You're standing outside the massive brick exterior of Lucas Oil Stadium. Maybe the air is crisp for a Colts game, or maybe you're there for the high-energy chaos of a monster truck rally. You look at your phone. Section 140, Row 12, Seat 18. Sounds simple, right? But if you’ve ever wandered the concourse in circles while holding two overpriced sodas, you know that the lucas oil stadium seating chart with seat numbers isn't always as intuitive as it looks on a tiny PDF.
It’s a massive place. Honestly, it’s one of the most well-designed stadiums in the NFL, but 67,000 seats create a lot of room for confusion. Whether you're trying to figure out if you're on the aisle or stuck in the middle of a row of thirty people, understanding the numbering logic is the difference between a relaxing kickoff and a stressful hike.
The Secret Logic of Row and Seat Numbering
Let's get the basics out of the way. Most people assume seat 1 is always on the left. But "left" depends on where you're standing. At Lucas Oil Stadium, the seat numbering follows a very specific clockwise pattern.
When you are sitting in your seat and looking down at the field, Seat 1 is always on your right. This is huge. If you have a high seat number, say Seat 22, you are going to be on the left side of the section as you face the action. If you’re buying tickets and want to be near a specific tunnel or exit, check which section is adjacent to yours. Seat 1 in any given section will always be right next to the highest seat number of the section immediately to its right.
Rows aren't just numbers, either. In the lower bowl—the 100 level—rows are usually lettered first, then numbered. You might see Row A, which is the very front, followed by Row B, and so on. But wait. Don't assume Row A is the "front" in every single section. Because of the way the stadium is carved out for tunnels and ADA seating, some sections might actually start at Row G or Row M. Always check the specific section map before you brag to your friends about having front-row seats.
Navigating the 100 Level: The Power Seats
The 100 level is where the energy is. It's loud. You can hear the pads popping. But because the stadium is a "retractable roof" facility with a rectangular footprint, the corners can be a bit tricky.
In the 100 level, most sections have about 20 to 24 seats per row. If you are in Section 113 (right behind the Colts bench), Seat 1 is going to be closest to Section 112. If you managed to snag Section 140, Seat 20, you’re basically sitting on the aisle next to Section 141.
Why does this matter? Bathrooms.
Look, nobody wants to shuffle past 18 people to get a beer. If you’re in a high-numbered seat in Section 113, you want the concourse amenities near Section 114. If you’re in Seat 1, you’re looking at the amenities near 112. It sounds like small potatoes until you’re trying to beat the halftime rush.
The Mid-Level Experience: 200, 300, and 400
This is where the nuances of the lucas oil stadium seating chart with seat numbers get really interesting. The 200 and 300 levels are often grouped together as the "Club Level" or "Loge Level," depending on the event.
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- The 200 Level: These are usually smaller sections. They feel more private. Because they are tucked under the overhang of the 300/400 level, you get a great view of the video boards without feeling like you're in the clouds.
- The 300 Level: This is the sweet spot. You’re high enough to see the plays develop but low enough to recognize the players.
- The 400 Level: These are often the first few rows of the upper deck. People often confuse these with the "nosebleeds," but they actually offer a fantastic broadcast-style view of the field.
In these mid-levels, the seat count per row often shrinks. You might only have 12 or 16 seats in a row. This is a godsend for anyone with kids or anyone who needs to get up frequently.
The 500 and 600 Levels: Living in the Clouds
Let's talk about the "nosebleeds." Honestly, there isn't a truly bad seat in Lucas Oil, but the 600 level is high. If you have vertigo, maybe stick to the 100s.
In the 600 level, the rows are long. Really long. In some of the corner sections, you might find rows with 25 or even 30 seats. If you’re Seat 15, you are dead-center. You are the "filling" in a human sandwich. If you value a quick exit, you absolutely must hunt for Seat 1 or the highest number in that row (usually 22-28 depending on the section).
One thing most people miss: the 500 level is tiny. It’s often just a few rows deep, acting as a transition between the lower and upper halves of the stadium. If you can find a ticket in the 500s, grab it. It’s like having the perspective of the 600 level but being 30 feet closer to the grass.
Where are the Aisle Seats?
I get asked this constantly. Everyone wants the aisle.
In the Lucas Oil Stadium seating chart, the aisle seats are Seat 1 and the highest number in the row.
But here’s the kicker: sometimes an aisle is shared between sections. If you are in Section 140, Seat 22, you are on the aisle. Just across that steps-aisle is Section 141, Seat 1. Both are aisle seats. If you see a ticket for Seat 10 or 11 in a row of 20, you are definitely smack in the middle.
Corner Views vs. Sideline Views
If you’re looking at the lucas oil stadium seating chart with seat numbers for a concert, the sideline seats (Sections 112-115 or 139-142) are usually the "prime" spots. But for football? The corners (like Section 121 or 132) offer a unique perspective on end-zone plays.
The seat numbers in the corners are angled. This means Seat 1 might feel like it's pointing toward the 20-yard line, while Seat 20 is pointing toward the goalposts. It's a small detail, but it affects how much you have to crane your neck during the game.
ADA and Accessible Seating
Lucas Oil is actually a leader in accessibility. They don't just shove wheelchair seating in the back. You can find ADA platforms at the back of many 100-level sections and at the front of several 500-level sections.
These seats don't usually follow the standard "1 to 22" numbering. They are often spaced out, and you’ll usually have a companion seat next to the wheelchair space. If you’re looking for these on a chart, they are usually labeled as "WC" or "Accessible."
The "Big Window" and the Roof
You can't talk about seating here without mentioning the North Window. It's the massive glass wall that looks out over downtown Indianapolis.
If you are sitting in the South End Zone (Sections 124-130), you are looking directly at that window. It’s a beautiful view, especially during a late afternoon game when the sun is hitting the city skyline. However, if the roof is open, the sun can be a factor.
If you're in the 600 level on the East side (Sections 635-645) during a 1:00 PM game, bring sunglasses. You’re going to be staring right into the sun for the first half. The West side (Sections 608-618) stays in the shade much longer.
Pro Tips for Choosing Your Seat
I've been in this stadium dozens of times, from the very top row to the field-side suites. Here is the "expert" way to pick a seat:
- The Row 10 Rule: In the 100 level, don't sit in Row A or B if you want to see the whole field. The players and equipment on the sideline will block your view. Aim for Row 10 or higher. You get enough elevation to see over the bench.
- The Tunnel Factor: Check where the players come out. At Lucas Oil, the Colts usually emerge from the tunnel between Section 101 and 153. If you want to see the smoke and the player intros up close, that's your spot.
- Concessions and Tech: The stadium has great Wi-Fi now (it used to be spotty), but the concourse near the 100-level end zones (Sections 124 and 153) tends to have the widest variety of food. If you're a foodie, stay on the lower levels.
- The 500 Level Secret: As mentioned before, the 500 level is the hidden gem. It's often priced lower than the 400s but has better sightlines than the 600s.
Real World Example: Section 140
Let's look at a popular section like 140. It's on the sideline, behind the visitors' bench.
- Row 1-5: You're close enough to hear the players talking. Great for photos, bad for seeing the play on the opposite side of the field.
- Seat 1: On the right side of the section, near Section 139.
- Seat 22: On the left side, near the aisle for Section 141.
- The View: Perfect 50-yard line perspective.
If you find a ticket for Section 140, Row M, Seat 1, you have arguably one of the best seats in the entire building. You're on an aisle, you're elevated enough to see the whole field, and you're at the 50-yard line.
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What to do next
Before you hit "buy" on those tickets, do three things.
First, go to the official Lucas Oil Stadium website and use their 3D seat viewer. It’s not perfect, but it gives you a "eye-level" look at the railings. Sometimes a railing in the 600 level can be right in your line of sight if you’re in Row 1.
Second, double-check the event type. For concerts, "Seat 1" might change if they add floor seating or a B-stage. The stadium layout for a Taylor Swift concert is radically different from a Colts game.
Third, look at the weather. Even though it’s a retractable roof stadium, they decide whether to open it about two hours before kickoff. If it’s open, the "East side" rule about the sun becomes very real.
Go grab your tickets. Whether you're in the front row or the last row of Section 640, the atmosphere in Indy is hard to beat. Just remember: Seat 1 is on your right. Everything else is just details.