Why is the NFL combine 2023 in Indianapolis? Exploring how the NFL decides combine venues

For over four decades, Indianapolis has solidified its status as the NFL combine's venue, becoming a universal symbol for the league's yearly screening and evaluation program. However, why, how long has it been there and will it ever depart Lucas Oil Stadium?

The NFL combine was established to avoid the need for draft aspirants and NFL franchises to travel nationwide for in-person exercises and meetings. The primary motivation was to provide a venue where prospective professional athletes could be evaluated, assessed and analyzed.

The NFL sought a spot in the middle that wouldn't be a disadvantage to clubs along both coasts. Indianapolis serves as the ideal location.

The city of Indianapolis has an additional benefit. The Indiana State Fairgrounds, hotels and Lucas Oil Stadium are all connected by skywalks, and the city is a perfect size with the vibrant service sector needed to host a big event. The city where the NCAA has its headquarters also is a frequent host of the Final Four.

Indianapolis is seen as the ideal setting for an event like the Combine since it has a modest downtown, plenty of hotel and meeting room space, and convenient access to Lucas Oil Stadium.

The activities that viewers watch on television represent just a tiny fraction of the Combine. It makes sense for the league administrators to use a city where they can efficiently conduct all medical examinations and candidate meetings.

Since arriving in the city in 1987, the combine has remained there. Although Indianapolis has hosted the combine for 36 years running, the city had to submit a bid last year before it was given the right to host for 2023 and 2024.

Where to watch the 2023 NFL combine?

Are you interested in watching the NFL combine? Watch live coverage on the NFL Network to see how candidates compare during on-field workouts before managers and evaluators.

The activity can be live-streamed and is accessible on a variety of gadgets. You can watch and stream the action live using Hulu, FuboTV or YouTube TV. NFL Network apps are available for NFL fans to use.

Position drills, 40-yard dashes, bench presses, vertical jumps and other drills will be on display. Use the NFL application to enjoy the whole event, or watch using your satellite or cable connection.