NFL Combine Brings Fan Excitement to Indianapolis

Fans get to participate in interactive exhibits and activities at the annual NFL scouting event.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 4:48am

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The 40th NFL scouting combine is taking place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, where 319 football prospects are trying out for NFL teams. Outside the stadium, NFL fans of all ages are getting the chance to participate in interactive exhibits and activities, including throwing a snap, kicking a field goal, and running a 40-yard dash. Fans are describing the experience as 'awesome' and a great way to build community with other fans.

Why it matters

The NFL Combine is a major annual event that draws significant interest from both football fans and teams looking to evaluate top prospects. Allowing fans to engage with interactive exhibits outside the stadium helps generate excitement and community around the event, which is important for the NFL's continued growth and popularity.

The details

The NFL Combine Fan Experience, which is free and open to the public through Sunday, features giant helmets from all 32 NFL teams set up for photo opportunities. Fans can try out various exercises like the bench press, 40-yard dash, and field goal kicking. One fan, Warren Young, said he was 'humbled' by how difficult the drills were compared to an 'ordinary person', gaining a new appreciation for the skills of the NFL prospects.

  • The NFL scouting combine is taking place from February 27 to March 2, 2026 in Indianapolis.
  • The NFL Combine Fan Experience is open to the public through Sunday, March 2, 2026.

The players

Warren Young

A Chicago Bears fan who participated in the fan activities and was impressed by the difficulty of the drills compared to an ordinary person.

Ally Charleswood

A fan who said the event was a great experience to build community with fans of other teams.

Caliber Lynn

A Colts fan who tried the bench press exercise and said it was 'fun' to hang out with his family at the event.

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What they’re saying

“It's an awesome experience. I've seen a lot of the 40s and everything online, but actually being here is a really cool experience.”

— Warren Young, Chicago Bears fan (WISH-TV)

“The stuff they are doing is really incredible the crazy times and all the measurements they are doing, it's definitely extraordinary compared to an ordinary person. It is definitely awesome to see.”

— Warren Young, Chicago Bears fan (WISH-TV)

“It's just a great experience. It's to build community with maybe Seahawks fans or other fans of other teams.”

— Ally Charleswood (WISH-TV)

What’s next

The NFL Combine Fan Experience will continue through Sunday, March 2, 2026, allowing more fans to participate in the interactive activities.

The takeaway

The NFL Combine Fan Experience provides an exciting opportunity for football fans of all ages to engage with the annual scouting event, fostering a sense of community and appreciation for the skills of the top prospects trying out for NFL teams.