13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |Colts fans brave the cold for send-off rally

Colts fans brave the cold for send-off rally

Indianapolis - Hundreds of people shook off a bracing cold wind around Monument Circle for a Colts pep rally Monday, just hours before the team was to leave for its Super Bowl trip to warm Miami.

Fans wearing Colts jerseys mixed with office workers in suits for the lunchtime rally, where many carried cameras to record the memories of the team's first Super Bowl since moving to Indianapolis 23 years ago.

Cathy Barnes of Indianapolis, a season ticket holder since the team's arrival, has tickets to the big game in Miami on Sunday. She said after suffering through playoff disappointment the past several seasons, the last week has been surreal.

"It is like an out of body experience," she said.

While no Colts players attended the rally, members of the team's fan club led cheers and a band played several songs with special Colts lyrics. Many of those at the rally waited in lines for poster giveaways from television and radio stations or to sign a giant "Go Colts" banner.

Todd Moore of Greenfield was stopped several times to pose for photos as he walked around the rally with a homemade palm tree stretching from his back several feet above his head.

"I'm just trying to bring a little bit of Miami here," he said.

Other fans braved the cold before dawn Monday for a morning rally. The rally brought out Colts faithful to make a network morning show appearance or get a free team chocolate bar. Even dogs got into the action, like it or not. One mutt sported blue ears and the likeness of a horseshoe on his jaw. "This is Dungy dog for a day," said his owner.

Some even took the day off to attend and show the team the city is behind them. "We spoke with the boss. It's a sick day. Make sure he's not watching Channel 13 today," laughed one fan.

"We're so excited. It's a great opportunity for the city. We love the Colts. We love the coach," said another fan.

Employers are being encouraged to allow workers to wear blue all week long in support of the Colts.

Other events

Thursday, February 1

• On Thursday, February 1st Colts fans may visit participating Indiana Sprint stores to pick up a Super Bowl XLI poster, while supplies last. Fans should log onto www.sprint.com to find locations and hours.
• A new Colts song, the "Superbowl Sway," is available to download at
  www.myspace.com/livingproofband. The band is also making a video.
• If you want to be in the "Superbowl Sway" video and learn the dance, come to Pinhead's Monday night at 7:00 p.m. wearing blue. The address is: 13825 Britton Park Road Fishers, IN 46038. There will also be a taping Tuesday at the Blue Crew Sports Grille at 6:30 p.m. at 7035 East 96th Street Indianapolis IN 46250 and Tuesday at 8:30 p.m.at Champp's (Keystone). They are located at 8711 N. River Crossing Indianapolis, IN 46240 If those times don't work, go to Birdy's at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at 71st & Keystone.