Sports arenas don't all age at the same rate. In the United States, a decade of existence sometimes already leaves them with a few wrinkles. A second decade is often enough to send them back to the dustbin of history. But the Americans are also masters at keeping them at the forefront of progress.
Example: Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, home and home of the Indiana Colts, one of the 32 franchises in the National Football League (NFL). Its general manager, Eric Neuburger, spoke at length on the second day of the smartcities & sport Summit 2025, this Wednesday, October 22 in Seoul. He detailed to the audience, using figures and analyses, the means and tools used to stay in the race for progress despite the "great age" of a 68.000-seat indoor stadium (American football version), built in 2008, ideally located in the heart of a city of one million inhabitants.
AI-driven app, retractable windows and data analysis
Unsurprisingly, the miracle can be summed up in two words: digital and technology. Eric Neuburger and his team are dipping into the new box to continually improve the fan experience. With one fixed goal: never forget the human element. Technology must serve peoplehe says. Everything we do is designed to serve the public and the fans. »
Technology first. Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis is equipped with a retractable roof. A feature that is becoming the norm in professional sports. Less common: the American stadium also has retractable windows. These two elements make it a speaker in our image, in line with our philosophy, explains Eric Neuburger: flexible, adaptable and durable. »
Clarification: The Colts stadium is two-thirds publicly funded, via a consortium comprising the city and the state of Indiana, mainly funded by tourism revenue and various taxes (parking, drinks, etc.). Designed for American football, it has also hosted the NCAA basketball Final Four three times. Last year, it made history by becoming the first NFL stadium to house a swimming pool, with USA Swimming choosing it for the Olympic trials ahead of the 2024 Paris Games.
We've got open windows and a beautiful skyline ready for the fans! pic.twitter.com/4hgbQGv3ex
— Lucas Oil Stadium (@LucasOilStadium) September 25, 2022
Digital now. Although it was barely present when the stadium was created 18 years ago, it has become an inexhaustible source of modernity. At Lucas Oil Stadium, spectators can do almost everything from their mobile phone screen: buy their ticket, reserve and pay for their parking space, and order their food and drinks. A dedicated application – Robo Blue – driven by AI, answers all the questions they may have before, during, and even after their visit to the stadium. Payments are now made exclusively digitally. Security checks, like ticket checks, are automated.
The general manager makes no secret of it: his teams spend endless amounts of time analyzing the data generated by food and beverage sales apps. Translated into graphs and charts, they reveal the impact of game actions (touchdowns, etc.) and key events in a Colts game (injuries, etc.) on the public's consumption. We devote a lot of time and energy to data analysis., explains Eric Neuburger. The sale of drinks and food represents a significant source of revenue. We are able to refine our offerings, even changing them week after week. »
In Indianapolis, Lucas Oil Stadium is not only one of the jewels of a city whose heart swings between basketball and football, NBA and NFL, Pacers and Colts. It is a central element. Eric Neuburger: " No fewer than 13 hotels, or 5.500 rooms, are directly connected to the stadium. And 10.000 rooms are within walking distance. Spectators can get from their room to their seat in the stands without having to step outside. » A stadium from the past, but firmly anchored in the present. And looking to the future.
