The free three hour extravaganza featured autographs from Kelvin Hayden and Daniel Muir along with cheerleaders Erin, Megan, Megann and Tessa. The line, which stretched around the mall, included numerous sponsor booths for the Colts faithful to enjoy while they waited to get autographs from the two starters.
Hayden, a cornerback out of the University of Illinois, started eight regular season games and three postseason games highlighted by an interception against the Jets. He was ecstatic to see the overwhelming fan support.
"This is a great for me personally and the Colts organization to know that we have the fans behind us 100 percent," Hayden said. "It is always good to come out here and support the fans because what they do is just as important as what we do. They are diehard fans and behind us a 100%. That is all that you can ask for as a player."
Hayden and Muir were not the only stars in attendance. Platinum recording artist Sister Hazel was on hand to play a free concert. Fans danced, cheered and sang along for the group's entire hour and a half performance that included hits such as "All for You," "Champagne High," and several songs off of their most recent and highest charting CD titled Release.
"I thought they were incredible," Ken Block, Sister Hazel's lead singer, said of the Colts fans in attendance. "You know it's the middle of July and people are already talking football. That is deep love. They had a great run last year and I think they obviously have a great chance at having another great run. These aren't fair weather fans these are people that bleed it."
Michael Hopson, otherwise known as Superfan for his elaborate costume and diehard nature, was at the Fan Fest taking in everything that was going on.
"This is great. This is my first Fan Fest this year," Hopson, who moved to Indianapolis in 1989 and has been a Colts fan ever since, said. "This is outrageous we have Kelvin Hayden and Daniel Muir on hand and Sister Hazel on the stage. This is just outstanding."
As fans strolled around the mall they found the mountain slide, bounce house, rock wall, JUGS punt machine, quarterback challenge and Colts in Motion traveling museum waiting for them to enjoy. Food and beverages were also available for purchase.
Making a special appearance to rock out with the band and meet the fans was Colts' mascot Blue.
The 2010 Indianapolis Colts Fan Fest was a smashing success. It proved one thing for sure: Colts fans are geared up and ready for the upcoming season.
The Make It Personal Tour returns to the road Tuesday, July 13 when it pays a visit to the Howard County Fair. For more information on the tour click on the Fanzone tab above or check out my blog on mycolts.net.
