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Get to know the IndyCar drivers and teams for the 2024 Indianapolis 500

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Get to know the IndyCar drivers and teams for the 2024 Indianapolis 500


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The 108th Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for May 26, 2024, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Thirty-four drivers are set to compete for the traditional 33 spots on the starting grid. The race is 200 laps on the 2.5-mile oval.

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Here are the broad strokes: Fourteen countries are represented, mostly from the United States (13 drivers). Eight former Indy 500 winners are competing. There are seven rookies, the most since 2014, when there were also seven.

Five teams, totaling 18 drivers, use Honda engines; six teams, also totaling 16 drivers, use Chevrolet engines.

Here are the details about the Indy 500 hopefuls:

Indy 500 2024 drivers’ ages

The average Indy 500 experience of the entrants is 6.5 starts, and the average age is 31.2.

There are two 19-year-olds this year: Nolan Siegel is one month younger than Kyffin Simpson. (A.J. Foyt IV, who raced on his 19th birthday in 2003, is the youngest Indy 500 starter.)

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The oldest driver is Helio Castroneves at 49. (A.J. Foyt is the oldest-ever starter, at 57 years old in 1992. He is the grandfather of the youngest-ever starter.)

Indianapolis 500 2024 teams

Team: Driver (car number)

Team Penske: Josef Newgarden (No. 2), Scott McLaughlin (No. 3), Will Power (No. 12)

A.J. Foyt Racing: Santino Ferrucci (No. 14), Sting Ray Robb (No. 41)

Arrow McLaren: Pato O’Ward (No. 5), Callum Ilott (No. 6), Alexander Rossi (No. 7), Kyle Larson (No. 17)

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Chip Ganassi Racing: Kyffin Simpson (No. 4), Linus Lundqvist (No. 8), Scott Dixon (No. 9), Alex Palou (No. 10), Marcus Armstrong (No. 11)

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing: Graham Rahal (No. 15), Pietro Fittipaldi (No. 30), Christian Lundgaard (No. 45), Takuma Sato (No. 75)

Dale Coyne Racing: Nolan Siegel (No. 18), Katherine Legge (No. 51)

Ed Carpenter Racing: Christian Rasmussen (No. 20), Rinus VeeKay (No. 21), Ed Carpenter (No. 33)

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Dreyer and Reinbold/Cusick: Ryan Hunter-Reay (No. 23), Conor Daly (No. 24)

Andretti Autosport: Colton Herta (No. 26), Kyle Kirkwood (No. 27), Marcus Ericsson (No. 28), Marco Andretti (No. 98)

Juncos Hollinger Racing: Romain Grosjean (No. 77), Agustin Canapino (No. 78)

Meyer Shank Racing: Helio Castroneves (No. 06), Felix Rosenqvist (No. 60), Tom Blomqvist (No. 66)

Indy 500 2024 drivers’ nationality

13 drivers are from the United States: Andretti, Carpenter, Daly, Ferrucci, Herta, Hunter-Reay, Kirkwood, Larson, Newgarden, Rahal, Robb, Rossi, Siegel

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3 drivers are from England: Blomqvist, Ilott, Legge

3 drivers are from New Zealand: Armstrong, Dixon, McLaughlin

3 drivers are from Sweden: Ericsson, Lundqvist, Rosenqvist

2 drivers are from Brazil: Castroneves, Fittipaldi

2 drivers are from Denmark: Lundgaard, Rasmussen

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1 driver is from each of these nations: Argentina (Canapino), Australia (Power), Bahamas (Simpson), Japan (Sato), Mexico (O’Ward), Netherlands (VeeKay), Spain (Palou), Switzerland (Grosjean)

Indianapolis 500 2024 engines

These teams use Honda engines: Andretti, Ganassi, Rahal Letterman Lanigan, Meyer Shank, Coyne

These teams use Chevrolet engines: Arrow McLaren, Juncos Hollinger, Foyt, Penske, Carpenter, Dreyer and Reinbold/Cusick

Indy 500 2024 former winners in the race

Eight previous winners are entered in this year’s race: Castroneves (2001, ’02, ’09, ’21), Sato (2017, ’20), Dixon (’08), Hunter-Reay (’14), Rossi (’16), Power (’18), Ericsson (’22), Newgarden (’23).

Indianapolis 500 2024 rookies

These drivers are attempting to make the race for the first time: Armstrong, Blomqvist, Larson, Lundqvist, Rasmussen, Siegel, Simpson.

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Indy 500 2024 driver facts

Includes car number, driver name, age, nationality, team, engine, Indy 500 history

No. 98 Marco Andretti: 37 years old from the United States (Nazareth, Pa.); drives for Andretti Global (Honda); 18 Indy 500 starts with a best finish of 2nd in his rookie season of 2006. He was the pole-sitter in 2020.

No. 11 Marcus Armstrong: 23 years old from New Zealand; drives for Chip Ganassi Racing (Honda). He is an Indy 500 rookie.

No. 66 Tom Blomqvist: 30 years old from England; drives for Meyer Shank Racing (Honda). He is an Indy 500 rookie.

No. 78 Agustin Canapino: 34 years old from Argentina; drives for Juncos Hollinger Racing (Chevrolet); he finished 26th as a rookie in 2023.

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No. 33 Ed Carpenter: 42 years old from the United States (Indianapolis); drives for Ed Carpenter Racing (he’s IndyCar’s only owner/driver; Chevrolet); 20 Indy 500 starts with a best finish of 2nd in 2018. He is a three-time pole-sitter (2013, ’14, ’18).

No. 06 Helio Castroneves: 49 years old and is from Brazil; drives for Meyer Shank Racing (Honda); 23 Indy 500 starts, winning a record-sharing four times (2001, ’02, ’09, ’21). A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears have also won the race four times. Castroneves is a four-time pole-sitter (2003, ’07, ’09, ’10).

No. 24 Conor Daly: 32 years old from the United States (Noblesville, Indiana); drives for Dreyer and Reinbold/Cusick (Chevrolet); 10 Indy 500 starts with a best finish of 6th in 2022.

No. 9 Scott Dixon: 43 years old from New Zealand; drives for Chip Ganassi Racing (Honda); 21 Indy 500 starts, winning in 2008. He is a five-time pole-sitter (2008, ’15, ’17, ’21-22).

No. 28 Marcus Ericsson: 33 years old from Sweden; drives for Andretti Global (Honda); 4 Indy 500 starts, winning in 2022.

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No. 14 Santino Ferrucci: 25 years old from the United States (Woodbury, Conn.); drives for A.J. Foyt Racing (Chevrolet); 5 Indy 500 starts (top-10 finish in all), with a best finish of 3rd in 2023.

No. 30 Pietro Fittipaldi: 27 years old from Brazil; drives for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (Honda); he finished 25th in the 2021 Indy 500.

No. 77 Romain Grosjean: 37 years old from Switzerland, though he was born in France; drives for Juncos Hollinger Racing (Honda); best Indy 500 finish of 30th in 2023.

No. 26 Colton Herta: 24 years old from the United States (Valencia, Calif.); drives for Andretti Global (Honda); 5 Indy 500 starts, with a best finish of 8th in 2020.

No. 23 Ryan Hunter-Reay: 43 years old from the United States (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.); drives for Dreyer and Reinbold/Cusick (Chevrolet); 14 Indy 500 starts, winning in 2014.

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No. 77 Callum Ilott: 25 years old from England; drives for Arrow McLaren (Chevrolet); 2 Indy 500 starts with a best finish of 12th in 2023.

No. 27 Kyle Kirkwood: 25 years old from the United States (Jupiter, Fla.); drives for Andretti Global (Honda); 2 Indy 500 starts; finished 17th as a rookie in 2022.

No. 17 Kyle Larson: 31 years old from the United States (Elk Grove, California); drives for Arrow McLaren and Hendrick (Chevrolet); he is an Indy 500 rookie attempting to drive Indy and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.

No. 51 Katherine Legge: 43 years old from England; drives for Dale Coyne Racing (Honda); 3 Indy 500 starts, with a best finish of 12th in 2012. She is one of 9 women to race in the Indy 500.

No. 45 Christian Lundgaard: 22 years old from Denmark; drives for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (Honda); 2 Indy 500 starts, finishing 18th in 2022.

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No. 8 Linus Lundqvist: 25 years old from Sweden; drives for Chip Ganassi Racing (Honda); he is an Indy 500 rookie.

No. 3 Scott McLaughlin: 30 years old from New Zealand; drives Team Penske (Chevrolet); 3 Indy 500 starts, with a best finish of 14th in 2023.

No. 2 Josef Newgarden: 33 years old from the United States (Hendersonville, Tenn.); drives for Team Penske (Chevrolet); 12 Indy 500 starts, winning in 2023.

No. 5 Pato O’Ward: 25 years old from Mexico; drives for Arrow McLaren (Chevrolet); 4 Indy 500 starts, finishing 2nd in 2022.

No. 10 Alex Palou: 27 years old from Spain; drives for Chip Ganassi Racing (Honda); 4 Indy 500 starts, with a best finish of 2nd in 2021.

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No. 12 Will Power: 43 years old from Australia; drives for Team Penske (Chevrolet); 16 Indy 500 starts, winning in 2018.

No. 15 Graham Rahal: 35 years old from the United States (Lexington, Ohio); drives for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (Honda); he has been in 16 Indy 500s, with a best finish of 3rd in 2011 and ’20.

No. 20 Christian Rasmussen: 23 years old from Denmark; drives for Ed Carpenter Racing; he is an Indy 500 rookie.

No. 41 Sting Ray Robb: 22 years old from the United States (Payette, Idaho); drives for A.J. Foyt Racing (Chevrolet); he finished 31st as a rookie in 2023.

No. 60 Felix Rosenqvist: 31 years old from Sweden; drives for Meyer Shank Racing (Honda); 5 Indy 500 starts, with a best finish of 4th in 2022.

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No. 7 Alexander Rossi: 32 years old from the United States (Auburn, Calif.); drives for Arrow McLaren (Chevrolet); 8 Indy 500 starts, winning as a rookie in 2016.

No. 75 Takuma Sato: 47 years old from Japan; drives for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (Honda); 14 Indy 500 starts, winning in 2017 and ’20.

No. 18 Nolan Siegel: 19 years old from the United States (Palo Alto, California); drives for Dale Coyne Racing (Honda); he is an Indy 500 rookie.

No. 4 Kyffin Simpson: 19 years old from The Bahamas; drives for Chip Ganassi Racing (Honda); he is an Indy 500 rookie.

No. 21 Rinus VeeKay: 23 years old from the Netherlands; drives for Ed Carpenter Racing (Chevrolet); 4 Indy 500 starts, with a best finish of 8th in 2021.

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IndyCar Series points standings

(Through May 11)

  1. Alex Palou, 152
  2. Will Power, 140
  3. Colton Herta, 127
  4. Scott Dixon, 127
  5. Felix Rosenqvist, 107
  6. Scott McLaughlin, 88
  7. Pato O’Ward, 88
  8. Kyle Kirkwood, 86
  9. Christian Lundgaard, 84
  10. Alexander Rossi, 70
  11. Marcus Armstrong, 68
  12. Graham Rahal, 63



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Best available 2026 NFL free agents on defense for Indianapolis Colts

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Best available 2026 NFL free agents on defense for Indianapolis Colts



According to a few different rankings, here are the best available NFL free agent defenders for the Indianapolis Colts.

As the Indianapolis Colts attempt to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020, free agency will have to be a big part of that equation.

The Colts will have money to spend this offseason. According to Over the Cap, the Colts have $45.77 million in available cap space. Compared to the rest of the NFL, this is the ninth-most in football currently.

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As GM Chris Ballard said on Thursday, salary cap-wise, the Colts are in “good shape.”

The Colts also have the ability to create more cap room if needed.

Last offseason, we saw Ballard take a much more aggressive approach in free agency. From the sounds of it, he will “continue down that path” this offseason.

There are always reasons to address just about every position group over the course of an offseason, but two specific areas Ballard mentioned on Thursday were the defensive front and getting faster on defense as a whole.

So, with a focus on the defense, specifically the front seven, here are the top available free agents this offseason at those positions.

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Best available 2026 NFL free agents on defense for Indianapolis Colts

  • DE Trey Hendrickson
  • DE Jaelan Phillips
  • IDL John Franklin-Myers
  • LB Quay Walker
  • LB Devin Lloyd
  • DE Odafe Oweh
  • DE Boye Mafe
  • LB Nakobe Dean
  • DE Joey Bosa
  • IDL Travis Jones
  • DE Khalil Mack
  • LB Demario Davis
  • DE Kyle Van Noy
  • IDL Teair Tart
  • IDL DaQuan Jones

*This list was compiled by rankings from Sports Illustrated, The Ringer, and Bleacher Report



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Colts’ Chris Ballard: Daniel Jones has ‘really bright future in Indianapolis’

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Colts’ Chris Ballard: Daniel Jones has ‘really bright future in Indianapolis’


INDIANAPOLIS – Confidence remains high.

Carlie Irsay-Gordon made that clear Sunday night when she announced the Indianapolis Colts would move forward under the direction of general manager Chris Ballard and coach Shane Steichen.

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard walks on the field prior to an NFL preseason football game against the Baltimore Ravens Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

And Ballard reinforced that conviction during Thursday’s postscript following an 8-9 record and fifth consecutive season without a playoff appearance.

“It wasn’t all negative,’’ he insisted. “I mean, 8-2 is real.

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“That was not a mirage. It wasn’t. We were humming. We were playing good football.’’

After outlasting the Atlanta Falcons in overtime in Berlin Nov. 9, the Colts returned home 8-2.

“I mean, I would have told you when we got back from Germany . . . we had a top-four team in the league,’’ Ballard said. “I believe that. Still believe that.

“But losing seven in a row is losing seven in a row. That’s not what top-four teams do. And that’s reality. That’s the facts.’’

Here’s another undeniable fact: The Colts’ confidence moving forward is rooted in Daniel Jones.

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Injured Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones on the field before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)

Simple as that.

Yes, the edge pass rush wasn’t nearly good enough and a legitimate bookend for Laiatu Latu is critical. A free-agent acquisition should be a priority.

Yes, the defense must, as Ballard stressed, get younger and faster. The 2026 front-seven won’t resemble the 2025 front-seven.

And yes, the Colts must be able to run the ball better even when situations aren’t favorable. During the seven-game losing streak, which was fueled by injuries to Jones, Jonathan Taylor averaged 63.7 yards per game and 3.3 per attempt.

But if Jones isn’t the answer, nothing much else matters.

There are two significant issues with Jones that would be major impediments to a continued relationship in any other scenario.

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Jones:

  • Will be an unrestricted free agent in March.
  • Tore his right Achilles Dec. 7, underwent surgery Dec. 9 and faces an arduous rehab. He expects to be ready for the start of training camp in late July. That would represent an 8½-month rehab.

“We’ll attack the process and make sure I’m ready to go,’’ Jones said Monday.

“I’m not a doctor and I’m not God in terms of knowing what the future is going to hold in his healing,’’ Ballard said. “ . . . the history of guys coming back has been pretty good and they’ve been older than Daniel.

“He’s a pretty freaky talent in terms of athletic ability. So no, I do feel confident that he will make it back. Will he be the version you saw (last season) right away? Maybe not, but he’s still going to be really good. I think as he goes along and plays, he’ll be fine.

“I know . . . he’s going to give every ounce of his being into being the best he can be to be ready.’’

But first things first, and that means signing him to an extension.

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At the risk of assuming too much, that almost assuredly will be done.

“I’d love to be back here,’’ Jones said.

The feeling is mutual.

Ballard was asked if the Colts were committed to retaining Jones “come hell or high water.’’

He smiled.

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“Well, hell or high water is a strong word, but we would like . . . it’s mutual on both sides,’’ he said. “I think Daniel was a really good fit for this organization and I think this organization and city were a really good fit for Daniel.’’

A multi-year deal could mirror that of contracts secured by Sam Darnold in Seattle (three-years, $100.5 million, $55 million guaranteed) or Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay (three years, $100 million, $50 million guaranteed).

Ballard admitted Jones’ Achilles injury and rehab will impact negotiations, “but we’ll work through that with his agent. He’s got a really good agent.

“We’ll find a way to work through that.’’

If common ground can’t be reached – that probably means guaranteed money – the Colts always could use the franchise tag to retain Jones. The projected 2026 tag for quarterbacks is roughly $46 million guaranteed.

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Jones turns 29 in May, which can be the midpoint of a quarterback’s career.

A reinvestment in Jones will represent short- and long-term stability at a position that’s been in flux since Andrew Luck’s sudden retirement two weeks before the 2019 season.

“I’m looking at him both: Near and long,’’ Ballard said. “And I think that helps us. I mean, I’ve been very stated about like when you’re chasing the quarterback all the time, it makes it very . . . it’s hard. Like, your margin for error really shrinks down.

“And I feel very good about Daniel Jones and where he’s at, where he’s going. Yes, he’s got the Achilles, but I think Daniel Jones has got a really bright future here in Indianapolis. And look, there is some comfort knowing that, okay, we know we’ve got a guy that’s proven, that’s done it, and done some really good things.

“So, that does give you some confidence.’’

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Until Jones fractured his left fibula then tore his right Achilles, he had distanced himself from his inconsistent and error-prone six seasons with the New York Giants. You remember, right? One playoff appearance was overshadowed by a 24-44-1 record as a starter and 70 turnovers.

Through the Colts’ 8-2 start, Jones was among the NFL’s most productive and efficient quarterbacks: 3rd in yards (2,659) and completion percentage (69.9) and 5thin yards per attempt (8.3). He joined Peyton Manning as the only player in franchise history to pass for at least 200 yards in each of his first 10 starts.

Jones completed 68% of his passes, averaged 8.1 per attempt and finished with a 100.2 rating. All were career highs.

“I’ll give Shane and the offensive staff a lot of credit,’’ Ballard said, “playing to his strength. He is really accurate with the football, okay, and he’s very smart and decisive of where he plays with the football.’’

What about Richardson?

The team’s undeniable commitment to Jones brings into question Anthony Richardson Sr.’s future with the Colts. He’s under contract through next season – there’s no reason to believe the team will exercise his fifth-year option – and finished the season on the injured reserve.

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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) looks up at the video board during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)

Richardson underwent surgery to repair a fractured right orbital bone after a freak accident with a resistance band before the Oct. 12 game with Arizona.

“Unfortunately for Anthony, he’s had some really bad luck,’’ Ballard said.

The No. 4 overall pick in 2023 has missed 29 of a possible 51 games because of a variety of injuries.

Richardson lost a training camp competition with Jones and was on the field for just 14 snaps in two games. He practiced the last three weeks but still was experiencing some degree of vision issues.

“He’s got to still work through the vision he has and we’ll see what the future holds there,’’ Ballard said. “We’ll kind of see going forward how that ends up playing out.

“A lot of it’s going to deal with his health, too.’’

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Acquiring a late-round pick in a trade for Richardson shouldn’t be ruled out.

He is confident he’ll experience success.

“Oh yeah, no doubt,’’ he said. “If I’ve still got a chance to play football, it is always out there for me.’’

The Colts could consider Richardson expendable after seeing Riley Leonard play reasonably well as a rookie. If there is a concern that Jones won’t be ready for the season opener in September, they could bring in a veteran with starter experience in the offseason.

“Yeah, we’ll work through that,’’ Ballard said. “That is something we will evaluate. We got to make the decision. ‘Okay, if Anthony doesn’t get to where we think he can be, can Riley be the 2?’

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“I do think it’s a position that every year we’ve got to address in some way, fashion or form.’’

You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.



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Indianapolis Sports Calendar 2026: Final Four, Indy 500 & More

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Indianapolis Sports Calendar 2026: Final Four, Indy 500 & More


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Indianapolis Sports Calendar 2026: Final Four, Indy 500 & More

Following a banner year in 2025, Indianapolis has solidified its reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events.

The city demonstrated exceptional capacity for hosting diverse competitions, from professional leagues to collegiate championships, setting a high standard for hospitality and logistical execution.

As the calendar turns to 2026, the “Circle City” is not slowing down; instead, it is gearing up for another year of world-class athletic showcases.

The success of 2025 was not accidental.

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It was the result of decades of strategic planning that transformed Indianapolis into a hub built specifically for large-scale events.

The city’s compact downtown, connected by skywalks and anchored by top-tier venues like Lucas Oil Stadium and Gainbridge Fieldhouse, allows fans to navigate easily between hotels, restaurants, and arenas.

In 2025, the city hosted a series of high-profile events that brought significant economic impact and cultural vibrancy to the region.

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Local businesses, from Black-owned restaurants on Indiana Avenue to downtown hotels, thrived on the influx of visitors.

The seamless execution of these events proved once again that Indianapolis is capable of managing the complex infrastructure required for national and international sports.

Looking ahead, 2026 promises to elevate this legacy further. With a calendar featuring the NCAA Men’s Final Four, the historic Indianapolis 500, and the return of the NFL Scouting Combine, the city is prepared to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors.

These events are more than just games; they are community gatherings that celebrate competition, diversity, and excellence.

Take a look below at Indianapolis Sports Calendar 2026: Final Four, Indy 500 & More.

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RELATED | Large Sporting Events Happening In Indianapolis In 2025

RELATED | Top 15 Indiana Sports Moments Of 2025

February 23 – March 2: NFL Scouting Combine

2025 NFL Scouting Combine
Source: Stacy Revere / Getty

The NFL universe descends on Lucas Oil Stadium as top college prospects showcase their skills for professional scouts, coaches, and general managers.

This annual event remains a staple of the Indianapolis sports calendar.

March 2: WWE Monday Night RAW

Monday Night RAW
Source: WWE / Getty

Gainbridge Fieldhouse will host the drama and athleticism of the WWE, bringing global superstars to the city for a night of high-energy entertainment.

March 4–8: Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament

Indiana v Michigan
Source: Aaron J. Thornton / Getty

Gainbridge Fieldhouse welcomes the best women’s teams from the Big Ten Conference.

As women’s basketball continues to surge in popularity, this tournament is expected to draw significant crowds.

March 8–10: Horizon League Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament

COLLEGE BASKETBALL: MAR 12 Horizon League Championship - Oakland vs Milwaukee
Source: Icon Sportswire / Getty

The action shifts to the Corteva Coliseum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, where the Horizon League crowns its champions and determines automatic bids to the NCAA tournament.

March 18–21: NCAA DIII Men’s and Women’s Swimming Championships

2025 NCAA Division I Men's Swimming and Diving Championships
Source: Mollie Handkins / Getty

The IU Natatorium at IU Indianapolis, known as one of the fastest pools in the world, will host elite swimmers competing for national titles.

April: The Road to the Championship

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April marks the climax of the college basketball season, with Indianapolis serving as the epicenter of the sport.

April 2 & 5: National Invitation Tournament (NIT) Semifinals and Championship

Indiana State v Seton Hall
Source: Mitchell Layton / Getty

Hinkle Fieldhouse will host the semifinals, followed by the championship game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, showcasing top-tier programs battling for the historic NIT title.

April 3: College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships

Marquette v Butler
Source: Mitchell Layton / Getty

Hinkle Fieldhouse hosts this fan-favorite event, featuring the nation’s top shooters and high-flyers in a showcase of individual skill.

April 4 & 6: NCAA Men’s Final Four and National Championship

Baylor v Gonzaga
Source: Andy Lyons / Getty

The eyes of the sports world will turn to Lucas Oil Stadium for the conclusion of March Madness.

Hosting the Final Four is a prestigious honor that underscores Indianapolis’s elite status in the sports world.

April 5: NCAA DII & DIII Men’s Basketball National Championships

Kon Knueppel leads Wisconsin Lutheran to WIAA State Final
Source: NurPhoto / Getty

In a celebration of collegiate athletics across all levels, Gainbridge Fieldhouse will host the title games for both Division II and Division III men’s basketball on the same day.

Spring and Summer: Racing and Golf

As the weather warms, the focus shifts from the court to the track and the links.

May 9: Sonsio Grand Prix

AUTO: MAY 10 INDYCAR Sonsio Grand Prix
Source: Icon Sportswire / Getty

The month of May kicks off at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the Sonsio Grand Prix, setting the stage for the weeks of racing ahead.

May 24: 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500

109th Running Of The Indianapolis 500 - Practice and Previews
Source: Justin Casterline / Getty

The “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” returns to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

This iconic event is a cultural touchstone, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans for a day of speed and tradition.

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Big Ten Football Media Days
Source: Kirby Lee / Getty

Coaches and players from the expanded Big Ten conference gather to preview the upcoming college football season, bringing media attention from across the country.

July 26: Brickyard 400

AUTO: JUN 19 Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Source: Icon Sportswire / Getty

NASCAR returns to the oval at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for one of the most prestigious races on the Cup Series schedule.

August 20–23: LIV Golf Indianapolis

GOLF: AUG 17 LIV Golf Indianapolis
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The Club at Chatham Hills will host LIV Golf, bringing many of the world’s top professional golfers to the area for this unique team-based competition.

Fall and Winter: Football Focus

The year concludes with major football events that celebrate both heritage and championships.

September 2–7: NHRA U.S. Nationals

AUTO: NOV 04 Ford Performance NHRA Nationals
Source: Icon Sportswire / Getty

Known as “The Big Go,” this drag racing event at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park is the most prestigious drag race in the world.

NFL: JUN 10 Lucas Oil Stadium
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Lucas Oil Stadium hosts the Circle City Classic, a celebration of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

This event is a cultural highlight, featuring not only the game but also the renowned battle of the bands, a parade, and community festivities.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 02 Big Ten Championship Game - Michigan vs Iowa
Source: Icon Sportswire / Getty

The college football regular season culminates at Lucas Oil Stadium, where the Big Ten champion is crowned, often with College Football Playoff implications on the line.

Indianapolis approaches 2026 with a proven playbook.

For residents and visitors alike, the 2026 schedule offers opportunities to witness history and participate in world-class experiences.

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Whether it is the roar of the engines at the Speedway, the buzzer-beaters of the Final Four, or the pageantry of the Circle City Classic, Indianapolis is ready to deliver another magnificent year in sports.



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