History of Lucas Oil Stadium in Timeline

Lucas Oil Stadium, located in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, is a multi-purpose stadium that opened on August 16, 2008. It serves as the home field for the Indianapolis Colts (NFL), replacing the RCA Dome. Its construction facilitated the removal of the RCA Dome and the expansion of the Indiana Convention Center. The stadium is situated south of South Street, near the former RCA Dome site, and its naming rights are held by Lucas Oil corporation.

August 9, 2006: DCI Corporate Office Move Announcement

On August 9, 2006, Drum Corps International (DCI) announced it would move its corporate offices to Indianapolis and that the DCI World Championships would be held at Lucas Oil Stadium every year through 2018.

August 2006: Operating Expenses Estimate

In August 2006, the Capital Improvement Board estimated that the operating expenses of the new stadium would be $10 million more per year than the RCA Dome, urging the Indiana General Assembly to authorize funding.

2006: Lucas Oil Naming Rights Secured

In 2006, Lucas Oil secured the naming rights for the stadium for $122 million over 20 years.

2007: Last Colts Season at RCA Dome

2007 marked the Indianapolis Colts' last season at the RCA Dome before moving to Lucas Oil Stadium.

August 16, 2008: Lucas Oil Stadium Opening

On August 16, 2008, Lucas Oil Stadium officially opened in downtown Indianapolis, replacing the RCA Dome as the home field for the Indianapolis Colts.

August 22, 2008: PeyBack Classic Games

On August 22, 2008, Lucas Oil Stadium hosted its first games as part of the PeyBack Classic, featuring Indiana high school football games.

August 24, 2008: First Colts Preseason Game

On August 24, 2008, the Indianapolis Colts played their first preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium against the Buffalo Bills, losing 20-7.

September 7, 2008: First Colts Regular Season Game

On September 7, 2008, the Colts played their first regular season game at Lucas Oil Stadium against the Chicago Bears, in a Super Bowl XLI rematch, losing 29-13.

September 16, 2009: Colts Response to Criticism

On September 16, 2009, the Colts organization responded to criticisms regarding favorable lease terms and revenue percentage in an open letter to fans.

2009: First DCI Competition at Lucas Oil Stadium

In 2009, the Drum Corps International (DCI) World Championships competition was held for the first time at Lucas Oil Stadium.

August 1, 2013: First Soccer Game Hosted

On August 1, 2013, Lucas Oil Stadium hosted its first soccer game, a first-round International Champions Cup match between Chelsea and Inter Milan, drawing 41,983 fans.

September 8, 2013: Rail Collapse Incident

On September 8, 2013, a rail over the opposing team tunnel collapsed after the Colts defeated the Oakland Raiders, injuring two fans. One fan was hospitalized for evaluation.

September 3, 2015: Falling Bolt Incident

On September 3, 2015, during an NFL preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, three fans were injured by a bolt that fell from the stadium's roof as it was being opened. The roof remained closed until an investigation was completed.

2015: DCI Contract Extension

In 2015, Drum Corps International and the city of Indianapolis announced a 10-year contract extension, allowing the World Championships to continue through 2028.

2018: End of initial DCI Contract

Drum Corps International (DCI) announced that it would move its corporate offices to Indianapolis and that the DCI World Championships would be held at Lucas Oil Stadium every year through 2018.

2018: Indy Eleven Home Field

From 2018, Lucas Oil Stadium served as the home field for the United Soccer League's Indy Eleven, replacing Carroll Stadium.

2018: FieldTurf Replaced

In 2018, the original FieldTurf at Lucas Oil Stadium was replaced with Shaw Sports Momentum Pro.

2020: Indy Eleven at Lucas Oil Stadium End Date

Lucas Oil Stadium served as the home field for the United Soccer League's Indy Eleven until 2020.

March 2021: NCAA Tournament Games Moved to Lucas Oil Stadium

In March 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, various rounds of the 2021 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament were moved to Lucas Oil Stadium. The stadium hosted games in all rounds except the "First Four", including the Final Four and championship game.

June 2024: United States Olympic Swimming Trials

In June 2024, Lucas Oil Stadium hosted the United States Olympic swimming trials. The event drew a crowd of 20,689, marking the largest gathering ever for an indoor swim meet.