Lucas Oil Stadium

Lucas Oil Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. It replaced the RCA Dome as the home field of the National Football League (NFL)'s Indianapolis Colts and opened on August 16, 2008.[11] The stadium was constructed to allow the removal of the RCA Dome and expansion of the Indiana Convention Center on its site. It is located on the south side of South Street, a block south of the former site of the RCA Dome. The stadium's naming rights belong to the Lucas Oil corporation.[12] The venue also serves as the home for the Drum Corps International Championships.

Lucas Oil Stadium
"The Luke"
"The House that Peyton Built"
Lucas Oil Stadium in 2016
Lucas Oil Stadium
Location in Indianapolis
Lucas Oil Stadium
Location in Indiana
Lucas Oil Stadium
Location in the United States
Address500 South Capitol Avenue
LocationIndianapolis, Indiana
Coordinates39°45′36.2″N 86°9′49.7″W
Public transit 24
OwnerIndiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority
(State of Indiana)[1]
OperatorCapital Improvement Board of Managers of Marion County, Indiana
Executive suites139
CapacityAmerican football: 67,000 (expandable to 70,000)[2]
Basketball: 70,000 (approx)
Marching band: 24,000 (approx)
SurfaceFieldTurf (2008–2018)
Shaw Sports Momentum Pro (2018–present)
Construction
Broke groundSeptember 20, 2005 (2005-09-20)
OpenedAugust 16, 2008 (2008-08-16)
Construction costUS$720 million[3]
($867 million in 2020 dollars[4])
ArchitectHKS, Inc.
A2so4 Architecture[5]
Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf, Inc.[6]
Project managerJohn Klipsch Consulting LLC[7]
Structural engineerWalter P Moore/Fink Roberts & Petrie[8]
Services engineerMoore Engineers PC[9][10]
General contractorHunt/Smoot/Mezzetta[3]
Tenants
Indianapolis Colts (NFL) (2008–present)
Indy Eleven (USLC) (2018–2020)

Architectural firm HKS, Inc. was responsible for the stadium's design, with Walter P Moore working as the Structural Engineer of Record. The stadium features a retractable roof and a large retractable window on one end, allowing the Colts and the Indy Eleven to play both indoors and outdoors. The field surface was originally FieldTurf, but was replaced with Shaw Sports Momentum Pro in 2018.[13] The exterior of the new stadium is faced with a reddish-brown brick trimmed with Indiana limestone, similar to several other sports venues in the area, including Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Hinkle Fieldhouse and Fairgrounds Coliseum.[14]

Name

The home field of the Indianapolis Colts for 24 seasons (1984–2007) was the RCA Dome, which was part of the Indiana Convention Center. In 2006, prior to the new stadium's construction, Lucas Oil, manufacturer and distributor of automotive oil, additives and lubricants, secured the naming rights for the stadium at a cost of $122 million over the next 20 years.[12]

Features
Interior of Lucas Oil Stadium

Lucas Oil Stadium has a seating capacity of 67,000,[3] and covers approximately 1.8 million square feet (170,000 m2). The stadium offers 139 suites, two club lounges, two exhibit halls and 12 meeting rooms. There are also 360-degree ribbon boards and two 53-foot (16 m) tall HD video boards.[15] An underground walkway directly connects the stadium to the Indiana Convention Center.[14]

Other features include:

  • 183,000 square feet (17,000 m2) of exhibit space
  • 7 locker rooms
  • 11 indoor truck docks
  • 14 escalators
  • 11 passenger elevators
  • 2 accessible pedestrian ramps

Retractable roof

The stadium's retractable roof can open or close in about 11 minutes. It is composed of two panels that each weigh 2.5 million pounds (1,100,000 kg).[16][3] The home team determines if the roof is to be opened or closed 90 minutes before kickoff.[3]

Retractable window
Visitors can view the Indianapolis skyline through the northeast retractable window.

The retractable north window offers a view of downtown Indianapolis during games, concerts and other events due to the stadium's angled position on the city block.[17][16]

Gate sponsorship

The four gates leading into Lucas Oil Stadium are each named for a sponsoring corporation:

The ground-level concourses of their respective gates feature banners and floor coverings with the corporations' logos, advertisements and merchandise displays.[19]

Events
Super Bowl XLVI post-game celebrations in 2012
Lucas Oil Stadium configured to host the 2015 NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four

Annual events include:

  • Bands of America Grand National Championships and Indianapolis Super Regionals
  • Big Ten Football Championship Game[20]
  • Circle City Classic
  • Drum Corps International World Championships
  • FDIC International (Firefighting Convention)
  • IHSAA Indiana State Football Championships
  • ISSMA Band State Finals
  • Monster Energy Supercross
  • Monster Jam
  • NFL Draft Combine
  • National FFA Convention

Upcoming events include:

Significant past events included:

Football

The first games played at Lucas Oil Stadium occurred on August 22, 2008, and were part of the PeyBack Classic, featuring Indiana high school football games between Noblesville High School and Fishers High School in Game 1, followed by New Palestine High School and Whiteland Community High School in Game 2.[22] On November 26, 2008, Cardinal Ritter High School became the first high school to win a state championship on the field, beating Sheridan High School 34–27 for the class A state title. The Colts faced the Chicago Bears in a rematch of Super Bowl XLI in their first regular season game in the stadium.[23]

Soccer

The stadium hosted its first soccer game on August 1, 2013, when Chelsea played Inter Milan in a first-round game of the International Champions Cup, drawing 41,983 fans.[24]

Date Winning Team Result Losing Team Tournament Spectators
August 1, 2013 Chelsea2–0 Inter Milan2013 International Champions Cup First Round41,983

From 2018 to 2020, Lucas Oil Stadium served as the home field of the United Soccer League's Indy Eleven, replacing the venue the team used while in the North American Soccer League, Carroll Stadium.[25]

Basketball

In March 2021, various rounds of the 2021 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament were moved to Lucas Oil Stadium as part of the NCAA's decision to consolidate the tournament into sites in Indiana. Lucas Oil hosted games in all rounds (except the "First Four"), including the Final Four and championship game every 5 years up until 2040.[26]

Entertainment

On August 9, 2006, Drum Corps International (DCI) announced that it would move its corporate offices to Indianapolis and that the DCI World Championships would be the inaugural event for the stadium and would be held at Lucas Oil Stadium every year through 2018.[27] In 2015, Drum Corps International and the city of Indianapolis announced a 10-year contract extension, allowing the World Championships to continue through 2028.[28] The competition was held for the first time at Lucas Oil Stadium in 2009.[29]

Other regular events include the Bands of America Grand National Championships[30] and the Indiana Marching Band State Finals,[31] both major events for the city in marching band competitions.

Concerts
Date Artist Opening Act(s) Tour / Concert Name Attendance Revenue Notes
September 13, 2008Kenny ChesneyKeith Urban
LeAnn Rimes
Gary Allan
Luke Bryan
Sammy Hagar		The Poets and Pirates Tour50,528 / 50,528$3,835,609The stadium's first public concert.[32]
September 19, 2009Kenny ChesneyMiranda Lambert
Sugarland
Montgomery Gentry
Zac Brown Band		Sun City Carnival Tour45,178 / 45,178$3,016,365
July 28, 2012Kenny Chesney
Tim McGraw		Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Jake Owen		Brothers of the Sun Tour41,671 / 43,864$3,509,151
May 9, 2015Kenny Chesney
Eric Church		Brantley Gilbert
Chase Rice
Old Dominion		The Big Revival Tour43,675 / 44,872$4,064,335
July 31, 2015One DirectionIcona PopOn the Road Again Tour42,196 / 42,196$3,426,589
September 10, 2017U2BeckThe Joshua Tree Tour 201751,731 / 51,731$5,970,055
September 15, 2018Taylor SwiftCamila Cabello
Charli XCX		Taylor Swift's Reputation Stadium Tour55,729 / 55,729$6,531,245Highest attended concert at the stadium.[33]
September 8, 2021Guns N' RosesMammoth WVHGuns N' Roses 2020 Tour
August 16, 2022Mötley Crüe
Def Leppard		Poison
Joan Jett
Classless Act		The Stadium Tour--An intoxicated fan was hospitalized after falling from a balcony during Mötley Crüe's set.

Financing

The total cost of Lucas Oil Stadium was $720 million. The stadium is being financed with funds raised by the State of Indiana and the City of Indianapolis, with the Indianapolis Colts providing $100 million. Marion County has raised taxes for food and beverage sales, auto rental taxes, innkeeper's taxes, and admission taxes for its share of the costs. Meanwhile, there has been an increase in food and beverage taxes in the eight surrounding doughnut counties (with the exception of Morgan County) and the sale of Colts license plates.[3]

The County Commissioners of each county voted whether to levy the 1% food and beverage tax proposed by Marion County. Sweetening the deal for those counties was the fact that half of the revenue from the tax would stay in the respective county. Morgan County was the only county to turn down the offer, yet in a later vote, it levied its own 1% tax – thus keeping all of its additional generated revenue.

Budget shortfall

In August 2006, the Capital Improvement Board, which operates the stadium, estimated that daily operating expenses of the new stadium would be $10 million more per year than the RCA Dome. The board urged the Indiana General Assembly to authorize funding to cover the shortfall.[34] The Indiana Legislature considered a bill to raise sales taxes statewide to cover the shortfall, however this plan faced stiff opposition from legislators outside the Indianapolis metro area.[35]

The assembly ultimately authorized a tax increase in Indianapolis-Marion County. In addition, the CIB trimmed staff and cut $10 million from its budget. Still, the agency anticipated a $20 million operating deficit for Lucas Oil Stadium in 2009. Anticipated expenses are $27.7 million—far outstripping the $7.7 million CIB expects to collect from its share of revenue from stadium events.[36] The Colts organization has been criticized for the favorable lease terms and the high percentage of revenue it can keep under the terms of its agreements with the stadium authorities and there have been calls for the team to cover the shortfalls of the CIB. The Colts responded to these criticisms in an open letter to fans on September 16, 2009.[37]

Complications

On September 8, 2013, after the Colts defeated the Oakland Raiders in the season opener, a rail over the opposing team tunnel collapsed, injuring two fans. One fan was transferred to the hospital for evaluation. No serious injuries were reported.

On September 3, 2015, three fans were injured by a bolt that fell from the roof of the stadium as it was being opened during an NFL preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals.[38] The stadium was pronounced safe by officials, but the roof remained closed for events until a final investigation was completed as to why the bolt fell.[39]

Construction pictures
  • Early phases of construction
  • Satellite image
  • Mid-stage of construction

See also
  • List of current National Football League stadiums
  • List of American football stadiums by capacity
  • List of music venues
  • List of attractions and events in Indianapolis
  • List of tallest buildings in Indianapolis
  • List of tallest buildings in Indiana

References
  1. "About ISCBA". State of Indiana. Archived from the original on December 10, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  2. Chappel, Mike (August 1, 2012). "Indianapolis Colts: Team Will Turn to Single-Game Tickets in Chase for Sellouts". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved September 6, 2012.
  3. "Facts and Information". Lucas Oil Stadium. 2008. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  4. Johnston, Louis; Williamson, Samuel H. (2022). "What Was the U.S. GDP Then?". MeasuringWorth. Retrieved February 12, 2022. United States Gross Domestic Product deflator figures follow the Measuring Worth series.
  5. "Lucas Oil Stadium". A2SO4. Archived from the original on April 2, 2012. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  6. "Lucas Oil Stadium". Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf, Inc. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved February 6, 2014.
  7. "Lucas Oil Stadium – Home of the Indianapolis Colts". John Klipsch Consulting LLC. Archived from the original on February 21, 2014. Retrieved February 6, 2014.
  8. "Lucas Oil Stadium". Emporis. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  9. "Super Bowl XLVI/Lucas Oil Stadium". ArchDaily. February 5, 2012. Retrieved October 19, 2012.
  10. "Indianapolis International Airport Receives the 2009 Monumental Award". Kibi.org. November 19, 2009. Archived from the original on January 14, 2010. Retrieved October 19, 2012.
  11. "Iscba Announces Lucas Oil Stadium Grand Opening Events" (Press release). ISCBA. June 23, 2008. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  12. "Lucas Oil Gets Stadium Naming Rights, Colts Confirm". WRTV. wrtv.com. March 1, 2006. Archived from the original on January 4, 2013. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  13. "Indianapolis Colts - Lucas Oil Stadium".
  14. "If You Build It..." (PDF). The Indianapolis Star. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 14, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  15. Ingerson, Meagan (November 26, 2007). "Lucas Oil Stadium Scoreboards: 53 feet high, $11.4M Pricetag". The Indianapolis Star. indystar.com. Archived from the original on November 28, 2007. Retrieved November 26, 2007.
  16. "Lucas Oil Stadium". Uni-Systems. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  17. "Super Bowl XLV Visitor Guide: Stadium". NFL. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  18. "Lucas Oil Stadium A-Z Guide". Retrieved March 31, 2021.
  19. "HHGregg Signs On As Lucas Oil Stadium Founding Sponsor". SportsBusiness Daily. sportsbusinessdaily.com. December 11, 2007. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  20. "Montee Ball's Four Touchdowns Spark Wisconsin to Big Ten Title". ESPN. Associated Press. December 3, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  21. Callahan, Rick (July 19, 2012). "Indianapolis to make bid for 2018 Super Bowl". Yahoo! Finance. Retrieved October 19, 2012.
  22. "Lucas Oil Stadium Preparing For Grand Opening Events". Indiana Stadium and Convention Building Authority (Press release). Inside Indiana Business. June 24, 2008. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  23. Milz, Mary (March 31, 2008). "Colts Season Opener Puts New Stadium in National Spotlight". WTHR. wthr.com. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  24. "Guinness International Champion Cup Teams, Venues, and Bracket Announced". internationalchampionscup.com. Archived from the original on June 28, 2013. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
  25. Mack, Justin (January 29, 2018). "'We can't wait to see you at our new venue.' Indy Eleven headed to Lucas Oil Stadium".
  26. Benbow, Dana Hunsinger; Doyel, Gregg; Osterman, Zach. "It's official: 2021 NCAA tournament to be played entirely in Central Indiana, Indianapolis". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
  27. "Drum Corps International Moving Headquarters, Bringing World Championships to Indianapolis" (Press release). Drum Corps International. August 9, 2006. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  28. "Drum Corps International (DCI) News".
  29. "2008 Drum Corps International World Championships Relocated to Indiana University" (Press release). DCI. April 4, 2008. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  30. "2011 Grand National Championships Review" (Press release). Music For All. November 12, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  31. Bradner, Eric. "Bands Take the Field at Lucas Oil Stadium for Annual Competition". Evansville Courier & Press. courierpress.com. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  32. "Chesney Concert Will Be First at Lucas Oil Stadium". WTHR. wthr.com. September 16, 2008. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  33. "4 ways Taylor Swift aced her stadium challenge in Indianapolis". IndyStar. indystar.com. September 16, 2018. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  34. Eschbacher, Karen (August 27, 2006). "Operating in the Red Zone: Stadium Plan Faces Shortfall on Day-to-Day Costs". The Indianapolis Star. Pacer Digest. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  35. "CIB President: Stadium Could Close If Deal Isn't Reached". WRTV. April 3, 2009. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  36. Olson, Scott (September 15, 2009). "More Layoffs, Furloughs Possible for Cash-Strapped Indianapolis CIB". Indianapolis Business Journal. Indiana Economic Digest. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  37. "Colts Letter to Fans on Lucas Oil Stadium". WTHR. wthr.com. September 16, 2009. Retrieved January 10, 2012.
  38. Bonesteel, Matt (September 4, 2015). "Three fans injured during Colts game after bolt falls from Lucas Oil Stadium roof". The Washington Post. Retrieved September 19, 2015.
  39. "Officials: Lucas Oil Stadium safe for events with roof closed, bolt investigation continues". Fox 59. fox59.com. September 18, 2015. Retrieved September 19, 2015.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lucas Oil Stadium.
Events and tenants
Preceded by
RCA Dome
 Home of the
Indianapolis Colts
2008–present		 Succeeded by
current
Preceded by
Carroll Stadium
 Home of the
Indy Eleven
2018–present		 Succeeded by
current
Preceded by Host of
Super Bowl XLVI
2012		 Succeeded by
Preceded by NCAA Men's Division I
Basketball Tournament
Finals Venue
2010
2015
2021
2026		 Succeeded by
Preceded by

Amalie Arena
 NCAA Women's Division I
Basketball Tournament
Finals Venue
2016		 Succeeded by

American Airlines Center
Preceded by
first stadium
 Host of the
Big Ten Championship Game
2011–present		 Succeeded by
current
Preceded by
RCA Dome
 Home of
Bands of America
Grand National Championship
2008–present		 Succeeded by
current
Preceded by

Memorial Stadium, Bloomington
 Home of the
Drum Corps International
World Championship
2009–2028		 Succeeded by

current
Preceded by
RCA Dome
 Home of the
NFL Scouting Combine
2009–present		 Succeeded by
current
Preceded by Host of
AFC Championship Game
2010		 Succeeded by
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.