Colts to Decide on Roof for Cowboys Game
Indianapolis has not yet settled whether Lucas Oil Stadium's north end zone window will be open for the November 8 matchup against Dallas.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Football
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Will the Colts open the Lucas Oil Stadium roof for Sunday's Cowboys game?
The Indianapolis Colts host the Dallas Cowboys at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 8, 2026, and the north end zone window decision has not been made. Sunny skies and highs in the upper 50s are forecast for the city.
Why it matters
The roof and window decision affects field visibility and sightlines during the game, a question that has drawn complaints from fans and viewers in recent seasons. The choice comes days after general manager Chris Ballard was fired following a loss to the Titans.
The Colts have a 10-1 record with the roof open and window closed, compared with 18-14 when both roof and window are open. The roof has been open in 43 of 149 games (28.8%) at Lucas Oil Stadium since it opened in 2008.
The players
Chris Ballard
Ballard was the longtime general manager of the Indianapolis Colts, fired the day after the team's loss to the Titans in October 2026.
The details
Lucas Oil Stadium opened in 2008 with a retractable roof, and the roof was closed for the season opener against the Ravens, a 41-23 loss. The roof and window were open for a 19-17 Week 3 win over the Texans, where fans and TV viewers reported poor field visibility from shadows.
Timeline
2008: Lucas Oil Stadium opened with a retractable roof.
October 18, 2026: The Colts lost to the Titans, and Chris Ballard was fired the next day.
November 8, 2026: The Colts host the Dallas Cowboys with the roof open.
Seasonal Patterns
Lucas Oil Stadium's roof and window choices have drawn repeated complaints about field shadows and visibility during the team's home games. Comparisons with stadiums such as Arrowhead Stadium and the former Texas Stadium, both known for late-day shadows, show the issue is not unique to Indianapolis.
Fans attending the November 8 game will see whether the north end zone window is open, which affects how much of the field is visible in late-day sun. The decision matters for anyone watching in person or on television.
The takeaway
Fans planning to attend the November 8 Colts game should check the official stadium announcements for the final roof and window status before the kickoff.
What happens next
The Colts will host the Dallas Cowboys at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 8, 2026, when the roof decision will be tested.
Further reading
Find more coverage in the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Indystar.
Live Poll
Will the Colts open the Lucas Oil Stadium roof for Sunday's Cowboys game?
