Colts promise plenty of fan fun at first Grand Park training camp

The Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday announced the schedule for its first training camp at Westfield’s Grand Park Sports Campus and are billing it as the most fan-friendly camp the team has ever hosted.

Colts camp, which kicks off July 25 and runs until Aug. 18, will feature Colts City—an interactive fan zone—as well as the Colts Play 60 Zone.

“Training camp obviously is designed to prepare our team for a long, rigorous season in the NFL,” said Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Colts vice chair and co-owner, in prepared remarks. “But this year, we are building a bigger and better experience for our fans, so they can be a part of this exciting process.”

Opening day will kick off with a youth football camp, live music, fireworks and remarks from Colts personnel and Westfield Mayor Andy Cook.

The camp will feature several themed days, including:

• July 28 — Kids Day presented by Riley Children’s Health, with specially priced kids’ meals, the Front Row Autograph Zone, balloon artists, face painting and rock-wall climbing.

• July 29 — BBQ Bash Night Practice, with a special BBQ meal at concessions, live music, a performance by the Colts cheerleaders and a full-squad autograph signing.

• Aug. 2 — Sunrise Yoga, a free on-field yoga class will be led by Indy Yoga Movement before morning practice.

• Aug. 3 — Friday Night Lights, where youth and high school football teams will be invited to camp.

• Aug. 5 — Community Day, when local not-for-profits and player causes will be celebrated.

• Aug 11 — Armed Forces Day, honoring the military with VIP suites for pre-selected military groups, autograph sessions and military displays in Colts City.

• Aug. 18 — Bike to Camp Day, when fans will be encouraged to ride bicycles to camp using the Monon Trail.

And, on Aug. 17-18, Colts joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens will be open to the public.

There is no charge to attend training camp, but fans must obtain a free ticket to enter each day. Tickets can be acquired online at Colts.com/Camp.

The Colts in September announced the 10-year deal to hold training camp in Westfield.

For 11 years (1999-2009), the Colts held training camp 70 miles southwest of Indianapolis at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute before moving it in 2010 to Anderson University. After the seven-year run, the Colts last year brought their training camp to the team training complex on Indianapolis’ west side, in what they said was a short-term move.

As part of the deal to move to Westfield, the Colts will pay Grand Park Sports Campus—which is owned by the city of Westfield—$653,000 over 10 years to use the complex.

The Colts are paying Grand Park $123,000 in a one-time payment, and will pay $53,000 each year over the course of the 10-year contract.