Winners and workers from the 2022 NFL Scouting…

(Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

Among the various topics of conversation last week in Indianapolis, whether in the media work room or out at one of the various restaurants and bars that dominate the week, was this:

“I hope the NFL does not move the Combine away from Indianapolis.”

After first being held in New Orleans, and later Arizona, the Combine moved to Indianapolis in 1987 and has been a fixture ever since. However, starting back in 2020 rumors began to swirl that the league was looking to move the event out of Indianapolis. Over the past week, cities such as Los Angeles and Dallas were mentioned as a potential future host.

Having been to the past two Combines, I can see why veterans of the event want Indianapolis to remain the host. It goes beyond the steakhouses and the shrimp cocktails — although they are certainly a draw — but to the efficiency of the event. Indianapolis is an extremely accessible city. During both trips I found a hotel right next to the stadium, and was able to walk to anything I needed to attend within minutes.

For teams, the event is even more accessible. The bulk of organizations post up at the J.W. Marriott, but thanks to the tunnels and Sky Walks in the city, you can make your way from the hotel to the Convention Center — where much of the work takes place — to Lucas Oil Stadium itself without ever stepping outside. Plus, at the heart of the event is the medical testing, and the proximity of IU Health Methodist Hospital, located just minutes north of Lucas Oil Stadium, makes that accessible for the prospects as well.

Beyond that, Indianapolis is a beautiful and interesting city. After my work day finished on Thursday, I took some time to explore. I wound my way from the downtown area, through the Indianapolis Artsgarden, and then worked my way west. I walked through the Eiteljorg Museum, featuring Native American and Western aft. I stopped at the Indiana State Museum, and even the NCAA Hall of Champions. All steps away from my hotel.

Of course, if the NFL moves the Combine, the football world will follow. Those of us in the media will find new places to eat, new bars to close down, and new sights to see. But Indianapolis has been an accessible, and wonderful, host city for years, and if it were up to me, I’ll be headed back next year and beyond.

And if the Combine is not there, I’ll be back anyway to visit, because it is a great place to see.