NFL scouting combine comes to Indy

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The NFL scouting combine is underway in Indianapolis. The once ultra private event has become so popular, Indianapolis has to work for it to return each year.

It's late February and the lobby of the downtown Indianapolis Marriott is busy, thanks in part by being the NFL's host hotel for the scouting combine.

Phil Ray, General Manager of the hotel stood in the lobby, overseeing what was going on.  

"Oh, it's a great piece of business. You know, February is one of our busiest months of the year now, partially because combine comes back year after year," he says. 

Visit Indy estimates the combine brings $5.5 million into the city during its six day run. It also brings the elite of the NFL, says Vice President of Marketing for the city's tourism arm. 

"There's no question that part of the end result of Indianapolis getting a Super Bowl was that NFL executives, team owners, coaches, players and past players are conditioned to come to Indianapolis each and every February for the NFL scouting combine," says Gahl. 

The event is one that has been held in Indianapolis since 1987.  It has grown to capture worldwide attention.
 
"More than 300 international and national media. We know that the TV broadcasts live from Indianapolis inside Lucas Oil Stadium will be hours upon hours, so that does a great amount to help marketing a city," says Gahl. 

Plenty of other cities would like to convince the NFL to move the combine. 

"You always worry.  So we can never let our guard down.  We always have to deliver a great product and a great service to make sure we are always hungry and appreciate the business. And we always make sure we do that," says Phil Ray of the Marriott. 

In addition, Lucas Oil Stadium was built with the combine in mind.  Special meeting rooms were included for medical tests on the athletes. It’s all connected to the major downtown hotels. 

Going outside isn't necessary.   

"But there's always that threat – that people are always going to try. Everybody wants them. But as long as we keep delivering they'll keep coming back," says Ray. 

The fight to keep the combine coming back doesn't end. It's a year to year event. That means, there's no contract that guarantees it will come back next year.

The city has to sell itself every year.