By RICHIE HALL
WESTFIELD – The Indianapolis Colts’ 2023 Training Camp will be back at Grand Park in a month’s time, but the party is starting early.
The Colts announced the schedule for this year’s camp Tuesday at the Grand Park Events Center. The team made an evening out of it, inviting season ticket holders to attend the announcement. It was a blast from the get-go, as those fans entered the main field by running through an inflatable tunnel – just like the Colts players used to several years ago.
Once on the main field, fans were treated to food and music from DJ GNO, then listened as Colts reporter Larra Overton and Colts Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Roger VanDerSnick released the schedule. Westfield Mayor Andy Cook also made remarks, and there was an appearance from Colts mascot Blue. Cook had some good-natured fun with the ever-popular mascot.
Indianapolis Colts mascot Blue provided some of the fun at the Colts Training Camp announcement. (Richie Hall)
“The Colts have never had a facility like this before,” said Cook. “We’ve never had an NFL team in here before. We learned something every year.”
Grand Park has hosted the Colts Camp since 2018, and while Cook spoke about the growth of the camp, he also mentioned how it tied into the growth of Grand Park in general. Cook said he saw a video where he estimated “we should have 250,000 people a year.” Last year, Grand Park had 3.5 million visitors.
“When I travel the country and people say ‘Where are you from,’ I no longer say ‘Indy-area,’” said Cook. “I say ‘I’m from Westfield, Indiana.’ ‘Oh, isn’t that where that sports park is?’ And I proudly smile and say ‘Yes, it is.’”
Westfield Mayor Andy Cook talks with Indianapolis Colts Vice President of Communications Steve Campbell (left) and Westfield Director of Communications Chris Proffitt at the Colts’ Training Camp announcement Tuesday at Grand Park. (Richie Hall)
“For the fifth year, the Colts will kick off our football season at Colts Training Camp at Grand Park, and we are excited to be returning to our second home in Westfield,” said VanDerSnick. “Mayor Cook, the Grand Park staff and the entire Westfield community have been incredible hosts for our team and our fans, and we look forward to another successful run at Grand Park.”
Koorsen Fire & Security will again be the title sponsor of the Colts Camp.
“Koorsen Fire & Security is thrilled to return as title sponsor of Colts Training Camp for a second year,” said company president Keith Koorsen. “We love this opportunity to partner with another proud Indiana business, and we can’t wait to welcome thousands of Colts fans back to Grand Park to kick off the 2023 season.”
Practices start July 26
The first practice that will be open to fans is set for July 26 at 10 a.m. Practices take place for most days over the following three weeks, with the final open practice scheduled for Aug. 17. There is no charge to attend training camp, but guests must obtain a free ticket at Colts.com/Camp to enter each day.
The Colts will hold 13 open practices, with the public welcome at each one. Eight of those practices will feature special theme days, highlighting various local organizations and fans, and providing fun activities for the whole family. (Theme days will appear on the schedule listed elsewhere on this page.)
The final two practices of the camp, Aug. 16 and 17, will be joint practices with the Chicago Bears. The practices will take place in advance of the teams’ pre-season game on Aug. 19 at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts will also take part in joint training camp practices with the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia.
Also returning is the popular Colts City. The attraction will be set on an 85,000 square-foot multi-purpose asphalt pad and Play 60 turf field adjacent to the Colts practice fields, allowing fans to enjoy Colts City activities and team practices conveniently.
In keeping with the local theme, the Colts are partnering with Westfield High School student Mia Sears, who designed a limited-edition Training Camp t-shirt inspired by the iconic Westfield Gate. The t-shirt will be available later this summer at the Colts Pro Shop at Training Camp, with adult and youth sizes available for all persons.
Clear Bag policy
The NFL “clear bag” policy for game days will be in effect in areas of the camp that require a ticket. In these areas, fans will be able to carry the following style and size bag, package or container:
– Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”. (Official NFL Team logo clear plastic tote bags are available through club pro shops or at nflshop.com)
– One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
– Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the stadium with one of the clear plastic bag options
– An exception will be made for medical necessary items after proper inspection at an area designated for this purpose.
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:
– Purses larger than a clutch bag
– Coolers
– Briefcases
– Backpacks
– Fanny packs
– Cinch bags
– Seat cushions
– Luggage of any kind
– Computer bags
– Camera bags
– Any bag larger than the permissible size.
BLUE BOX SCHEDULE
Colts practice schedule:
July 26, 9 a.m. (Camp Kickoff)
July 28, 9 a.m. (Kid’s Day)
July 29, 4 p.m. (Back Together Weekend)
July 31, 9 a.m.
Aug. 1, 9 a.m. (Salute To Service)
Aug. 3, 8 a.m. (Youth Sports Day)
Aug. 5, 4 p.m.
Aug. 6, noon (Give Back Sunday)
Aug. 8, 8 a.m.
Aug. 10, 8 a.m. (Fan Appreciation)
Aug. 15, 8 a.m.
Aug. 16, 4 p.m. (Joint practice with Chicago Bears)
Aug. 17, 4 p.m. (Thirsty Thursday, joint practice with Chicago Bears)