“A billionaire’s plaything”: He claims the Lucas Oil roof cost $100 million. The Colts insist it wasn’t Irsay’s idea.
INDIANAPOLIS — Rick McKinney finds it hard to believe that 20 years have passed. Two decades ago, as a Hamilton County council member, he was asked to vote on a food and beverage tax to help fund a new stadium for the Indianapolis Colts, complete with a brand-new retractable roof.
With 86.5% of the $720 million cost for Lucas Oil Stadium covered by taxpayer dollars, McKinney thought the retractable roof was excessive. He argued that it would rarely be used given Indiana’s weather and wasn’t worth the $100 million he believes it added to the overall cost.
McKinney voiced his concerns to Governor Mitch Daniels, Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson, his fellow Hamilton County council members, and anyone else who would listen.
Lucas Oil Stadium roof: The surprising role a roof played in the NFL
In the end, Rick McKinney’s solitary “no” vote in the 6-1 final decision in Hamilton County didn’t change the outcome. The 1% tax was implemented, the stadium was constructed, and the Indiana Convention Center was expanded. For the foreseeable future, Indiana taxpayers would be responsible for paying off the stadium debt, minus the $100 million contribution from the Colts.
