Indianapolis to remain NFL combine host through at least ’25

INDIANAPOLIS — The city of Indianapolis and the NFL have reached an agreement to keep the 2025 NFL scouting party in the city that has hosted the event since 1987.

There was uncertainty over the future location of the event as no agreement was in place beyond next month. The NFL has considered the possibility of holding the cluster in various cities, as has become the case with the NFL Draft. Dallas and Los Angeles were among the cities that submitted offers during final negotiations in 2022 before a two-year deal with Indianapolis was ultimately reached.

There is now added intrigue in moving the event because the NFL has significantly transformed the combine into a spectator event, with 40,000 total spectators watching the field tests at Lucas Oil Stadium last year during several days.

But with the layout of Indianapolis providing easy access to the stadium, convention center and medical facilities for athlete physicals, all in the city center and within walking distance of major hotels, staying in Indianapolis was a choice popular among NFL team personnel who need to maximize the event for their draft preparation.

“Indianapolis has proven time and time again that it is uniquely positioned and equipped to host an event of the size and scope of the NFL,” Pete Ward, Colts chief operating officer, said in a statement.

Peter O'Reilly, NFL executive vice president of club affairs, league events and international events, added: “The city has continued to innovate and help us evolve both the layout of the football evaluation process and to develop the in-person experience for football fans. “

The scouting group brings together more than 300 of the NFL Draft's top prospects for days of team interviews, evaluations and on-field testing.

The 2024 combine is scheduled for February 27-March 4.