RCA Dome

RCA Dome. The RCA Dome was a domed stadium located in Indianapolis, notable for its distinctive fiberglass fabric roof and its role as the home of the Indianapolis Colts for over two decades. Originally known as the Hoosier Dome, it was a key component of the Indiana Convention Center and helped establish the city as a major host for NCAA championships and other large-scale events. Its innovative air-supported design and central location made it a landmark in downtown Indianapolis until its replacement by Lucas Oil Stadium.

History

The stadium's development was spearheaded by city leaders, including William Hudnut, as part of a broader strategy to revitalize downtown Indianapolis and attract a NFL franchise. Construction began in 1982, with the building officially opening in 1984 as the Hoosier Dome. Its completion was pivotal in convincing Robert Irsay to relocate the Baltimore Colts to Indiana, a move executed dramatically in 1984. In 1994, a naming rights agreement was secured with the Radio Corporation of America, leading to the venue's renaming. The structure was designed by the architectural firm HNTB and engineered by Geiger Berger Associates, utilizing a cable-dome system that was pioneering for its time.

Features

The most defining feature was its air-supported, fiberglass fabric roof, which was held aloft by interior air pressure and reinforced by a network of steel cables. This design, inspired by the Metrodome in Minneapolis, created a column-free interior span of approximately 460 feet. The stadium's interior featured permanent seating for over 60,000 spectators and an artificial AstroTurf playing surface. It was directly connected to the Indiana Convention Center and the Indianapolis skywalk system, facilitating easy access for convention attendees. The venue also included numerous luxury suites and club seating areas to cater to corporate clients.

Events

Beyond serving as the home venue for the Indianapolis Colts, the stadium hosted a wide array of major events. It was a frequent site for the NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four, including the 1991 tournament where Duke defeated Kansas. The venue also held the NBA Indiana Pacers playoff games during the 1990s, USFL games for the Indianapolis Racers, and concerts for major acts like The Rolling Stones and U2. It regularly hosted the Drum Corps International World Championships and was the site of the tennis ATP Tour Finals in 1988.

Legacy

The RCA Dome is widely credited with transforming Indianapolis into the "Amateur Sports Capital of the World" and proving the city could successfully host premier sporting events. Its success directly led to the city securing the Pan American Games in 1987 and built a reputation that attracted subsequent events like the Super Bowl and NCAA headquarters. The stadium's economic impact bolstered the surrounding Wholesale District and solidified the city's strategy of using sports for urban development. The design influenced subsequent stadium projects and demonstrated the viability of large-scale, multi-purpose downtown venues.

Closure

The decision to replace the RCA Dome was driven by the Indianapolis Colts' desire for a modern, retractable-roof stadium with enhanced revenue opportunities from suites and concessions. Plans for Lucas Oil Stadium were finalized in 2005, with construction beginning adjacent to the existing dome. The Colts played their final game there in January 2008, a NFL AFC Divisional playoff loss to the San Diego Chargers. Demolition via implosion occurred in December 2008, with the site repurposed for expansion of the Indiana Convention Center. The stadium's iconic roof fabric was recycled into consumer products, and its main entrance gates were preserved at the Indiana State Museum.

Category:Defunct American football venues Category:Defunct indoor arenas in the United States Category:Buildings and structures in Indianapolis Category:Sports venues in Indiana