Colts host Friday night draft party with Andrew Luck - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

"The Luck Era" hit a high note Friday night with thousands of fans coming out to Lucas Oil Stadium, months away from the first game.

The free Colts draft party was all about welcoming Andrew Luck to the Circle City. Fans lined up by the thousands and filled the floor of Lucas Oil Stadium to usher in a new man - and a new era - in Indianapolis.

"It's a new chapter for the Colts and we just want to see the beginning," said Colts fan Ryan Elliott.

"We loved the Peyton era, but now it's time for the Andrew era. The Luck era. We need some luck, right," added Colts fan Carol Bauer.

At the Colts draft party, fans came with cameras in hand, eagerly anticipating Luck's arrival.

"We thought it's a great opportunity to see him in action before he really gets out there on the field and starts winning us some games," said Colts fan Alia Noel.

After hearing the Colts second draft pick announced, Luck's college teammate Coby Fleener, fans finally had their moment: Luck at Lucas Oil for the very first time.

"I can't wait, can't wait," Luck told the crowd. "I also have a new favorite NBA team, the Indiana Pacers! I really can't wait to get out there. I feel so humbled, so honored to be able to represent the city. It really is a dream come true."

Some fans, still sporting number 18 jerseys, said they're now ready for number 12.

In fact, Colts team shop personnel said nearly a thousand Andrew Luck jerseys were sold in the stadium Friday night in just a few hours.

"My son has the Manning jersey and now I gotta get him a Luck one," said Colts fan Kevin Starr.

Much of the crowd included children, who represent a new generation of Colts fans. They, too, are embracing a new quarterback with ease.

"I think he's gonna win a lot," said five-year-old Colts fan Tyler Starr.

"I like that he (Luck) is more humbled than the other quarterbacks and I like that he's going to try to be like Peyton," added nine-year-old Colts fan James Elliott. "I think he's going to do well!"

Luck certainly started out that way. His first pass in Lucas Oil Stadium was to Holden Harless, a former patient at Riley Hospital for Children. The pass was complete and brought the cheering crowd to its feet.