Since 1987, Indianapolis has been the permanent host of the NFL Scouting Combine, becoming not just a venue, but also a custom for the National Football League.
The recent announcement that this iconic event will remain in Indianapolis through 2026 serves as an exciting continuation of a longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship between the city and the league.
The NFL announces Indianapolis will host the 2025 and 2026 Scouting Combine
Over the past several years, Indianapolis has gone above and beyond to enhance the Combine experience for its fans.
The NFL Combine Experience and Inside Look at Lucas Oil Stadium have drawn more than 27,200 fans to experience this singular event up close.
Notably, the city’s commitment to investing in enjoyable activities for the fans has added a new layer of appeal to the event, making it a family-friendly outing that draws interest from locals and visitors alike.
the NFL management opened up other cities to bid for the right to organize its annual Scouting Combine since 2021.
However, Indianapolis managed to reasserted itself by being awarded the 2023 and 2024 Combines. The recent announcement that the same city will be organizing the 2025 and 2026 events, in addition to previous two years, once again cement its position in the heart of the NFL offseason.
Indianapolis’ ability to resist such bids from other cities showcases its stronger logistical management and the confidence it commands from the NFL.
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This is not merely based on its history, but also on systems that work to produce the same outcome year after year.
“Indianapolis is uniquely designed and built to host an event as complex as the NFL Combine,” Colts Chief Operating Officer Pete Ward said. “Efficiently moving prospects, team owners, coaching staff, medical personnel, and national media is seamlessly done in Indy, and the Colts are proud to be part of the team keeping the event in our city.”
According to Peter O’Reilly, who is the NFL’s executive vice president for club business, international and league events, this partnership has been a great source of happiness. “Indianapolis has a beautiful relationship with the NFL Combine,” he said.
“so we’re thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with Visit Indy, the Indianapolis Colts, and the local community for this 2026 event,” “Our partners in Indy have successfully hosted the football evaluation process for decades, and recently, we’ve collectively worked to grow and evolve the in-person fan experience, bringing tens of thousands of fans closer to the league’s future stars.”
The city’s official tourism body Visit Indy has also been pivotal in ensuring friendly collaborations. Chris Gahl, executive vice president and chief marketing officer pointed out that the city is always enhancing the experience of the Combine for its fans and visitors alike.
“We appreciate the NFL’s continued commitment and interest in Indy and the Colts’ ongoing partnership,” Chris Gahl, executive vice president & chief marketing officer for Visit Indy, said. ”We know Indy is always on audition, striving to keep the event in our city. We are constantly looking to improve and grow the Combine to enhance the fan-facing experience for visitors and fans.”
In light of the 2025 and 2026 Combines it is quite clear that Indianapolis intends to outperform even the most ambitious expectations in its capacity as the host city.
From February 27 to March 2 2025, the event will leave its fans elated with an engaging experience on offer including the likes of the NFL Combine Experience and an Inside Look.
