Jeff Foster, president of National Football Scouting which puts together the annual testing session, said the event would return to the RCA Dome next year and organizers plan to open negotiations with the city to move into Lucas Oil Stadium in 2009.

The new retractable-roof facility will be the Colts new home starting in late summer of 2008, and also has a deal to become a regular site for the NCAA's men's and women's final fours.

"It makes the most sense right here. We've been here 22 years and our city partners know our routine," Foster said on the Web site. "Obviously, there are other cities we've looked at, but right now Indianapolis seems a great home for us."

In recent years, other cities have tried to pry the Combine away from Indianapolis.

Indianapolis remains a favorite because it's centrally located and less expensive than bigger cities. The proximity of hotels to the convention center also means the primary transportation is by foot, through the city's maze of skywalks.

Over the past decade, the Combine has grown into a huge media event.

In 1998, dozens of reporters waited in a hotel lobby to interview draft prospects.