WESTFIELD, Ind. — The Indianapolis Colts today released the team and fan schedule for 2018 Colts Training Camp, presented by Verizon and sponsored in part by Bud Light, which will kick off Wed., July 25 and break Sat., Aug. 18.
This summer marks the first year of a 10-year partnership to host camp at the Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, about 20 miles north of Indianapolis.
This year's training camp will be the most fan-focused Colts camp to date, featuring special themed days honoring local community nonprofits, military personnel, youth football and others, as well as Colts City, Colts In Motion, the Colts Play 60 Zone, the Colts Pro Shop and much more.
There is no charge to attend training camp, but fans and guests must obtain a free ticket to enter each day. Tickets may be acquired online at Colts.com/Camp.
For security purposes, the NFL's "clear bag" policy for gamedays will be in effect in areas that require a ticket. For more information on the policy, see the attached or visit www.nfl.com/allclear.
"There's no better way to kick off our 35th season in Indiana than holding our training camp in this wonderful new venue," said Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Colts vice chair and owner. "Training camp obviously is designed to prepare our team for a long, rigorous season in the NFL. But this year, we are building a bigger and better experience for our fans so they can be a part of this exciting process."
"Our focus for months has been on partnering with the Colts to create the best training camp experience in the NFL," said Westfield Mayor Andy Cook. "Millions of people know Grand Park as the world-class facility that it is. What I am hoping is that throughout training camp our visitors see Westfield's heart. They will experience it through the many community events leading up to camp, the more than 500 volunteers it will take to pull it off and the hospitality of our local businesses."
Last year's training camp was held at the Colts headquarters at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis, but because of space and parking limitations, fan access also was limited. Previous camps have been held at Anderson University in Anderson and Rose-Hulman Institute in Terre Haute.
"Grand Park will be much more accessible than last year's camp, and there will be plenty of space and resources to welcome Colts fans and provide them with an exciting and enjoyable day," added Roger VanDerSnick, Colts chief sales & marketing officer.
Highlights of training camp will include:
• July 25 Camp Kickoff. On the opening day of camp, the team will host fans for a celebration of a new season of Colts football, featuring a youth football camp, live music, fireworks and remarks from Colts personnel and Mayor Cook.
• Colts City. An interactive experience for the whole family, Colts City will be open each day practice is open to the public through the first home preseason game. Daily activities will include:
— Play 60 Zone, Colts inflatables and 40-yard dash
—Colts In Motion, the team's traveling museum
— Colts Pro Shop
— Coca-Cola Social Tent
— Photo opportunities
— Interactive sponsor displays and exhibits
— Picnic area
—Letters From Camp, which invites kids and fans to write letters of encouragement to team/players during Training Camp
— Colts 50/50 Raffle, with 50 percent of the net proceeds supporting the work of the Indianapolis Colts Foundation in the community (Indiana Gaming License #: 146903).
—School Supply Drive. The Colts are partnering with Teachers' Treasures and will encourage fans to donate school supplies, benefiting more than 2,700 local teachers with resources to provide their students with school supplies.
• Themed days. Training camp will feature several themed days, including:
— Kids Day, presented by Riley Children's Health (Sat., July 28), featuring specially-priced kids' meals, the Front Row Autograph Zone for kids-only autographs, balloon artists, face painting, rock wall climbing and other fun activities.
— BBQ Bash Night Practice (Sun., July 29), featuring special BBQ meal at concessions, live music, a performance by the Colts Cheerleaders and a full-squad autograph signing.
— Sunrise Yoga (Thurs., Aug. 2), featuring a free, on-field yoga class led by Indy Yoga Movement prior to morning practice. Attendees are encouraged to stay and watch football practice following yoga.
— "Friday Night Lights" (Fri., Aug. 3), during which youth and high school football teams will be invited to camp.
— Community Day (Sun., Aug. 5), during which local nonprofits and players' causes will be celebrated.
— Armed Forces Day (Sat., Aug. 11), featuring VIP suites for pre-selected military groups, autograph session, and military displays in Colts City.
— Bike to Camp Day (Sat., Aug. 18), on which fans will be encouraged to ride bicycles to camp using the Monon Trail greenway.
• Colts joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens. These practices – on Aug. 17 and 18 – will be open to the public and will take place in advance of the teams' preseason game on Mon., Aug. 20 at Lucas Oil Stadium.
For more information or daily updates, visit Colts.com/Camp.
