The NFL Scouting Combine will remain in Indianapolis in 2027 and 2028, the league announced Wednesday.
Since 1987, the NFL's single biggest pre-draft event has been held in Indianapolis, with the city's downtown setup uniquely allowing for maximum efficiency and accessibility as the combine has grown in both scale and importance. The NFL's current agreement with Indianapolis was set to expire after the 2026 NFL Combine, which will be held between Feb. 23-March 2 at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium.
"As Indianapolis has grown, so has the NFL Scouting Combine," Colts Chief Operating Officer Pete Ward said. "For more than three decades, Indy has proven to be the best host city, efficiently moving prospects, team owners, coaching staff, medical personnel, and national media seamlessly though the city. The Colts and the Irsay family are grateful to the NFL for their continued confidence in our city's ability."
The NFL in years past has solicited bids from other cities around the league to host the NFL Combine, but general managers, scouts and coaches have overwhelmingly supported keeping the combine in Indianapolis. With the Indiana Convention Center as a central conduit, prospects are able to efficiently shuttle between meetings, athletic testing, medical evaluations and media availability, allowing teams to gather significant data and observations as they work through solidifying their annual draft boards.
"Indianapolis and the NFL Combine have built a proud legacy together, and we're pleased to extend our partnership with Visit Indy, the Colts and the local community," NFL Executive Vice President, Club Business, International and League events Peter O'Reilly said. "For over three decades, Indy has delivered an exceptional environment for our football evaluation operations, and we're excited to continue improving the prospect and club experience while enhancing the fan moments that create opportunities for tens of thousands to engage with the league's future stars."
The NFL Combine is also an annual showcase for downtown Indianapolis' hospitality, from hotels connected to the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium to the fantastic dining options within a short walk from the combine. NFL personnel and national media will pour into restaurants and bars across downtown Indianapolis – so good luck getting a reservation at St. Elmo's or Prime 47 during the last week of February.
"We know the expanding Indiana Convention Center and new hotel inventory downtown helped keep this marquee event in Indy," said Visit Indy Executive Vice President & Chief Business Officer Chris Gahl said. "The value of having the NFL Scouting Combine visit our city goes well beyond the economic impact and international media exposure, as the league also leaves a positive footprint in our community with its off-field programming."
The 2025 NFL Combine generated a record $9.26 million in economic impact and attracted more than 30,000 visitors and fans to the week-long event, which in recent years has been opened to the public. Fans can attend events at the 2026 NFL Combine between Feb. 26-March 1, including the free NFL Combine Experience in the South Lot of Lucas Oil Stadium and "Inside Look," which allows fans an opportunity to watch NFL draft hopefuls take part in on-field athletic testing drills (such as the 40-yard dash) inside Lucas Oil Stadium.
Those interested in attending the 2026 NFL Combine can download the NFL OnePass App for more information.
