INDIANAPOLIS, April 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Indianapolis Colts will kick off the 2024 NFL season on a new synthetic turf system that has environmentally friendly organic infill and a shock pad designed with safety in mind. Hellas, which is the largest vertically integrated sports contractor in America, has successfully installed a Matrix Helix® monofilament 120 yard synthetic field at the Colts’ Indiana Farm Bureau Practice Center.
Hellas, which is the Official Turf Partner of the Indianapolis Colts, has prior experience working with 13 other NFL teams installing the same Matrix Helix turf system across the league. Lucas Oil Stadium, where the Colts have played home games since 2008, is also getting a Matrix Helix turf synthetic system later this summer.
Matrix Helix turf by Hellas offers several key strengths, including optimal cleat interaction, stable footing, and excellent shock absorption. The innovative shape memory technology of helix involves curled monofilament fibers that securely hold the infill in place, preventing migration and splash-out.
In addition to the Matrix Helix turf installation, Hellas crews have implemented the Cushdrain® shock pad. This elastic layer, expertly paved over a laser-graded drainstone foundation, ensures a level playing surface that maintains its integrity through multiple life cycles. The Cushdrain pad significantly reduces the risk of athlete injuries caused by hard impacts with the surface. Furthermore, the Colts have chosen Geo Coolfill® infill, which is 100% organic and boasts optimal energy restitution and superior foot control. The outdoor facilities will further benefit from the Geo Coolfill material, as it reduces field surface temperatures by up to 40⁰.
Beyond the Colts’ facilities, Hellas has installed Geo Coolfill infill at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, as well as practice facilities for the Tennessee Titans, Philadelphia Eagles, and Miami Dolphins. Hellas has also installed Matrix Helix turf at Michigan City High School in Northern Indiana and plans to install the same turf system at Salem Community Schools later this summer.
Expressing his enthusiasm regarding the partnership with the Indianapolis Colts, Hellas President and CEO Reed J. Seaton stated, “Hellas is committed to providing the highest quality turf system, including the Cushdrain pad and organic infill, to ensure the safest playing surface for athletes at the highest level.” Seaton further added, “When renovations were needed for the Colts’ indoor practice facility, Hellas crews successfully completed the installation process in less than four weeks.”
With the NCAA Swimming and Diving National Championships and the concert season wrapping up at Lucas Oil Stadium, Hellas crews now turn their attention to the Colts’ home stadium. The same Matrix Helix turf system with Cushdrain pad, and Geo Coolfill infill will be installed at Lucas Oil Stadium this summer.
In addition to making remarkable strides in the United States, Hellas is also expanding its presence in Europe. As the Indianapolis Colts visit Germany and Austria as part of the NFL’s Global Markets Program in April 2024, Hellas will be making its own impact by installing a Matrix Helix turf field at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. With a prevailing sense of optimism surrounding the Colts’ upcoming season, Indianapolis is buzzing with excitement.
About Hellas – Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Hellas is America’s largest sports contractor specializing in the manufacturing, construction, and installation of sports surfaces and amenities. With complete control over product manufacturing and the ownership and operation of heavy construction equipment, Hellas provides a comprehensive one-stop-shop for turf, tracks, courts, and sports lighting projects. Alongside hundreds of successful K-12 and collegiate sports construction projects, Hellas has installed turf at both practice and home fields for various NFL teams, including the Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys, Tennessee Titans, and Houston Texans. Hellas has also installed Matrix Helix turf at SoFi Stadium, home of the LA Rams and LA Chargers, as well as Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders. Practice facilities for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, and Washington Commanders are among those that have also chosen Hellas to install Matrix Helix turf. For more information, please visit www.hellasconstruction.com.
About Indianapolis Colts – Based in Indianapolis, the Colts are an American professional football team competing in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference South Division. Since 1987, the Colts have been the host team for the NFL Scouting Combine. The team played in the RCA Dome from 1984 to 2007, and their home games are currently held at Lucas Oil Stadium, which opened in 2008. For more information, visit Colts.com
Contact: Jeff Power
Hellas Director of Communications
[email protected]
SOURCE Hellas
Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they look back at the 1972 Indy 500, featuring record speeds and Jim Malloy.
In the second segment, they continue to look back at the 1972 Indy 500 with the Mystery Eagle and the misfortunes of Wally Dallenbach.
Then to wrap up another edition of the show, they continue to look back at the 1972 Indy 500 with Mark Donohue taking the win.
After mechanical setbacks in prior races, Ericsson seeks clean run into Indy 500
Andretti Global’s Marcus Ericsson discusses avoiding mechanical issues heading into next week’s Indianapolis 500.
All eyes will be on Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend for two days of qualifying that will determine the pole winner and set the full lineup for the 110th running of the Indy 500.
This year provides even more intrigue with changes to the qualifying format and because multiple drivers will take the first step toward potential history-making endeavors.
The events begin May 15 with Fast Friday practice sessions as drivers will run full speeds at the Brickyard to gear up for qualifying sessions the next two days. Then the pressure really kicks in Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 as drivers lock in their spots on the starting grid for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” on Sunday, May 24.
Among the drivers who will be behind the wheels of Indy cars this weekend are two who are seeking to make history.
Four-time Indianapolis 500 champion Helio Castroneves is back, trying to become the first driver to win the iconic race five times. The Brazilian driver, who celebrated his 51st birthday on May 10, won the Indy 500 back-to-back in 2001 and 2002, again in 2009 and then in 2021 to tie A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears for most wins all time.
Meanwhile, Katherine Legge has a different, but equally epic, historic opportunity. The 45-year-old British driver announced earlier this week that she will attempt “The Double” this year: racing in the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Only five drivers have ever attempted “The Double” – John Andretti, Robby Gordon, Tony Stewart, Kurt Busch and Kyle Larson – and Legge would be the first woman.
Here is everything you need to know about qualifying for the 2026 Indianapolis 500, the weekend schedule and the full entry list:
Practice, qualifying and the 2026 Indianapolis 500 can be streamed on the Fox Sports website (by signing in with your TV or satellite provider), Fox One (free seven day trial) and the Fox Sports app. Viewers can also stream events on Fubo.
All times Eastern
Friday, May 15
Saturday, May 16
Determines starting positions 16-33
Sunday, May 17
Determines starting positions 1-15
Monday, May 18
Friday, May 22
Sunday, May 24
Stream Indy 500 race, qualifying and practice on Fubo
With car number, driver, team and engine
INDIANAPOLIS — Almost nothing went according to prediction for the Colts in 2025.
Widely believed to be an also-ran without a quarterback, Indianapolis instead raced out to an 8-2 start behind the surprising emergence of Daniel Jones, prompting the Colts to take a big swing at the trade deadline for Sauce Gardner and sparking predictions of a home playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Then Jones got hurt, the pass rush wilted without a healthy DeForest Buckner and the Colts lost seven consecutive games, the freefall interrupted only by the inspirational return of a 44-year-old Philip Rivers, something nobody could have seen coming at the halfway point of the season, much less in May.
The NFL can be awfully difficult to predict.
But IndyStar is going to try again, making a way-too-early prediction on how the Colts’ 2026 season will play out on a game-by-game basis.
Buy 2026 Indianapolis Colts tickets!
The Ravens have Lamar Jackson at quarterback, and they added Trey Hendrickson to revamp the pass rush, but Baltimore also has a new head coach, Jesse Minter, and a roster in transition. Daniel Jones returns for the season opener, takes advantage of the Ravens secondary and the Colts get off to a good start for the second year in a row. Pick: Colts 27, Ravens 23
If Patrick Mahomes isn’t recovered from the torn ACL that ended his 2025 season, then all bets are off, but if Jones is back from an Achilles, expect Mahomes back as well. Even with a limited Mahomes, the lack of Indianapolis pass rush becomes a problem, and the Colts lose a shootout in prime time. Pick: Chiefs 34, Colts 27
Houston’s defense has only gotten better, and no matter how the offensive line shakes out, the Colts will have a young right tackle. Frustrated all day by the pass rush, Indianapolis drops a tough game to an AFC South rival. Pick: Texans 19, Colts 13
Washington’s run to the NFC title game in 2024 was followed up with a disastrous 2025, and the Colts have handled international games well under head coach Shane Steichen. Indianapolis defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo makes life difficult on Jayden Daniels, and Steichen’s offense takes advantage of Dan Quinn’s scheme. Pick: Colts 31, Commanders 20
Indianapolis broke one streak by winning the opener in 2025. Pittsburgh was a house of horrors for Jones a year ago, but with the Steelers still facing quarterback uncertainty in May and a changing of the guard at head coach, Pittsburgh feels more in flux than ever. Pick: Colts 21, Steelers 14
Expect Tennessee to make some strides in Cam Ward’s second season as the starting quarterback, but it’s still a young team in the early stages of a rebuild. With momentum on their side and Jonathan Taylor rolling, the Colts make it three straight. Pick: Colts 34, Titans 20
Minnesota is another team facing uncertainty at quarterback, but a coaching staff led by Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores is top-notch. Indianapolis struggles against all of Flores’ wrinkles, and Kyler Murray does just enough. Pick: Vikings 20, Colts 16
If there were any questions left about the curse the city of Jacksonville has placed on the Colts, they should have been erased when Jones suffered a season-ending injury there last season. Until the curse is broken – maybe by a stadium renovation – it’s hard to see a win here. Pick: Jaguars 28, Colts 24
Dallas has tried to revamp its defense since trading Micah Parsons, but the Cowboys still don’t have a difference-making edge rusher who can hound Jones all day. With time in the pocket, Jones attacks Dallas with Alec Pierce and Josh Downs for a big win. Pick: Colts 38, Cowboys 31
Miami’s a mess, a team in the process of laying a foundation after tearing everything down to the studs. The Colts know how to handle a team in that spot. Pick: Colts 35, Dolphins 17
A short week on the way to Houston is a difficult test, especially considering how good the Texans’ defense has become. The schedule-makers did the Colts no favors with this Thursday night game. Pick: Texans 23, Colts 21
New York already has injury concerns with wide receiver Malik Nabers, and young quarterback Jaxson Dart is the kind of target that Anarumo can exploit. New York’s pass rush gives Jones some problems against his old team, but Taylor takes advantage of the lack of Dexter Lawrence for big yardage. Pick: Colts 31, Giants 21
Philadelphia’s roster remains stacked, and even with the bye week, the Colts find themselves struggling at Lincoln Financial Field against a team that has been one of the NFC’s best since Nick Sirianni took over. Pick: Eagles 21, Colts 17
Tennessee’s receivers simply don’t have the experience to beat Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward’s man coverage consistently, and the Colts get back in the win column by riding Tyler Warren to a big day. Pick: Colts 33, Titans 22
If Joe Burrow is healthy, the Cincinnati offense is the kind of unit that could give the Indianapolis defense fits, and even though the Bengals’ defense is in its own rebuild, Burrow wins this one with a vintage performance. Pick: Bengals 41, Colts 38
With a snowstorm whipping in off the lake, the conditions are difficult, but Cleveland’s fatal flaw is a quarterback position that is somehow still begging for a savior. Indianapolis keeps itself in the playoff race with a hard-fought win. Pick: Colts 24, Browns 14.
With a playoff berth on the line, the Colts get moved into prime time for a game against the Jaguars, and Jones returns the favor for what happened in Jacksonville in 2025. A last-second field goal sends Indianapolis into the playoffs as a wild card. Pick: Colts 27, Jaguars 24
Joel A. Erickson and Nathan Brown cover the Colts all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Colts Insider newsletter.
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