Published: July 26, 2008 04:16 pm         

Tribune-Star editorial: Capitalizing on the Colts

Call it hometown capitalism, if you must. But in a rocky economic time, Terre Hauteans can help their community by taking advantage of a rare asset — the Indianapolis Colts.

As one of just 32 cities hosting an NFL summer training camp, the city has one of the most high-profile sports teams in America living and practicing here for the next three weeks. We need to capitalize on it.

If you’ve got friends, family or work acquaintances around the state who’ve never been to Colts camp, invite them to visit one of the 27 remaining practices today through Aug. 15 at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Give them some hints about places to eat, shop and stay overnight (if you don’t want them sleeping in your guest room).

This coming week offers some prime opportunities. The Colts City activities run 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, with the team practices before and afterward. Wednesday is an ideal choice, with Colts City opening at 4 p.m., live entertainment at 5, carnival games, and the highly popular night practice at from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday features Kids Day activities at Colts City, and two more practices.

After last month’s flooding, business closings and record fuel prices, the Terre Haute economy needs to get every ounce of the potential boost the Colts camp offers. So call a friend, check out the 2008 team together, then take a spin through the city. It’s our NFL economic stimulus package. Let’s use it.