Indianapolis Professional Football Team hosts Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital Homecoming at Lucas Oil Stadium
More than 1,000 Peyton Manning Childrens Hospital patients, families and care team members gathered at Lucas Oil Stadium on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2026, for the second annual Peyton Manning Childrens Hospital Homecoming Celebration. The Indianapolis Professional Football Team hosted the event and organizers transformed the stadium into a school-homecoming experience for current and former hospital patients who may not have the opportunity to attend traditional school events. Lucas Oil, the Indiana Fever, the Indiana Pacers and the nonprofit Called to Care joined the Indianapolis Professional Football Team to stage the evening. Organizers said they aimed to create a memorable, carefree night for attendees.
Where the green field usually lies, organizers placed games, tables and food and beverage stations for patients and families. Blue, the Indianapolis Professional Football Team mascot, the Indianapolis Professional Football Team cheer squad and members of the wide receiver unit attended. Faces throughout Lucas Oil Stadium lit up as children and families moved through activities and met team representatives. A select group of patient ambassadors had access to special areas and programming during the evening.
Called to Care chair Cali Estes said patient ambassadors were honored during the celebration and walked out with an Indianapolis Professional Football Team player, which she described as a highlight of the night. She said patients found the recognition very special and that organizers sought to make the evening about the patients and families so they would feel supported by the community. Estes added that the event reversed the usual dynamic by placing the spotlight on the children rather than the athletes. She said the goal was to make the night fun and supportive for all attendees.
Organizers noted the 2026 gathering marked the events second year and they aim to expand the celebration each season. Katie Lucas, president of Lucas Oil, said, “Like everything we do, we always want to make everything bigger and better.” A select group of patient ambassadors spent time in the Indianapolis Professional Football Team locker room with members of the wide receiver unit, decorating jackets and playing cornhole as players got to know the patients. Wide receiver Laquon Treadwell said the children were wonderful and emphasized his desire to give back to the community and serve as a positive outlet for youth.
NFL Sports Blog Take
The Indianapolis Professional Football Teams Homecoming Celebration offered a clear example of coordinated community engagement that involved more than 1,000 attendees and multiple local partners. Bringing patients into the stadium and facilitating direct interaction with players and staff created a celebratory setting for children who cannot always participate in traditional school events. As a second-year initiative, the program showed organizers intend to grow the effort and sustain outreach with hospitals and community organizations. Continued collaboration among the team, Lucas Oil and nonprofits can help expand access to these experiences for more patients in future seasons.