In the heart of Indiana, where basketball often steals the spotlight, Indy Eleven has built a loyal soccer following. Since its founding, the club has stood tall, combining ambition, grit, and Midwestern pride.
Though challenges have come and gone, Indy Eleven keeps moving forward—fast, focused, and full of purpose.
Born with Purpose
Indy Eleven wasn’t created on a whim. Instead, it emerged with intent. Founded in 2013 and joining the North American Soccer League (NASL) in 2014, the club aimed to bring top-tier soccer to Indianapolis.
From day one, the mission was clear: grow the game, support the community, and build a winning culture.
Quickly, the team became a hit. Their name—Indy Eleven—honors Indiana’s 11th Infantry Regiment and reflects the state’s proud military history. The crest, packed with symbols, represents Indiana’s spirit and values.
Right away, fans connected with the team’s identity.
Home Is Where the Noise Is
Playing their first matches at Carroll Stadium, located on the IUPUI campus, Indy Eleven filled the stands. Crowds often exceeded 10,000, a massive number for lower-division soccer. Supporters’ groups like the Brickyard Battalion led chants, waved flags, and helped shape the club’s culture.
Carroll Stadium was rough around the edges. Still, it had character. And it was loud.
Eventually, the team moved to Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the NFL's Colts. The move offered more space and a higher profile, but some fans missed the intimacy of the original setup.
Nevertheless, no matter the venue, Indy Eleven’s fanbase stayed strong.
Adapting Through Change
When NASL began to crumble, Indy Eleven needed a new league. Rather than falter, the club adapted.
In 2018, they joined the USL Championship, the second tier of U.S. soccer. While some questioned the move, it proved to be a solid step. The competition was stronger. The structure was more stable. And the vision for the future became even more clear.
During this time, the team also improved its operations. Recruitment became sharper. Youth development grew. And new partnerships blossomed across the city.
Even in transition, the club kept building.
Community-First Mentality
Unlike many professional teams, Indy Eleven doesn’t just play for wins. They play for the city.
The club frequently holds community events, youth clinics, and school partnerships. Players visit local organizations. Coaches work with grassroots programs. The team’s presence stretches beyond the pitch.
And through it all, they’ve made it clear: soccer belongs to everyone.
In fact, their commitment to inclusion has been one of their proudest achievements. They’ve supported LGBTQ+ initiatives, stood against racism, and promoted diversity throughout the organization.
This strong moral foundation only strengthens their bond with fans.
The Men in Blue on the Pitch
Indy Eleven has featured several notable players throughout the years. Names like Eamon Zayed, Ayoze García, and Tyler Pasher helped shape the club’s identity on the field.
Zayed, in particular, became a legend after scoring a stunning hat trick in a 2016 comeback. That match against LA Galaxy II remains one of the club’s most iconic moments.
Tactically, the team often leans on solid defending and organized play. While not always flashy, their style is effective. They press when needed, counter quickly, and capitalize on set pieces.
At their best, Indy Eleven plays with intensity and pride.
A Stadium for the Future
Perhaps the most exciting part of Indy Eleven’s journey is still to come. Plans are underway to build a soccer-specific stadium known as Eleven Park. This massive development will feature not only a stadium but also retail, housing, and park spaces.
This project is more than bricks and mortar. It represents growth. Stability. Legacy.
Expected to open in the coming years, Eleven Park will give the club a permanent home tailored to its needs. And importantly, it will allow Indy Eleven to chase even bigger dreams.
With a stadium of their own, who knows how high they can climb?
A Growing Women’s Program
Indy Eleven isn’t just focused on the men’s game. In 2022, the club launched a women’s team to compete in the USL W League. This marked a bold step forward, as they aim to develop local female talent and promote equity in soccer.
The women’s squad performed well right out of the gate, finishing their inaugural season undefeated. But beyond the results, their presence sends a message: the future of soccer is inclusive.
By investing in both sides of the sport, Indy Eleven continues to lead by example.
Youth Development: Building Tomorrow’s Stars
Every great club understands the value of youth. Indy Eleven operates a robust academy system designed to groom the next generation. With training, mentorship, and high-level competition, their youth pipeline has begun to produce serious talent.
Players who rise through the ranks may someday wear the senior jersey—or even move on to bigger stages. Either way, the pathway is clear.
And for families across Indiana, it provides a local and legitimate route into the world of professional soccer.
Eyes on the Future
So where does Indy Eleven go from here?
The short answer: onward and upward.
With a new stadium in the works, strong community ties, and rising fan support, the club is in a strong position. They continue to compete at a high level in the USL Championship. They develop local talent. And they represent Indianapolis with pride.
Long-term? Some dream of MLS expansion. While that’s uncertain, the foundation is strong. If any second-division club can make that leap, Indy Eleven is certainly in the conversation.
Still, the focus stays local. For now, the mission remains: grow the game, win with integrity, and make Indiana proud.
Final Whistle: More Than a Club
Indy Eleven has come a long way since 2013. Through league changes, stadium shifts, and shifting landscapes, they’ve endured. They’ve grown. And most of all, they’ve earned the respect of a soccer nation.
They’re not just chasing trophies. They’re building something bigger.
For supporters in the Circle City, Indy Eleven is more than a soccer team—it’s a part of home.
SC Toronto U21 Men – Ontario Soccer League 2023
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