#1: The Roof And Window
The retractable roof was built for the Colts as an option that would allow them to play outdoors when the weather in Indiana was still conducive to playing football. The roof can be closed at any time to accommodate the weather conditions outside, and it is one of the first of a new breed of stadiums with retractable roofs that are becoming so popular in the NFL.
The movable window in the stadium allows fans to see the skyline of Indianapolis during the game. This window can be closed to block pervasive sunlight, or it can be opened to let fresh air into the building during an event.
#2: Football
The Indianapolis Colt moved into the building upon its completion, and the Colts have already played meaningful playoff games in the stadium, and it recently hosted Super Bowl XLVI. The football history of the building is short, but the stadium was built to provide a venue where many more Super Bowls and playoff games may be played.
#3: Basketball
#4: College Football
There is no basketball tenant in the new Lucas Oil Stadium, but the stadium has hosted rounds of the NCAA Basketball Tournament since it opened. The 2010 and 2015 Final Fours were hosted in the building, and the seating allowed for records to be broken for attendance at college basketball games. Duke University prevailed in both Final Fours making this building a lucky play for the Blue Devils to play. The final in 2010 featured Duke and the Butler Bulldogs who are located in Indianapolis. That game was the first final between private schools since the 1985 final between Villanova and Georgetown.
Lucas Oil Stadium does not have a college football tenant, but it is host to the Big Ten Championship game. The conference created the game after expanding, and the stadium was a natural choice for this due to its central location in the Midwest. Lucas Oil Stadium will likely have a rich sports history once it has been given time to host more events from the world of sports. College football, the NFL and college basketball have all found a special place in this new arena.
Soldier Field is a stadium near downtown Chicago. It is the home of the Chicago Bears football team. World Cup soccer games, rugby games and hockey games have been played here. A NASCAR event was held at Soldier Field in 1956.
The stadium was called Grant Park Municipal Stadium when it opened in 1924. A group of mothers of soldiers requested that the name be changed to Soldier Field, and the stadium was renamed in 1925. It was officially dedicated in 1926. College and high school football games were played at the stadium during the 1930s and 1940s. The Chicago Bears began using Soldier Field as their home stadium in 1971. The Chicago Park District began renovating the stadium in 1978, and the renovations were completed in 1981. Another renovation was completed in 2003.
The stadium has more than 61,000 seats. Luxury suites that hold between 12 and 36 people are available for rent. Food sold at the stadium includes pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue sandwiches and ribs. Popcorn, peanuts and pretzels are also available. Sports fans who are thirsty after cheering for their team can buy water, soda or beer.