Published: June 05, 2008 01:22 pm            

Colts Fan Fest to visit Terre Haute

TERRE HAUTE — In celebration of the 25th season of Indianapolis Colts football and the grand opening of Lucas Oil Stadium, the Indianapolis Colts will host Fan Fests around Indiana beginning today through June 20.

In Terre Haute, a free community concert headlined by Jon McLaughlin is slated for Tuesday. Colts Fan Fests will make seven stops around the states of Indiana and Kentucky. Visit www.Colts.com/FanFest for an up-to-date listing of locations.

Colts Players, cheerleaders and the concert by McLaughlin are featured at 5 p.m. Tuesday in Fairbanks Park at Oak and First streets.

Fan Fest elements include a “Colts City” set up with inflatables, meet and greets with Colts players, cheerleaders, Blue the team mascot and McLaughlin, recording artist and Oscar nominee. Fans also can participate in the “Books for Youth” book drive by donating new or gently used children’s books, register their kids for the Colts Kids Club, register to win tickets to a Colts pre-season game, pick up free Colts giveaways and experience the re-designed Colts in Motion traveling museum.

The United Way of the Wabash Valley will team with the Colts in celebration of the 25th Season at the Colts Fan Fest. Proceeds from the refreshments provided by KBL & Co., face painters and balloon sculptors will benefit the United Way of the Wabash Valley. The Terre Haute Young Leaders will be volunteering their time in support of the United Way on the day of the event.

“The United Way and the NFL have been strong partners for over 35 years and we appreciate the continued relationship that we have with the Indianapolis Colts,” stated Kathy Barker, resource development director for United Way of the Wabash Valley.

ESPN the magazine recently honored the Indianapolis Colts as the No. 1 franchise of the top four pro sports. This ranking is based upon numerous factors including how teams give back to the fans. “What better way to bring Colts fans together than with a festival-like environment and a free concert with, Hoosier native and national recording artist, Jon McLaughlin?” said Tom Zupancic, vice president of sales and marketing for the Colts.

“We provide hundreds of free events for our fans every year. Colts Fan Fests is our way of giving back to our fans to thank them for their continued support. We want our fans all across the state to be able to touch the Colts franchise in their own back yards,” said Zupancic.

To Fan Fests, the Colts encourage all fans to arrive early. The line for player and cheerleader autographs may be cut off at any time to ensure the player’s schedule remains on time. Inclement weather or traffic may cause late arrival or early departure. All Fan Fests will take place, rain or shine. Team practice schedules and meeting times may cause players to arrive late or depart early. Colts player names will not be announced before the arrival in each city. Fans will be allowed one autograph per person, however fans may get back in line for additional autographs.

        

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