Indianapolis has a sports gem in Lucas Oil Stadium

Referred to some as the “House that Peyton built,” Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium proudly proclaims itself the house “built by champions.” The stadium, opened in 2008, is the home of the NFL’s Colts. Peyton Manning did quarterback the team to its Super Bowl title in 2007.

The stadium hosted the National Football league’s Super Bowl in 2012, where the New York Giants defeated the previously unbeaten New England Patriots 21-17.

The stadium’s external design is among the best in the country. It doesn’t look like a typical stadium. The facility has a building look. New stadiums and arenas are going to a look away from traditional round or square styles.

The stadium’s exterior features reddish brick with Indiana limestone trim. It features large windows at one end that can be opened to show off the city’s impressive skyline.

As fans enter the stadium, they are greeted by two Top Fuel dragsters standing alongside the Colts’ horseshoe logo. Lucas Oil purchased the stadium’s naming rights when it opened.

Lucas Oil Stadium is one of the unique facilities in professional sports. It’s an indoor and outdoor stadium. The facility has a retractable roof, which can be opened. Allowing the team to play outdoors. The NFL requires 90 minutes notice before a game if the team plans to open the roof. The team will only open the roof if it’s a nice weather day.

As with most professional stadiums and arenas, pubic tours are offered. I have to admit I was impressed with both the tour and the cost ($10 per person). That’s on the very low end of the fee scale. Most places charge about $30 per person.

You get a lot for the entrance fee. The 90-minute tour takes visitors to the top floor of Lucas Oil Stadium, as well as to field level. We checked out a couple of very nice suites and lounge areas. The views of the football field and stadium were impressive. You can grab a drink and meal and watch the game from inside or sit in any of the seats assigned to the area. Regardless, fans will have a great view of the action.

As a former journalist, I get psyched for the press box section of a stadium tour. Lucas Oil Stadium has a nice set-up. They have different rooms for the visiting team’s broadcast team and the home team. There’s a specific spot for the national networks to set up their camera equipment. The stadium is wired such that the networks only need to bring their camera equipment, plug in and they’re ready to go. No need for additional wiring on their end.

The press box itself is huge. I can’t imagine a typical regular season game needing the 100+ seats. However, the stadium hosts several national events which require the space. They have hosted national basketball tournaments, as well as the Big Ten football championship. In addition to hosting sports events, Lucas Oil Stadium has hosted national marching band and drum corps contests.

People on our tour got a chuckle out of a room assigned to the NFL’s replay official’s equipment. NFL fans are aware of the controversies that tend to arise with replay review of questionable calls. Entrance to the room is strictly prohibited by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. The sign says so.

The Colts’ locker room was a popular stop on the tour. Before anyone could ask, the guide told us which locker is used by quarterback Andrew Luck. The quarterbacks share the same section of the locker room.

The locker room is large. But, 53 players, as well as coaches and staff members, take up a lot of space. Players’ personal items can be kept at their locker spot. The team’s support staff will set out the equipment and uniforms for each player on game day.

The tour took us to the Colts’ interview room. Here, the head coach and some players may answer questions following a game. Folks had fun acting as the coach in front of our “media.”

The best part of the tour was when we reached field level. We’re used to being told that we can step on the side of the field, but not on the actual playing surface. That wasn’t the case in Indianapolis. Our guide told us we could walk anywhere on the field. Our tour guide advised us that they can’t guarantee every tour will include being able to walk on the field.

I walked both end zones. I took a look at the “Red Zone,” the opponent’s 20-yard line to its end zone.

Standing on the Colts’ logo at midfield was fun. The logo has a basic design, but it works – a white helmet with a blue horseshoe on the side. Historically, the Colts franchise has been among the best in professional football.

We had a great time touring Lucas Oil Stadium. Stadium tours tend to be on our lists when visiting cities with them. If you have a sports fan in your group, we believe they’d enjoy the tour.

For more information on Lucas Oil Stadium and tours, please visit www.visitindy.com or www.lucasoilstadium.com.