INDIANAPOLIS – The city of Indianapolis is set to play a pivotal role in the lead-up to the 2028 Olympics, as it has been chosen to host the USA Track & Field national indoor championships for the next two years. Scheduled for February 19-21, 2027, and February 18-20, 2028, the events will take place at the Fall Creek Pavilion located on the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
This marks a notable occasion, as Indianapolis has never previously hosted the indoor national championships, which have been held annually since 1906. The 2027 championship will also coincide with the 40th anniversary of the inaugural World Indoor Championships, which took place in the Hoosier Dome in 1987. Additionally, it will be the 20th anniversary of the last national championships held in the city, which were outdoor events at Carroll Stadium in 2007.
Max Siegel, the CEO of USA Track & Field (USATF), expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming events, highlighting the importance of strengthening ties with the Indianapolis community. In an exclusive interview, Siegel stated, “This is exciting for us as an organization to re-invigorate our connection and relationship with the Indianapolis community. Our partnership with the Indiana Sports Corp. is pretty deep and long-standing.”
The Indiana Sports Corp. has identified the indoor nationals as a key component of its 2050 Vision strategy, which aims to secure more major sporting events for the region. Dan Gliot, the director of marketing and communications for the Indiana Sports Corp., commented on the growing prominence of Olympic sports, saying, “Really, this kind of boom in the Olympic sports, and this is another building block for that.”
Indianapolis is increasingly being recognized as a gateway to the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics, scheduled for July 2028. The city has already been selected to host the USA Swimming national championships at the Natatorium in June 2027, as well as the Olympic Trials at Lucas Oil Stadium in June 2028. Furthermore, USA Gymnastics is establishing a new training center and headquarters in Noblesville, further solidifying the city’s role in the Olympic landscape.
One of the notable athletes who may participate in the indoor nationals is Cole Hocker, the 2024 Olympic gold medalist in the 1,500 meters. Hocker, who has not competed in Indianapolis since his high school days at Cathedral High School in 2019, could return to his hometown for these championships, depending on his schedule.
The Fall Creek Pavilion has been hosting indoor track meets since January 2024, featuring a 200-meter banked oval constructed by Beynon Sports. The facility has retained the historical façade of the former Swine Barn and has undergone significant renovations, with Indiana lawmakers allocating $50 million to transform it into a multi-use venue. The pavilion spans 196,000 square feet, including a 14,000-square-foot lobby and connections to two additional 60,000-square-foot buildings.
The quality of the pavilion is underscored by the fact that four collegiate records have been set there during the past two Big Ten indoor meets, showcasing the venue's capabilities and the level of competition it can attract. LeRoy Lewis II, director of community and media engagement for the Indiana State Fair, expressed pride in bringing national attention to the facility, stating, “Bringing the national spotlight to the facility and the state fairgrounds is something we’re extremely proud of. We can’t wait to showcase all we have to offer.”
Looking ahead, Siegel mentioned the potential for outdoor nationals to return to Indianapolis in the future, noting that few venues outside of Eugene, Oregon, can accommodate such events. Historically, Indianapolis has hosted the outdoor nationals five times, in addition to the 1988 Olympic Trials. Discussions are ongoing with leaders from Indiana University Indianapolis regarding necessary renovations to Carroll Stadium to facilitate future events.
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