Indy Eleven

Indy Eleven's History

Indy Eleven is a professional soccer club based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Founded in 2013, the team currently competes in the United Soccer League, one of the lower-level professional soccer leagues in the United States.

Despite being a relatively new team, Indy Eleven has quickly made a name for itself in the soccer world. The team has a passionate fan base and regularly draws large crowds to its home games at Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts. In fact, in 2019, the team set a new USL attendance record by averaging over 10,000 fans per game.

Indy Eleven’s history can be traced back to 2012, when professional soccer was first introduced to Indianapolis. The city had long been a hotbed for soccer, with youth leagues and adult recreational leagues thriving. But it wasn’t until the North American Soccer League (NASL) announced that it would be expanding to Indianapolis that the dream of professional soccer became a reality.

The NASL’s Indy Eleven played their first game in 2014, drawing a sellout crowd of over 11,000 fans to Carroll Stadium on the campus of IUPUI. The team was an instant hit, with fans cheering on local stars like Mike Ambersley and Kristian Nicht.

Despite their success on the field and at the gate, the NASL was struggling financially, and in 2017, the league announced that it would be cancelling its season. Indy Eleven was left without a league to play in, but the team wasn’t ready to give up on professional soccer in Indianapolis.

In early 2018, the team announced that it would be joining the United Soccer League, which was expanding rapidly at the time. The move was a huge boost for Indy Eleven, as the USL was seen as a more stable and financially viable league than the NASL.

The team’s first season in the USL was a success, as the Eleven finished third in the Eastern Conference and made it to the playoffs. The team’s success on the field was matched by its success at the box office, as the Eleven continued to draw large crowds to Lucas Oil Stadium.

In 2019, Indy Eleven set a new USL attendance record by averaging over 10,000 fans per game. The team’s success has been due in part to its strong connection to the community. The Eleven have partnered with local businesses and charities to give back to the city, and the team’s players and coaches are regularly seen out and about in Indianapolis, interacting with fans and promoting the team.

The future looks bright for Indy Eleven, as the team continues to grow and expand. In 2021, the team will move to a new stadium in downtown Indianapolis, which is expected to be a state-of-the-art facility that will provide an even better game day experience for fans.

If you’re interested in seeing Indy Eleven in action, there are a variety of ticket options available. Single game tickets can be purchased online or at the stadium on game day, and season tickets and flex packs are also available. The team also offers group ticket packages, which are a great option for corporate events or birthday parties. With their passionate fan base and exciting brand of soccer, Indy Eleven is a team that’s definitely worth seeing live.

More About Indy Eleven

One of the most impressive aspects of Indy Eleven's recent history is their consistency. The team has made the playoffs in each of the last four seasons, reaching as far as the conference final in 2019. This consistency is a testament to the quality of the team's management, coaching staff, and players, and has made Indy Eleven a favorite among soccer fans.

One of the most memorable performances in Indy Eleven's recent history came in the 2019 USL playoffs. The team faced off against Nashville SC in the conference semifinals, in what would turn out to be an epic battle between two of the league's top teams. Despite being underdogs going into the match, Indy Eleven rose to the occasion, scoring two goals in the second half to secure a 2-1 victory. The win was a testament to the team's resilience and fighting spirit, and cemented their place as one of the top teams in the league.

Another highlight of Indy Eleven's recent history has been the emergence of star striker Tyler Pasher. Pasher joined the team in 2018 and quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to his electrifying speed and scoring ability. In the 2020 season, Pasher took his game to the next level, scoring 10 goals in just 15 matches and earning a call-up to the Canadian national team. Pasher's rise to stardom has been a joy to watch for Indy Eleven fans, and has helped the team establish itself as a serious contender in the USL.

Of course, one of the biggest challenges facing Indy Eleven and other sports teams in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the absence of live fans in the stands. While this has been a difficult adjustment for both players and fans, Indy Eleven has done an excellent job of adapting to the new reality. The team has implemented strict safety protocols to protect the health of players and staff, and has worked to create a safe and engaging atmosphere for fans watching at home.

Despite the challenges of playing in an empty stadium, Indy Eleven has continued to put on exciting matches. The team's recent 3-2 victory over Louisville City FC was a great example of this. The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams creating numerous scoring opportunities. In the end, it was Indy Eleven's defense that came up big, holding Louisville City off the scoreboard in the final minutes of the match to secure the win.

For fans looking to catch Indy Eleven in action, the team offers a range of ticket options to suit different budgets and preferences. From single-game tickets to season tickets and group packages, there are options for everyone. The team has also implemented a number of safety measures to ensure that fans can enjoy the game with peace of mind, including mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing protocols.

In conclusion, Indy Eleven has a lot to be proud of when it comes to their recent performances and highlights. From their consistent playoff appearances to their epic victories and the emergence of star players like Tyler Pasher, the team has established itself as one of the top soccer teams in the USL. While the COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges for the team and its fans, Indy Eleven has adapted well and continues to provide exciting soccer for fans to enjoy. For those looking to catch the team in action, there are a range of ticket options available to make the experience as enjoyable as possible.