
The tour meets at the Southeast Entrance, next to the ticket office near Merrill Street and Capitol Avenue. The NFL clear bag policy applies and everyone passes through security screening. Still photography is allowed, but video and live streaming are not. The tour is on foot for about an hour, the stadium has ramps, escalators and elevators, and strollers and mobility devices are accommodated, so wear comfortable shoes. Private tours for groups can be requested at least two weeks ahead.
Making the most of it
Lucas Oil Stadium is within walking distance of many downtown hotels, including the Omni Severin and The Alexander, and Gainbridge Fieldhouse is a few blocks away. Pair the tour with lunch downtown and the Indiana State Museum, or with a visit to the Speedway if you are a general sports fan. Football fans who would rather see the stadium in action can look at tickets to a Colts home game.
What to expect
The experience
A guided hour-long walking tour of the stadium, including the field, a locker room and the press box.
Best time
A Friday tour slot when the schedule shows one, outside the football season rush.
How long
About an hour.
Tips
Tickets go on sale two weeks ahead, tours do not run on event days, and the clear bag policy applies.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Football and sports fans, and families with sports-mad children.
- Families
- Children aged 4 to 12 pay a reduced price, and under-fours are free.
- Couples
- A quick behind-the-scenes hour before lunch downtown.
- Pair with
- Gainbridge Fieldhouse next door, or a Colts game on another trip.
- Time needed
- One hour.
Good questions
When are Lucas Oil Stadium tours?+
Public tours typically run on Fridays at 11am, 1pm and 3pm, with extra days added from time to time. They do not run on event days or holidays.
How much is a Lucas Oil Stadium tour?+
Adults pay about $20. Seniors, children aged 4 to 12 and military with ID pay about $15, and young children are free.
What do you see on the Lucas Oil Stadium tour?+
Depending on availability, the field, an NFL locker room, the press box and other areas normally closed to the public.
Where does the tour meet?+
At the Southeast Entrance, next to the ticket office near Merrill Street and Capitol Avenue.
How far ahead should I book the tour?+
Tickets go on sale about two weeks before each tour date, so check the schedule and buy early for popular days.
