You’ve probably been there. You plan the entire Sunday around a 1:00 PM kickoff, get the wings ready, settle into the couch, and then realize the game was flexed or you're staring at a different timezone entirely. It's frustrating.
Honestly, tracking the Indiana Colts game time feels like a full-time job sometimes. Between the NFL's "flexible scheduling" and the team's occasional trips across the Atlantic, the kickoff clock is a moving target.
Take the 2025 season, for example. The Colts had a massive range of start times. We saw them playing at 9:30 AM ET when they took on the Falcons in Berlin. Then, just a month later, they were under the bright lights of Monday Night Football against the 49ers with an 8:15 PM ET start.
If you're looking for a simple answer, most Colts games start at 1:00 PM ET. That's the "sweet spot" for AFC South matchups at Lucas Oil Stadium. But "most" isn't "all," and that's where things get tricky.
Why the Indiana Colts game time changes (Flexing)
The NFL loves drama. They want the best matchups in the biggest windows. This is why "Flex Scheduling" exists. Basically, the league can look at a game scheduled for Sunday afternoon and decide, "Hey, this is actually a massive playoff-deciding game. Let’s move it to Sunday Night Football."
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It’s great for TV ratings. It’s kinda a nightmare for fans who already bought plane tickets to Indy.
There are some rules to this madness, though. Usually, for Sunday night games between Weeks 5 and 13, the NFL has to give at least 12 days' notice before moving the time. If we’re late in the season (Weeks 14-17), that window shrinks to just six days.
- Sunday Afternoon: Kickoffs are usually 1:00 PM, 4:05 PM, or 4:25 PM ET.
- Prime Time: Thursday, Sunday, or Monday nights usually kick off at 8:15 PM or 8:20 PM ET.
- International: If the Colts are in London or Germany, expect a 9:30 AM ET start.
Don't assume the time on your fridge calendar from August is still right.
The Week 18 Chaos
Week 18 is the ultimate "wait and see" scenario. The NFL intentionally leaves the Indiana Colts game time for the season finale as "TBD" (To Be Determined) until the very last second. They want to ensure the games with the highest stakes are played at the same time or in the prime-time slot.
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Last season, the Colts' Week 18 clash with the Houston Texans was a classic example of this. You didn't know if it was a Saturday game or a Sunday afternoon game until about six days prior.
Where to find the most accurate game time
Google is usually fast, but for the most "official" word, the Colts' own app is the safest bet. It updates in real-time.
If you are a local fan in Indianapolis, you’re likely watching on CBS (WTTV Channel 4) or FOX (WXIN Channel 59). If it’s a national broadcast, you're looking at ESPN, NBC, or Amazon Prime Video.
One thing people get wrong: they forget that Indianapolis is on Eastern Time. If you're a fan living in Northwest Indiana (near Chicago), you're an hour behind. A 1:00 PM Indy kickoff is noon for you. I've seen people miss the entire first quarter because of that one-hour gap.
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Planning your arrival at Lucas Oil Stadium
If the game time is 1:00 PM, don't show up at 12:45 PM.
Lucas Oil Stadium gates typically open two hours before kickoff. If you want to experience "Touchdown Town" (the outdoor street fest on South Street), that starts three hours before kickoff.
Honestly, the security lines can be a beast if you bring a bag. Remember the Clear Bag Policy. If it’s not clear, or if it’s bigger than 12" x 6" x 12", you aren't getting in. Period.
Actionable Tips for Colts Fans
- Sync your digital calendar: Go to the official Colts website and use the "Add to Calendar" feature. These links are "dynamic," meaning if the NFL flexes the game from 1:00 PM to 4:25 PM, your phone calendar will update automatically.
- Check the "Official" Weather: Lucas Oil has a retractable roof. The team usually announces if the roof will be open or closed about 90 to 120 minutes before the Indiana Colts game time. This can change how you dress for the game significantly.
- The 6-Day Rule: During the last month of the season, check the NFL schedule every Monday afternoon. That is when the league typically finalizes flex moves for the upcoming Sunday.
- Local Radio: If you're driving to the game and want the pre-game show, tune into 93.5 or 107.5 The Fan. They start their broadcast hours before the players even take the field for warmups.
Keep an eye on the standings. The better the Colts play, the more likely their 1:00 PM games will be moved to later slots. Success has a price, and sometimes that price is a later bedtime on Sunday night.