Indy seemingly has the secret recipe down to a science when it comes to hosting global events, trailblazing and breaking records.
The Circle City continues solidifying its reputation as a premier host for major sporting events, with the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine setting new records in fan engagement and economic impact.
Over four days, more than 30,000 fans participated in the NFL Combine Experience, with 18,000 attendees at Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis on March 1.
The NFL Combine Experience offered fans an immersive look into the draft process, on-field drills, interviews of top draft prospects and exclusive access to NFL players and legends.
This year’s event featured 329 prospects, providing fans with firsthand exposure to future NFL talent.
The economic implications of the heightened engagement are substantial. According to Chris Gahl, Visit Indy’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer, the record-setting attendance garnered more than $10 million in economic impact.
“Each year, Indy is hungry to prove its ability to host this event at the highest level, supported by our long-standing partnership with the Indianapolis Colts and the NFL,” Gahl said.
This financial boost reflects increased spending on accommodations, dining and local attractions, benefiting Indy businesses.
NFL senior director of fan experiences and hospitality Nicki Ewell said the enthusiasm in the stands at Lucas Oil Stadium was “palpable.”
“It’s clear that our fans are eager to connect with the game in new and exciting ways,” Ewell said.
Indianapolis’ success with the NFL Combine is part of a broader trend of the city hosting high-profile, high-octane events, driving significant economic activity. In January, the city hosted the 2025 World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Royal Rumble at Lucas Oil Stadium, attracting over 70,000 fans and setting an all-time attendance record for the wrestling showcase.
Before Royal Rumble weekend, senior vice president of marketing at Indiana Sports Corp Celeste Ballou would likely rake in tens of millions of dollars for the city.
“I don’t have an exact figure, but previous WWE Premium Live Events in other markets brought in upwards of $40 million,” Ballou said.
She was virtually spot on.
Approximately 70% of Royal Rumble attendees traveled from outside the Indianapolis area, while the event drew around $40 million in economic impact.
Looking ahead, Indianapolis will capitalize on its event-hosting prowess. In collaboration with WWE, the city will host WrestleMania and SummerSlam in the coming years. These events anticipate at least $350 million into the local economy.
That only counts the WWE events slated for Indy. When adjusting for additional events hosted in Indianapolis like NCAA March Madness basketball tournaments, Gen Con, Comic Con, Sweets ‘n Snacks Expo, Big Ten College Championship, World Food Championship and WNBA All-Star, Indy looks to generate over half of a billion in economic revenue.
Most of the aforementioned events happen in the same calendar year, excluding SummerSlam and WrestleMania. When adjusting for the Indianapolis 500, the figure is well over $1 billion.
Simply put, Indianapolis is built differently.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more news, click here.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
