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True Blue

Official Review by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Co-Founder

Indianapolis has the best downtown sports scene in the United States. Every venue in Indianapolis is top notch, and a trip to see the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium is no different. In fact, it may be the best sports experience in the world. That may seem like hyperbole, but go to a Colts game and you will agree that it is a top notch venue.

Lucas Oil Stadium opened in time for the 2008 season. It is the second smallest venue in the NFL in terms of overall capacity (62,421), but can be expanded for events up to 70,000 fans. The stadium has already hosted a Final Four (2010), and will once again host the college basketball event in 2015. The stadium is also the host of the Big Ten Football Championship game through 2015.

Lucas Oil Stadium was host to the 2012 Super Bowl. For as new as this facility it is, there is already plenty of history here.

The venue has a retractable roof with a window that opens to a view of downtown Indianapolis. The decision of whether or not the roof is open is made at least 90 minutes before kickoff, although the team will try to make the decision and announce to fans somewhere between 2-3 hours before kickoff. The roof is able to open or close in under 11 minutes. The goal is for fans to know whether or not they may want to bring a jacket or sweatshirt with them or leave it in the car.

Food & Beverage    4

The Colts offer more than 350 points of sale for food and beverage on gameday. You should not expect to wait in line very long and there is a wide variety of options available. A full listing of all of the available concessions and their proximity to each section can be found in the Colts fan guide, which can be downloaded or picked up at Guest Services. It's a helpful tool to ensure you miss as little time as possible in finding what you want while at the game.

While there is plenty of selection and convenience, Lucas Oil Stadium is missing that one signature food item to really set it apart. When visiting a new venue, having something that expresses the local products is important. Since corn, pork, and beef are some of the most prominent agricultural products of Indiana, I would love to see the menu reflect something that would incorporate that. Perhaps a "Colts Burger" with beef, ham, a local cheese, and corn salsa should be on the menu.

That lone wish aside, there is plenty to like to keep tummies happy throughout the game. The homestyle pot roast sandwich ($8) is an interesting and tasty item. I can also recommend the Eisenberg Black Angus hot dog ($5.25), pork tenderloin sandwich ($9), bbq pork sandwich ($8), and deli sandwich as good options.

Pizza is provided by Papa John's ($8). There are also vegetarian and gluten free options available on each of the three concourse levels.

Coca-Cola is the soft drink of choice at Lucas Oil Stadium. A souvenir-sized cup is $5.50. You can also find Dasani water ($3.50). Iced tea ($4.50), coffee, hot chocolate, and cappuccino ($3 each) are on hand as well.

The standard draft beer is available at most concession stands ($7.50). The "Touchdown Tavern," a full service bar, is located in at least six different locations on each concourse.

Atmosphere    5

Outside of Lucas Oil Stadium, there is a small "American Family Fan Zone" along South Street where there are kids games set up, a stage featuring a live band, and also adult beverages available. It's free to enter and definitely worth a stop if you have any kids with you.

The gates to the stadium open two hours before kickoff, and there is plenty to see inside. The tradition of racing is honored along the lower concourse both by some of the concession stands, but more noticeably by the full sized race cars found throughout. There is also a live stage where music is performed until 30 minutes before kickoff.

Once you find your seat, you will be sitting comfortably. Leg room is better than average and there is a cupholder for each of the blue plastic seats. There are a few white seats which are part of the Colt's horseshoe logo which is found in section 453.

There are two HD scoreboards in opposing corners, each with a 97x37 foot screen. They are massive and sharp and easily visible even from the far opposite corner. As opposed to the large scoreboard hanging at Cowboys Stadium, these screens in no way distract from the play on the field, making the entire stadium and viewing experience feel much more open. You will also find occasional game stats, and like many NFL stadiums these days, fantasy football stats throughout the contest, as well as scores of other games.

If you like an elevated view of the game around the 50 yard line, then section 640 should be the ideal location to sit. One of the great things about seeing the NFL live is the ability to see pass patterns develop, and this spot will put you in the catbird seat for a great overall perspective.

NFL commercial timeouts feel short when you're at home - just enough time to make it to the fridge or bathroom - but in person, they seem really drawn out. The Colts do a good job of filling that time with on-field announcements or video highlights on the scoreboards.

Neighborhood    5

All of the sports venues in Indianapolis are very centrally located, so you may consider trying to find a date where you can see a doubleheader. The AAA Indianapolis Indians play at nearby Victory Field, and the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever play just up the street at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. On my recent visit, I made the six mile trip north to Butler to see the football team play at the Butler Bowl. Later in the season you may want to time your visit to see the Butler basketball team at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse. Of course there is also the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home to the Indy 500 and the NASCAR Brickyard 400. Whenever you visit Indianapolis, there is sure to be a great sporting event to see.

The location of Lucas Oil Stadium is ideal. Just south of downtown, there is plenty of parking for tailgating, but you can easily walk to one of the many excellent bars or restaurants to spend time before the game.

One personal favorite is St. Elmo Steakhouse, located on Illinois Street. It's a fine dining establishment and you will want to make reservations in advance if attending on gameday, although you can also feel comfortable in a football jersey sitting at the small bar before or after the game as well. They have local beers and really great food. On my most recent visit I tried the prime rib slider and it was fantastic. They are also famous for their shrimp cocktail.

Across the street is the RAM Brewery. This is a reliably good chain with their own beers and good burgers and sandwiches. They have plenty of TVs to stay up to date on the latest NFL games that you may be interested in.

Fans    5

Indiana may be known most for basketball, but these fans love their Indianapolis Colts. Each game is a major event throughout the state, and you can see the passion and appreciation for their team on gameday. Tailgating occurs not only in the lots of the Colts, but throughout the city in lots and alleys stretching for a mile from Lucas Oil Stadium.

I was surprised to see as many, and perhaps more Andrew Luck jerseys than I did Peyton Manning jerseys among the crowd. This group is clearly embracing its future. That doesn't mean that they aren't proud of their past though, and even Peyton Manning's image up on the big screen will get the crowd buzzing. During my visit, Edgerrin James was inducted into the Colts Ring of Honor, and during a video montage Peyton was seen congratulating his former teammate and the crowd went absolutely nuts.

The contrast in the level of noise between when the team is on offense or defense is astounding. This is partially a carryover of the Peyton Manning era when he would make calls from the line of scrimmage, so the crowd has been trained over the years to be quiet when watching the offense. The only time you will hear the crowd is after a big play, when the announcer calls, "That's an Indianapolis Colts..." and the crowd responds exuberantly, "FIRST DOWN!"

On defense the crowd can be menacing, but they are far from hostile. On the contrary, Colts fans are very hospitable to visiting fans and you won't see anything more than good natured ribbing toward opposing fans. You can feel comfortable wearing your team's jersey if you are following them on the road.

Speaking of jerseys, Colts fans may wear more Colts jerseys per capita than any other venue I have seen. It's a vast array of current and former greats, although the fans seem to prefer donning the numbers of current players, something the marketing department surely appreciates.

Access    5

Parking will cost you as much as $40 to park right next to the stadium. If the weather is nice, and you don't mind the walk, then consider moving further away to save some money. The prices quickly drop to $25, then $20, and so on. I parked at a garage at the corner of Missouri and Washington for $15. This put me near the State Capitol building, and within a reasonable walk of a little less than a mile to Lucas Oil Stadium. It also meant that I was fairly close to the highway so I could make a quick getaway after the game.

A quick getaway is relative of course, and like many NFL games there will be some slow movement to get you back on the road. My suggestion is to give yourself an hour of leisure time rather than trying to rush out through the mob. That recommendation made, the traffic is far from unbearable.

Inside the stadium the concourses are wide and easy to navigate. There are plenty of restrooms, including 26 family restrooms, and each facility is clean. I was surprised that every restroom was not equipped with motion sensors on the sinks and toilets. That seems like an upgrade that could be made in the future. However, you won't see much of a line, even at halftime because of the abundance of restrooms.

The facility is very much handicap accessible as well, with plenty of ramps and elevators to get fans where they need to go.

Return on Investment    5

The Colts come in above the NFL average on the Fan Cost Index, but luckily it is still worth what you will pay. The Colts were 10th in total Fan Cost Index for 2012 with an average ticket price just over $85. Their food and drink comes in below NFL averages, and programs are free, which definitely adds to the overall value.

There is no doubt that an NFL game experience is an investment, but this is one investment that is well worth the money you will spend.

Extras    5

The Colts receive extra points for the friendliness of staff. I am always amazed that all sports facilities aren't filled with helpful and friendly staff, but the fact is it just isn't the case. I interacted with 20 different staff members during my most recent visit at Lucas Oil Stadium, and each one was friendly and helpful. The Colts should be commended for the training and selection of their team.

The city of Indianapolis deserves an extra bonus point as well. It truly has become a downtown sports destination. Fans who love to travel with sports destinations in mind should include Indianapolis at the very top of their list.

The Colts offer a mobile app that is compatible with Apple products, Blackberry, or Android devices which gives fans real-time statistics. There are staff located on each concourse specifically devoted to helping fans use or download this app. The building also features free Wi-Fi.

The Guest Services booth offers giveaways to fans who are attending their first Colts game, or who are celebrating a birthday. It is always a good idea to stop by Guest Relations when you see a new venue, and Lucas Oil Stadium is no exception.

Finally, an extra point for the decision to make this venue small and comfortable. The Colts weren't greedy when they built this $720 million structure. They certainly had the fan in mind and a great fan experience is exactly what you'll get when you attend a Colts game.

Final Thoughts

Lucas Oil Stadium was ranked as the best stadium experience by Stadium Journey Magazine in 2011. I was curious if the end of the Peyton Manning era would affect the overall experience, and there is little doubt that this is still one of the best venues in all of sports. A trip to Indianapolis for a game is a good idea regardless of what team you are coming to see. A trip to Indianapolis to see the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium is a great idea indeed.

Other than good natured ribbing by Colts fans. I t is magnificent. But do miss old dome. Jets fans o

Other than good natured ribbing by Colts fans. I t is magnificent. But do miss old dome. Jets fans out rank Cincinnati as bad fans.

by colts48 | Oct 15, 2010 11:31 AM

Detroit

Ford Field in Detroit hosted Super Bowl 40, which was between Minneapolis and Indy.

by ghenson | Oct 05, 2012 04:08 PM

@ghenson

Thanks. Missed that one. Updated article...

by paul | Oct 05, 2012 06:17 PM

@ghenson?

Detroit hosted Pittsburgh and Seattle. Indianapolis played their 2 Super Bowls in Miami, against Chicago and New Orleans.

by 19mike59 | Oct 05, 2012 06:59 PM

Yup

This is by far the best stadium in the NFL, even if it does look like a barn on the outside. I'm extremely proud to be a die-hard Colts fan.

by terrifyingtoads | Oct 10, 2012 04:33 PM

indy

This stadium is the coolest looking stadium ever I have been to soooo many Colts games and i have not had one bad experience.Tailgating s very fun too because the fans there are amazing.

by imax1234 | Dec 16, 2012 10:26 AM

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