What is the 'Anvil' tradition?

Before each game, a designated VIP 'hammers the anvil' to hype up the crowd. It symbolizes the hard work and toughness of the team and the blue-collar roots of the region.

Why is the mascot named 'Blue'?

Blue is an anthropomorphic blue horse known for his wild antics, skits, and high energy. He is one of the most followed mascots on social media in all of sports due to his hilarious pranks on players.

Is the roof usually open?

The retractable roof and the massive window wall allow the stadium to feel outdoors when weather permits. The team prefers to open it when it's between 50-80 degrees and sunny, but they prioritize crowd noise retention for big games.

Indianapolis Colts 2026 Fan Hub | Schedule, Lucas Oil Stadium & Blue

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The House That Peyton Built

While Lucas Oil Stadium opened in 2008, its existence is largely credited to the success of the Peyton Manning era. The statue of #18 outside the stadium is a pilgrimage site for fans. The Colts transformed Indianapolis from a basketball town into a football powerhouse, boasting two Super Bowl titles (one in Baltimore, one in Indy) and a legacy of elite quarterback play.

The fanbase is famously "Hoosier Hospitality" nice—until kickoff. Inside the dome, the noise is deafening. The culture of "The Shoe" represents a clean, precise, and high-execution brand of football.

A Cathedral of Football

Lucas Oil Stadium is widely considered the best venue to watch a game in the NFL. Its brick exterior mimics a classic fieldhouse, blending perfectly with downtown Indy. The massive retractable window on the north end offers a stunning view of the skyline.

Because the stadium is located right in the heart of downtown, the pre-game atmosphere is unique. Fans fill the bars on Georgia Street and Meridian Street before walking together to the gates. It's a convenient, walkable, and safe urban tailgate experience.

For The Shoe

The horseshoe logo is simple, classic, and unchanged. It symbolizes luck, but the Colts rely on precision. Current fans are rallying around a young, athletic roster that is trying to recapture the magic of the 2000s. The chant "Let's Go Colts" is rhythmic and relentless, bouncing off the steel girders of the roof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to eat near the stadium?▼

St. Elmo Steak House is world-famous for its shrimp cocktail. For a more casual pre-game meal, Kilroy's Bar n' Grill is the go-to spot for stuffed breadsticks.

Can I walk to the game?▼

Yes! Indianapolis is one of the most walkable cities in the US. If you are staying downtown, you generally do not need a car. You can walk from your hotel to the tailgate to the seat.

Who are the Ring of Honor members?▼

Legends like Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Edgerrin James, Reggie Wayne, Dwight Freeney, and Robert Mathis are immortalized in the Ring of Honor inside the stadium.

What is Touchdown Town?▼

It is the official pre-game tailgate party on the north side of the stadium. It features concerts, food trucks, and cheaper beer prices before entering the venue.

Why no cheerleaders?▼

Wait, the Colts DO have cheerleaders! They were the first NFL squad to have a cheerleading squad formed in 1954 (in Baltimore). They remain a key part of the game day entertainment.