How to do Indianapolis Colts Training Camp as a family
Please note: This post on the Indianapolis Colts Training Camp was originally published in 2019 and - as you know - we've undergone a world pandemic since. In other words, some details may have shifted and we will do our best to catch up {sorry for the football pun} as we learn them. For now, here's a look at what you can generally expect to see at this year's Training Camp:
Dust off your foam finger and put on your jersey; the Indianapolis Colts Training Camp is back and better than ever! Your hometown team will again be calling the Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield home from July 28-August 24 for their annual training camp, and it’s packed full of events perfect for the entire family.
In addition to cheering on your favorite players during practice, fans can visit Colts City. It includes a Play 60 Field, Colts In Motion {the team’s new-and-improved interactive mobile experience!} bounce houses, a pro shop, concessions, and more. Colts City - open before, during, and after each scheduled practice - is perfect for wiggly kids of all ages who need to get up and move.
Training Camp can be some of the first opportunities for the littlest Colts fans to see and interact with the team.
“It’s so important for the team; to see our fans come out and show their support means everything to our players,” said Stephanie Pemberton, Vice President of Marketing for the Colts. “It provides such a unique opportunity to interact with the team, and provides the whole family with a day of activities and memorable experiences. We couldn’t be more excited to be able to share this with our fans!”
At training camp, fans can get up close and personal to watch Andrew Luck and the rest of the team out on the field. For all outdoor practices, the Colts will have access to multiple practice fields, though will primarily only use two. Fans are invited to sit on the surrounding elevated bleachers, just yards away from the field and all the action. After practices, players will be available for autographs, depending upon player availability.
If you have kids between ages 4-14, check out the Helmet Hike. This is a unique experience for kids to interact with the team, when they help carry the players’ helmets after practice. Helmet Hike is offered at select practices. Upon arriving at camp, parents can visit the Helmet Hike booth to check availability. Spots will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
CAN'T SAY THIS ENOUGH - THERE IS SO MUCH TO DO IN INDY THIS SUMMER. Here are like 100 Things.
The fun starts at the official Kickoff Day on Wednesday, July 28th, when fans are invited to celebrate a new season of Colts football. In fact the Colts will host many themed days, including special days focused on families: “Kids Day,” “Grandparents Day,” “Back to School Day” and “Moms & Tots Day Out.” While the details of each theme day are still being finalized, we know “Kids Day” will have some additional kid-friendly activities as well as a free kids giveaway. Weekend practices are anticipated to be the busiest, but there is plenty of space and activities to accommodate all attendees.
Here's a highlighted list of select themed days:
Camp Kickoff Wednesday, July 28
Kids Day Saturday, July 31
Back To School Day Monday, August 2
Community Day Wednesday, August 4
Bike to Camp DaySunday, August 8
Fan Appreciation DayFriday, August 13
Mom and Tots Day Out, Thursday, August 19
Important planning tips to know-before-you-go:
Practices are free, but tickets are required for all attendees, regardless of age.
Parking onsite is $5 {or enjoy free parking offsite with a complimentary shuttle}.
No outside food or drink is permitted, but there are plenty of concessions inside and adult beverages are also available for purchase, so don’t forget your ID. If your baby is traveling with breast milk or formula, fear not, you can bring that into camp.
Colts Training Camp follows the same clear bag policy you'll find at an NFL game. If your child requires a diaper bag, they are permitted, but will be subject to inspection.
Lactation stations will be available for mothers needing a space to nurse or pump.
Masks are encouraged at camp, but not required.
Download the Colts app for fan updates about weather, autograph locations, and other activities.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Laurel Price traded in her former career of wrangling Fraternity & Sorority members as a university Greek Advisor for wrangling her her 4 year old son and 2 year old daughter. She recently returned to her undergraduate background of Public Relations and supports the Urban Chalkboard as their Communications Director. Laurel loves reading {her resolution is to read at least 36 books this year}, long solo trips to Target, all things natural parenting, and {according to her husband} is becoming an obsessive environmentalist.
