Football championship game brings thousands to Indianapolis

The College Football Playoff National Championship game will be played in Indianapolis on Jan. 10.

The city has been looking forward to hosting the game since it was announced in 2017. Indianapolis successfully hosted the entire NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament last year amid COVID-19 concerns.

Mayor Joe Hogsett says it’s an honor to welcome fans back to Indianapolis.

“That our city, Indianapolis, can be the center of the college sports universe in back to back years,” Hogsett said.

About 100,000 people are expected to travel to Indianapolis for the game between SEC rivals No. 1 Alabama and No. 3 Georgia.

Unlike last year, this year’s championship event will commence with no COVID restrictions. All of the venues for the game and related events in Indianapolis do not currently require masks.

Basic COVID precautions are recommended, but will not be required through vaccine or test checks.  Marion County Public Health Director said organizers strongly encourage precautions as the omicron variant of the disease continues to spread.

“People know what it takes in order to be safe. Wear that mask while indoors, get vaccinated with the boosters, get themselves tested,” Caine said.

Fans that are sick are asked to stay home.

Free events and activities will be held outdoors all weekend, despite a cold and snowy forecast. 

Officials also reminded residents of IndyGo options to alleviate traffic downtown. The Department of Public Works has worked to finish construction projects along key downtown streets.  And DPW said all winter weather preparations are being made.

Delta also added three direct flights to Indianapolis International Airport ahead of the game.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.