Importance of NFL Combine up

February 20, 2009
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combineBy most accounts, attendance is up at this year’s NFL Combine, and not because it’s being held for the first time in Lucas Oil Stadium.

Veteran NFL scout Chris Landry, who serves as a consultant for several NFL teams and college programs, said it’s the economy that is driving NFL types to Indianapolis this year. “Do you know how much individual scouting trips can cost?” said Landry, who can be heard nationally on Fox Sports Radio. Landry said even the NFL and its teams are being pinched by the economy. So while some who cover and work within the league have said in recent years the Combine is losing its luster and relevance, Landry said its importance is being re-emphasized this year.

The NFL Combine, which is being held in Indianapolis Feb. 18-24, gives teams the opportunity to scrutinize hundreds of prospects through interviews, various tests and workout drills. Landry said one of the most important aspects of the Combine is the medical testing, which is handled by Clarian Health Partners.

When the roaming Combine—which started in 1977—finished its stint in New Orleans and rolled into Indianapolis in 1987, few people thought it would have much impact or stay long, but Clarian’s ability to handle a growing volume of testing in a short time frame was critical to the Combine’s extended stay. The event, which was formerly held in the RCA Dome, now brings more than $5 million in direct visitor spending annually to the city.
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  • IndymanFebruary 20, 2009 10:12 AM
    I believe the contract is up in 2010. Hopefully we can keep it. Not only is it higher profile with the NFL execs, but with the wall to wall coverage given it by the NFL Network, Indy's name gets out there even more. Without LoS, we would probably have no chance of keeping it. Hopefully the economy encourages it to stay here. With Indy being more centrally located, less expensive than bigger cities and very compact so that the attendees can focus on the business of football, we should get to keep it.
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  • DanaFebruary 20, 2009 11:14 AM
    They should sell tickets to watch. I'd go.
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  • Anthony SchoettleFebruary 20, 2009 12:15 PM
    Jeffrey Foster, president of National Invitational Camp, which runs the Combine from its office at Pan Am Plaza, had concerns in 2007 that city officials didn't appreciate the Combine's economic impact. Since then, Foster has told me his organization has worked with city officials to make the event affordable in Lucas Oil Stadium, and that a deal for better room rates at downtown hotels was worked out, making a long-term stay here quite likely.
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