With Colts on verge of Super Bowl, team and fans deserving of RCA Dome
By NICK POWILLS
When your city has the arguably No. 1 quarterback in the NFL in Peyton Manning, you must have a stadium equipped with enough high tech characteristics to keep your QB happy.
Thankfully, Indianapolis has that in the RCA Dome – a palace that should keep Manning and the fans very satisfied with this great football city.
HISTORY
The Dome opened in 1984 as an extension to the convention center, not as the sports venue that it has become. Originally the Dome was called the Hoosier Dome before RCA dished over some solid cash to take the naming rights – just as so many other big businesses have done as well throughout sports.
The stadium can hold 57,890 screaming fans each home game, which is good, because with the Colts improving each year with solid talent on both sides of the ball, a large venue is an absolute must, especially with over 1 million visitors each year.
The RCA Dome also offers fans many other events in the sports venue. Past events have included closing ceremonies for the 1987 Pan American Games; 1987 World Indoor Track & Field Championships; 1991 World Gymnastics Championships and the NCAA Men's Final Four held in 1991, 1997 and 2000.
ENTERTAINMENT / EVENTS
The NFL’s regular season is nearing a close, so only two home games remain – Dec. 19 vs. the Baltimore Ravens; and Dec. 26 against the San Diego Chargers.
Also, in March, the RCA Dome will host the NCAA women’s Final Four and it will host the men’s Final Four in 2006 and 2010.
LOCATION
In some sports towns, sports venues are nestled outside of the downtown area. Not in Indy, as the Dome is in the heart of downtown and many restaurants, hotels and night life are within a walking distance.
After Colts games, area bars and food establishments are often packed with hungry fans, as the stadium food prices are a little over prices, but then again decent considering the level of entertainment the Colts deliver to their fans.
