8 Reasons to Take Your Family to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis
I've been a College Football fan my entire life (Go Blue!) - the annual NFL Draft honestly feels like a holiday at my house. I love watching the league's future stars get drafted to their new teams, especially when it means seeing my Michigan Wolverines stars leap to their next step. But ahead of the draft comes one of the best things about living in Indianapolis for football fans like me... We're blessed with an in-person fan experience! NFL pro prospects visit Indy for the Combine Experience at Lucas Oil Stadium, aka the home of the Indianapolis Colts.
With the 2025 NFL Combine in the Circle City just around the corner - running 2/27 to 3/2 - this event offers a fun opportunity for families to get an inside look into the world of football and maybe try on their own hat as scouts in this high-profile scouting combine. (We see you, future Jim Harbaughs.)
As Indy preps to take the national media stage, here are a few reasons why you'll want to make a day at the NFL Combine with your family...
EDITOR’S NOTE: Thanks to an ongoing partnership with the National Football League and Indianapolis tourism officials, the Combine is currently committed to Indy thru 2026!
8 Reasons to Take Your Family to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis:
1. It's Free.
Biggest bonus right off the bat for you: Entry to the Combine is free, but you must download the NFL OnePass app for access and to take part in many on-site activities and interactive games. The app allows registration for one adult and up to five minors.
2. It's all in one location.
No need to trek all throughout downtown Indy - the Combine events all take place at Lucas Oil Stadium (across the street from the Indiana Convention Center!). Easy to get in, navigate, and get out.
3. You can watch rising NFL talent.
You don't have to be media members to watch the athletes - that's the beauty of the Combine. The public is invited for an in-person experience to watch top prospects compete in various skills in the football evaluation process like the :40 dash, vertical jump, lifting, and more. Here's the exact schedule of which positions will be showcased for the 2025 Combine:
Thursday, Feb. 27: 1–9 p.m. – Defensive Linemen (DL), Linebackers (LB)
Friday, Feb. 28: 1–8:30 p.m. – Defensive Backs (DB), Tight Ends (TE) - let's gooooo Colston Loveland!
Saturday, March 1: 11 a.m.–8 p.m. – Running Backs (RB), Quarterbacks (QB), Wide Receivers (WR)
Sunday, March 2: 11 a.m.–6 p.m. – Placekickers (PK), Linebackers (LB), Defensive Linemen (DL)
4. The Combine Experience is pretty cool.
No, not the experience of being at the Combine (although that is cool too), but this is also the name for the fun, interactive and super family-friendly festival-like center on the South Lot of Lucas Oil Stadium. Here you'll find attractions like the Vince Lombardi Trophy, a display of 58 Super Bowl Rings, attempt your own 40-Yard Dash, and more.
5. The celebrity sightings are top notch.
You know, if you enjoy spotting NFL team owners, NFL legends (I remember bumping into Tony Gonzalez years ago!), broadcasters from the NFL Network, and the future talent of the NFL all under one roof.
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6. The NFL Shop will be there.
Best news ever if you're a displaced Los Angeles Rams or Jacksonville Jaguars fan living in Indy - all NFL teams are repped at the shop, and you can snag exclusive merchandise or your favorite team's gear. Find it set up inside the Combine Experience at the South Lot.
7. Ok fine, food and beverages are available.
Lucas Oil Stadium has their concessions stands open during the Combine. So if you're feeding a small army of teenagers like I am (or toddlers too!), you'll be happy you're able to grab your usual game-day favorites during your visit.
8. There's free parking.
Back to that NFL OnePass app once again - not only are you getting free Combine tickets, but there's also free parking available near the South Lot of Lucas Oil Stadium at gates #1 and #6. Because sometimes trying to find parking spots in the city of Indianapolis feels like you're crossing a football field to find vacancies, amiright? Parking passes will be attached to your NFL OnePass app tickets after you register.
