COLTS 101

The Indianapolis Colts announced their 2012 Training Camp schedule on Wednesday. As anticipated per the new collective bargaining agreement, fans will no longer get the pleasure of seeing the Colts work out twice as two-a-day practices are now prohibited. What was not anticipated was exactly how those limitations might affect the economy of Anderson, which hopes to see a windfall from fans visiting training camp.

The Colts first practice in Anderson will take place on Sunday, July 29. Only on days when the Colts hold afternoon practices (1:50-4:30) will practice be open to the public. The exceptions are for two evening practices (Aug. 7 and Aug. 16) and one morning practice on the last day of camp, Aug. 17. Additionally, no practice will be held on Aug. 1, Aug 8 and Aug. 13.

In the past, fans would typically make a day of it, heading to Anderson for a morning workout, hanging around town for lunch and/or dinner, and then taking in an evening practice. With most practices scheduled in the middle of the day, attendance may be down because of the weather factor. It's also likely that many fans may choose to eat before coming to Anderson and depart without having dinner there.

The city of Anderson had projected around 73,000 visitors after only getting 28,000 during last year's lockout-shortened training camp. With only two evening practices (there were three last season) it's doubtful Anderson will see that big of an increase in attendance.

Anderson had anticipated revenue nearing $1 million prior to the new schedule being announced. Just how much short of that figure the number will be is yet to be seen.

To be sure, an already economically struggling community didn't get any good news with the new practice schedule.

 

 

Tags: Anderson, Football, Indianapolis, Indianapolis Colts, NFL

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