Matt Hasselbeck and former Colts tight end Dallas Clark teamed up with country music singer Garth Brooks on Tuesday morning at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health to celebrate the opening of the new Child Life Zone. The CLZ is the 11th of its kind and currently the nation's largest.
In true Indianapolis fashion, Garth Brooks arrived in a racecar with IndyCar driver Charlie Kimball behind the wheel. He then joined Hasselbeck, Clark, Blue, Colts Cheerleaders and many others in a parade down the halls of Riley leading to the Child Life Zone.
Following the ribbon cutting, Brooks spoke at a press conference thanking donors and the Teammates for Kids Foundation.
"This is a place where a kid gets to be a kid," Brooks explained, emphasizing that in this area no doctors or needles are allowed.
Hasselbeck has partnered with Brooks and his foundation for many years, and was excited to see a Child Life Zone come to Indianapolis.
"People in the community have really stepped up and it's something to be proud of," Hasselbeck said. "It's amazing to be here with all the people who have worked hard to get this done. It's just awesome to see for the kids."
In between photos with fans and singing autographs, Clark made his way around the CLZ area.
"I can't imagine how it all started from an idea to this and to be a small part of it," Clark, who played for the Colts from 2003-2011, said.
Indianapolis is highlighted throughout the Child Life Zone, including a Colts team display. The display features uniforms from Andrew Luck and Matt Overton, as well as team helmets and footballs.
The Child Life Zone will operate for patients and families to have a place to play while undergoing treatment in the hospital Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
You can stay up-to-date with Child Life Zone news by following them on Twitter at @RileyCLZone.
Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health was chosen by Teammates for Kids Foundation to be the 11th Child Life Zone in the country. Special guests were Garth Brooks, Matt Hasselbeck, Dallas Clark and Charlie Kimball.
