INDIANAPOLIS -- The namesake of Lucas Oil Stadium, which is set to open in 2008, is pitching in $1 million toward Indianapolis' effort to host the Super Bowl in 2011.

Forrest Lucas, the company's president and owner, pledged the money during a ceremony Thursday morning at the construction site for the new stadium.

"Lucas Oil Products is committed to Indiana and to the Colts," Lucas said. "I hope my pledge spurs others to become part of the bid to attract the NFL, its fans and the national media's eye to our city and state."

The organization put together to compile and submit Indianapolis' bid is seeking financial support to back up the bid before a presentation to NFL owners in Nashville, Tenn., May 23.

The city would need as much as $25 million to fund hosting the game in 2011, according to estimates.

"We are in the fundraising red zone," said Fred Glass, president of Indianapolis 2011 Inc. "It's going to be one of a handful of seven-figure contributions. So, it's very, very significant."

Indianapolis is up against Dallas and Phoenix in hopes of hosting the Super Bowl in 2011.

Team owners are expected to make their selection after each city gives a 15-minute presentation.

Indianapolis' bid was spurred, in part, by the construction of Lucas Oil Stadium, which is expected to be completed before the beginning of the 2008 NFL season.