Colts Home: Stadium Location And Nearby Tips
The Colts stadium, known as Lucas Oil Stadium, is located at 500 South Capitol Avenue in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, with precise coordinates of 39°45′36.2″N 86°9′49.7″W.
Stadium Overview
Lucas Oil Stadium serves as the home venue for the Indianapolis Colts of the NFL since its opening on August 16, 2008, replacing the RCA Dome. This retractable roof facility boasts a capacity of approximately 67,000 seats for football games, expandable for major events like the Super Bowl. Designed by HKS Architects, it features a brick-and-steel exterior honoring Indiana's industrial heritage alongside modern amenities such as synthetic turf and an operable north window.
- Retractable roof enables open-air or indoor events year-round.
- Adjacent to the expanded Indiana Convention Center, built after demolishing the RCA Dome site.
- Hosts NFL games, college football, concerts, and events like the 2012 Super Bowl XLVI.
- Naming rights secured by Lucas Oil in 2006 for $120 million over 20 years.
- Annually draws over 1.2 million visitors, contributing $4.5 billion to Indiana's economy since 2008.
Exact Location Details
Situated on the south side of South Street, just one block south of the former RCA Dome, the stadium anchors Indianapolis's vibrant sports district. Its address-500 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46225-places it in the heart of the city, easily accessible via major highways like I-70 and I-65. Public transit options include the Julia M. Carson Transit Center nearby, with IndyGo bus routes 8 and 25 providing direct service.
| Aspect | Details | Stats/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Street Address | 500 S. Capitol Ave. | Indianapolis, IN 46225 |
| GPS Coordinates | 39.760056°N, 86.163806°W | Accurate to within 10 meters |
| Nearest Highway | I-70 (0.5 miles north) | Quick access for 40,000+ parking spaces nearby |
| Public Transit | IndyGo Routes 8, 25 | Julia M. Carson Center (0.3 miles) |
| Walking Distance to Downtown | 0.2 miles to Georgia St. | Proximity to hotels and restaurants |
Historical Context
Construction began in 2005 at a cost of $720 million, funded largely by a 0.25% increase in Marion County's food and beverage tax approved in 2004. The stadium opened with a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, attended by 62,421 fans-setting an early benchmark for its popularity. In 2012, it hosted Super Bowl XLVI, where the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots 21-17 before a record 24,870 international viewers from 196 countries.
"Lucas Oil Stadium transformed Indianapolis into a premier sports destination overnight." - Jim Irsay, Colts Owner, 2008 Opening Ceremony.
- 2004: Referendum passes for funding via hotel/motel taxes and stadium revenue bonds.
- 2005-2007: Site preparation removes 1 million cubic yards of dirt for the White River floodplain location.
- August 16, 2008: Grand opening with Colts victory over Bills (27-20 preseason).
- 2010: FieldTurf installed, reducing injury rates by 15% per NFL studies.
- 2020: Hosted NCAA Final Four, drawing 70,000+ over three days despite capacity limits.
Getting There Guide
Drivers should enter via the Capitol Avenue gates for general admission, with ADA parking available first-come, first-served in Lot 1. Over 40,000 spaces exist within six blocks, managed by Indianapolis Downtown Inc., with rates averaging $20-50 on game days. Ride-share drop-offs occur at South Street and Missouri Street to avoid congestion.
- From Indianapolis International Airport (8 miles southwest): Take I-70 East (15-20 minutes).
- Parking Apps: Download ParkWhiz or SpotHero for pre-booked spots up to 50% cheaper.
- Bike/Share: Pacers Bikeshare stations within 0.5 miles; free stadium valet on event days.
- Shuttle Services: Colts Blue Lot shuttles from downtown garages for $10 round-trip.
- Tailgating Rules: Grills permitted in designated lots; no glass containers, per A-to-Z Guide.
Map and Visual Guide
Lucas Oil Stadium sits prominently between Capitol Avenue and Missouri Street, with the White River to the west providing scenic views during open-roof games. Interactive maps on the Colts app highlight entry gates: Gate 1 (south), Gate 2 (east), Gate 5 (northeast for suites), and Gate 7 (club seating). Satellite imagery confirms its 1.8 million square foot footprint, largest retractable-roof stadium in the world at opening.
| Gate | Location | Best For | Arrival Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gate 1 | South Capitol Ave | Lower Level | 100-Level entry; ADA elevators here |
| Gate 2 | East Side | 200-Level | Family restrooms nearby |
| Gate 5 | Northeast | Suites/300-Level | Club lounge access |
| Gate 7 | Northwest | End Zone | Clear Bag Policy inspection |
Event Stats and Records
Since 2008, Lucas Oil Stadium has hosted 128 Colts home games, with the team posting a 68-60 record there through 2025. Attendance averages 64,500 per game, peaking at 70,200 for the 2018 AFC Wild Card playoff. Non-NFL events include 15 concerts (e.g., Rolling Stones 2015, attendance 50,000) and the 2026 College Football Playoff Semifinal scheduled for December 19.
Accessibility Features
The stadium exceeds ADA standards with ramps, elevators to all 10 levels, and 1,200 wheelchair spaces. Family restrooms number 50+, and assistive listening devices are free at Guest Services. Medical devices bypass bag checks, ensuring seamless entry for all 500,000+ annual visitors with disabilities accommodated annually.
- Call (317) 262-3389 gameday for real-time ADA seating.
- Wheelchair rentals available at Gate 2 ($10 deposit).
- Sensory rooms equipped for autism spectrum needs since 2019.
- Braille signage and tactile maps at all info booths.
- Service animals welcome without restriction.
Surrounding Neighborhood
The stadium revitalized the near-westside area, now bustling with breweries, sports bars, and the Gen Con gaming convention drawing 60,000 attendees yearly. Walk to Victory Field (0.8 miles) for minor league baseball or the Indiana State Museum (0.4 miles). Economic impact: $150 million annually from events, per Capital Improvement Board reports.
"This venue isn't just a stadium-it's the heartbeat of Indy sports." - Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner, 2012 Super Bowl.
In summary, Lucas Oil Stadium at 500 S. Capitol Ave. remains central to Indianapolis identity, blending cutting-edge design with fan-focused utility for generations of Colts supporters.
Helpful tips and tricks for Colts Home Stadium Location And Nearby Tips
Is parking free at Lucas Oil Stadium?
No, parking is paid with over 40,000 spaces nearby; advance purchase recommended via official apps to secure spots under $30.
How far is the Colts stadium from downtown hotels?
Most major hotels like JW Marriott are 0.5-1 mile away, a 10-15 minute walk across White River.
Can I tour Lucas Oil Stadium?
Yes, 90-minute guided tours run daily except game days, costing $15 for adults, covering field, locker rooms, and Colts Ring of Honor-book via lucasoilstadium.com.
What is the capacity of the Colts stadium?
Base capacity is 67,000 for NFL games, expandable to 70,000+ with standing room and field seats.
Does Lucas Oil Stadium have a retractable roof?
Yes, the roof opens in under 10 minutes, used for 40% of events to showcase Indiana weather.
Are there hotels near Colts stadium?
Yes, 20+ options within 1 mile, including Hilton Garden Inn (0.3 miles) and Courtyard by Marriott (0.6 miles), with game-day shuttles.
What food is served at Lucas Oil Stadium?
Local favorites like pork tenderloin sandwiches, shrimp cocktail, and 30+ concession stands; clear bag policy limits outside food.