NFL Scouting Combine to remain in Indianapolis through 2026

The long-standing run for Indianapolis to host the NFL Scouting Combine will continue as the league and the city announced Thursday that the event will remain in the Indiana capital through 2026 at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis has hosted the annual event since 1987.

There have been discussions to possibly move the annual draft scouting staple during the last couple of years with the league shifting certain events, such as the NFL Draft, to other cities. So much so that the league started accepting bids for the event in 2021. Still, the event hasn’t moved since an open bidding process began.

“Indianapolis and the NFL Combine have a proud history together, so we’re thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with Visit Indy, the Indianapolis Colts, and the local community for this 2026 event,” league executive vice president Peter O’Reilly said in a story on the Indianapolis Colts’ website. “Our partners in Indy have successfully hosted the football evaluation process for decades, and recently, we’ve collectively worked to grow and evolve the in-person fan experience, bringing tens of thousands of fans closer to the league’s future stars.”

“Indianapolis is uniquely designed and built to host an event as complex as the NFL Combine,” Colts chief operating officer Pete Ward said. “Efficiently moving prospects, team owners, coaching staff, medical personnel, and national media is seamlessly done in Indy, and the Colts are proud to be part of the team keeping the event in our city.”

The on-field workouts for draft-eligible players for the 2025 combine commence Feb. 27 through March 2.

Don’t ever move the combine

I understand the draw of moving the Super Bowl and the NFL Draft. I never understand the notion of moving the combine. This event is less about fan access and more about scouting players and networking for players, agents, teams and media. Why mess with a good thing?

Especially when Indianapolis embraces the event so heavily and everyone attending the event is so familiar with the setup and surroundings? Yes, the NFL is in the money-making business. But it’s OK sometimes to stand pat with something that works well. As someone who regularly attends, maintaining the status quo is the best plan.

Required reading

(Photo: Kevin Sabitus / Getty Images)