Published: July 31, 2007 11:07 pm         

Colts bringing Lombardi Trophy to Terre Haute twice

Super Bowl prize in town tonight, back next week for National Night Out

TERRE HAUTE — The world champion Indianapolis Colts and the United Way of the Wabash Valley have given folks another reason to visit Terre Haute’s National Night Out.

The Vince Lombardi Trophy, or the National Football League’s Super Bowl award, will be on display from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday during the event in Deming Park.

National Night Out, a national event aimed at connecting communities with law enforcement, is expected to draw a crowd as large as 10,000 locally this year, police said.

The United Way of the Wabash Valley worked with the NFL to facilitate the trophy’s visit to National Night Out so community members would have a chance to see it.

“It’s very cool,” said an excited Jim Bertoli, executive director of the United Way. “We’re tremendously happy for the community that our United Way has that type of relationship with the Colts.”

The UWWV will not get anything other than enthusiasm from the Lombardi Trophy’s visit.

“We’re just happy that we’re able to do this for the community. We all live here, and this is something that benefits all of us. It’s a thrill to be able to see the trophy and to touch the trophy,” Bertoli said.

During the National Night Out there will be free food, fun and entertainment throughout Deming Park.

The trophy’s location will be at the United Way’s booth near the north end of the swimming pool.

City police Sgt. Dave Smith said, “ … We’re excited to see the trophy in our community. It may not ever happen again. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

The trophy has another stop before its appearance in Deming Park. It will be on display during the Colts training camp from 4 to 8 p.m. today at “Colts City” at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

The Colts’ Chuck O’Hara, director of marketing, said the Colts are making it personal this year by allowing the trophy to travel throughout Indiana for fans to see.

“First and foremost, we are big supporters of police and fire departments and what a wonderful way to reward their efforts. What a great cause to light up the National Night Out,” O’Hara said.

“We want to get the trophy to where it belongs — out to fan base,” he said.

Laura Followell can be reached at (812) 231-4253 or laura.followell@tribstar.com.

     

Add a comment on this story